National Biotechnology Development Agency
NABDA
The Agency was established under the aegis of the Federal Ministry of Science and Technology to implement the policy that is aimed at research, promoting, coordinating and development of biotechnology for Nigeria.
NABDA Act 2022
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Recent Events
NABDA STRENGTHENS PARTNERSHIP WITH ICGEB FOR IMPROVED ACCESS TO AFFORDABLE MEDICINES AND AGRICULTURAL PRODUCTS
As part of efforts to strengthen partnership with local and international organisations for sustainable development of Nigeria, the DG/CEO NABDA led a delegation on a working visit to the International Centre for Genetic Engineering and Biotechnology (ICGEB) headquarters in Trieste, Italy. In the delegation were the Chairman of the NABDA Board, H. E. Chief Clement Ebri and Head of the ICGEB Desk, Dr. Shakirat Ajenifujah-Solebo.
The delegation met with the ICGEB Director-General, Dr. Lawrence Banks and his management team.
During the working visit, the status of ongoing projects was appraised. Furthermore, strategies were developed to foster future synergies in the fields of nutritional improvement of crops, biofuel production, access to affordable medicines and improved agricultural products, as well as provide fellowships for young Nigerian scientists to work in its laboratories.
In his remarks, the ICGEB Appointed Governor, Liaison officer and DG-CEO, NABDA, Prof. Abdullahi Mustapha thanked the DG, ICGEB, Dr. Lawrence Banks, for the impact of its membership in ICGEB on Nigerian scientists. He noted that the various programmes of the ICGEB such as fellowships, meetings and courses, standard and early career collaborative research projects (CRPs) grants, and WE-STAR programme, technology transfer opportunities have contributed to Nigeria’s development. Thereafter, he presented different requests and areas for collaboration to ICGEB
Responding, ICGEB DG, Dr. Lawrence Banks, welcomed the NABDA delegation and said most of the areas of research proposed by NABDA for collaboration were within the ICGEB research interests.
He assured the NABDA delegation of ICGEB‘s willingness to assist in equipping the agency’s laboratories through donor partners as well as support the establishment of a regional reference laboratory in NABDA if it meets the necessary conditions.
The visit, which was very fruitful, is the first physical acquaintance with the ICGEB management and facilities, since the DG’s appointment.
One of the key objectives of the visit was to explore emerging opportunities in the field of biotechnology for national development
It also sought to build on the existing relationship to further strengthen the scientific capacities of Nigeria.
Press Briefing by the Director General, NABDA on the significance of the NABDA Establishment Act 2022 to national development
NABDA POISED TO STIMULATE RAPID INDUSTRIALIZATION
DG/CEO NABDA, Prof. Abdullahi Mustapha at the Inauguration of Inter-Ministerial Steering Committee and Technical Working Group on Local Vaccine Manufacturing.
As part of efforts to build capacity for sustainable local vaccine manufacturing, the Nigerian Government increased its advocacy and request to international partners and donor agencies to support the country.
In view of this, the World Health Organisation (WHO) listed Nigeria among the six countries to be supported with the mRA technology transfer for vaccine development and manufacturing. However, Nigeria must provide an enabling environment for the technical knowledge transfer.
As part of efforts to build capacity for sustainable local vaccine manufacturing, the Nigerian Government increased its advocacy and request to international partners and donor agencies to support the country.
In view of this, the World Health Organisation (WHO) listed Nigeria among the six countries to be supported with the mRA technology transfer for vaccine development and manufacturing. However, Nigeria must provide an enabling environment for the technical knowledge transfer.
One of the strategies to achieve this goal is the constitution and inauguration of Inter-Ministerial Steering Committee and the Technical Working Group on local vaccine manufacturing in Nigeria.
The Honourable Minister of Health, Dr. Osagie Ehanire formally inaugurated the
Inter-Ministerial Steering Committee and Technical Working Group today, Monday, 6th of June, 2022 at the Federal Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Development.
The National Biotechnology Development Agency is a member of the Technical Working Group.
Present at the inauguration were the Honourable Minister, Federal Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Development, Dr. Mohammad Mahmood Abubakar, Honourable Minister of State for Health, Dr. Adeleke Olorunnimbe Mamora,
Representative of the Honourable Minister Federal Ministry of Environment, Permanent Secretary, Federal Ministry of Science, Technology and Innovation, Mrs. Monilola Udoh, Permanent Secretary, Federal Ministry of Health, Heads of Parastatals and Directors from Ministries and parastatals.
SPOTLIGHT ON THE IMPORTANCE OF NABDA ACT 2022 TO NATIONAL DEVELOPMENT
The Director General/CEO of NABDA, Prof. Abdullahi Mustapha has urged farmers to use modern biotechnology to tackle challenges of low soil fertility, changing climate conditions and high pressure of insects, pests and diseases towards ensuring food security.
The sensitisation workshop with the theme, Community Empowerment through Agricultural Biotechnology: The Role of Council Chairmen, Clerics, Monarchs, Extension Agents and Farmers, aimed at supporting government efforts in addressing the challenges of food security.
The theme, according to the DG is apt, given the key roles participants at the workshop can play in awareness creation and promotion of modern biotechnology at the grassroots level.
NABDA FOSTERS RESEARCH AND INNOVATION FOR SUSTAINABLE NATIONAL DEVELOPMENT
PRESIDENT BUHARI SIGNS NABDA BILL INTO LAW ALONG FIVE OTHERS
President Muhammadu Buhari has assented to the National Biotechnology Development Agency NABDA Act, 2022 along five others.
This was disclosed by the Senior Special Assistant to President on Media and Publicity, Garba Shehu.
Mr. Shehu said the bill was one of six recently signed into law by the president.
A statement signed by Garba Shehu, list the law thus:
The National Biotechnology Development Agency Act, 2022.
“This Act provides legal framework for the National Biotechnology Development Agency to carry out research, create and develop public awareness in biotechnology in order to encourage private sector participation in biotechnology industry in Nigeria.”
Hon. Umar Ibrahim El-Yakub, Senior Special Assistant (SSA) to the President on National Assembly Matters (House of Representatives), was at the State House for the signing of the bills, the statement said.
Ghana Commends Nigeria’s Success Story in Agricultural Biotechnology
The Director General, National Biotechnology Development Agency NABDA, Prof. AbdullahiMustapha received a high leveled delegation of biotechnology and biosafety team members on a fact finding tour from Ghana to Nigeria on Monday.
NABDA GOVERNING BOARD TOURS FACILITIES
The Director General/CEO, NABDA, Prof. Abdullahi Mustapha led the agency’s Governing board on a facility tour on Monday, 28th March, 2022.
SENATE COMMITTEE ON SCIENCE, TECHNOLOGY AND INNOVATION’S OVERSIGHT VISIT TO NABDA
The Senate Committee Chairman on Science, Technology and Innovation, Senator Uche Ekwunife, has assured NABDA of the committee’s support and collaboration to enhance the agency’s budgetary allocation and ensure an improvement in its funds releases, considering the critical role it plays in engendering economic growth for the nation.
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Advert for Short Term Research Position in Candidate Vaccine Development
Background
In recognition of the importance of biotechnology to national development, the Federal Executive Council on 23rd of April 2001 approved the National Biotechnology Policy, which led to the establishment of the National Biotechnology Development Agency (NABDA) in November 2001. The Agency was established under the aegis of the Federal Ministry of Science, Technology and Innovation to implement the policy that is aimed at promoting, coordinating, and setting research and development priority in biotechnology for Nigeria. Based on this premise, the programs of the Agency are structured in line with international standards bearing in mind the development of local technological contents. The Agency’s mandate weighs on the promotion, coordination and deployment of cutting-edge biotechnology research & development processes and products for the socio–economic well-being of the nation. Her mission is to make Biotechnology an engine of growth for socio-economic development of Nigeria as well as maintaining the Vision of promoting biotechnology activities that positively respond to national aspirations especially on affordable healthcare delivery.
To fast track its R &D activities the Agency is hereby inviting applications for a short term position in candidate vaccine development from suitably qualified candidates who must be of Nigeria national irrespective of country of residence. The Agency therefore wishes to engage experts willing to contribute in developing mRNA candidate vaccine and/or applying other approaches such as subunit protein technique at its Medical Biotechnology Facility in Abuja, Nigeria.
Position Description
We are seeking interested candidate to describe and design mRNA vaccine candidates and/or apply other 3rd/4th generation approaches that will have potent application in disease of interest currently being researched on in the facility. The funded project covers a range of fundamental and applied areas in vaccine development. However, the selected candidate will have access to these laboratories; immunovirology, infectious disease & human biospecimen and the Forensic DNA situated in Medical Biotechnology Department of the Agency. The position involves a collaborative activity of these laboratories as well as other partner laboratories to achieve the project aim.
The Fellow therefore, will work on developing and/or deploying technologies aimed at rapidly producing inexpensive, globally appropriate recombinant vaccines for pathogens of high priority that includes viruses. The work will involve classical molecular biology, virology, bacteriology, synthetic biology, recombinant expression systems and a variety of immunological techniques. The Fellow will also assist to work on optimizing candidate vaccine immunogens as well as the workflow systems. It is intended that candidates must have a background in any of the specialized areas of biological/medical sciences related to vaccine development while possessing skills in human cell line, vector construction, PCR and molecular cloning. The successful candidate will be involved in full-time research or scholarship at NABDA.
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Desired Skills:
Main requirements:
- Ph.D in Bacteriology, Virology, Immunology, Genetic Engineering, Medical Biotechnology or a closely related specialty or
- Master’s degree (or equivalent) with extensive experience in vaccine technology or molecular diagnostics with background in any of the following Bacteriology, virology, Immunology, Genetic Engineering, Medical Biotechnology or a closely related specialty.
Other requirements:
- Knowledge and expertise in cell line, RNA, technique, molecular cloning, electrophoresis, recombinant technique, and vector construction.
- Have a tract record in areas of nucleic acid vaccine development and/or recombinant technology
- Very good communication skills in English
- The successful applicant should have a strong work ethics, resilience and commitment to working as a team player.
Restrictions: Applicants must be a Nigerian who may be residing within or outside the country
Duration: 4-6 months renewable on satisfactory performance.
Application Materials:
- CV
- Cover Letter
- Research plan (max 3 pages).
Selection Process: Candidates will be screened and selected for interview
Renumeration: Monthly allowance not below Research Officer cadre on CONRAISS 14 as provided for in the Federal Public Service however, experience may be considered.
Submission
Applications should reach the undersigned within two (2) weeks of this publication.
Director Human Resources Management
National Biotechnology Development Agency, Umaru Musa Yaradua Express Way, Lugbe, Abuja
Or
submitted online at https://nabda.gov.ng/portfolio/nigeria-immunology-and-infection-network/then click “FOR MORE INFORMATION VISIT”
Applications may also be emailed to b.ibeh@nabda.gov.ng
Applications that do not contain all of the required documents will not receive full consideration.
Note that successful applicant is expected to resume around April,2022
For additional information please contact b.ibeh@nabda.gov.ng
The Executive Governor of Kano State, His Excellency, Alhaji Abdullahi Ganduje, OFR, and the Permanent.Secretary, Federal Ministry of Science and Technology who doubles as the Chairman of NABDA’s Governing Board, Mr. Sunday Edet Akpan, were received by the DG/CEO, NABDA, Prof. Abdullahi Mustapha and his management team to the National Biotechnology Development Agency (NABDA) today, Thursday 28th. January, 2021
ICGEB Meetings and Courses 2022 : Call for Proposals
ICGEB provides support for the organisation of scientific events in the Life Sciences in ICGEB Member States. Funding is available for Meetings, to be held in the three ICGEB Components (Trieste, Italy; NewDelhi, India, Cape Town, South Africa); Workshops, co-sponsored by local organising institutes; Courses, providing theoretical and/or practical training. The “Future of Science” programme supports scientific events on currently hot scientific topics, with open communication to media and public; Seeds for Science, supports small meetings aimed at building networks for future research collaborations; Sponsorship is also provided to scientific events relevant to the ICGEB mandate in the ICGEB Member States.
Closing date for applications: 28 February 2021
Scientific institutions located in ICGEB Member States are encouraged to apply.
for more info: https://www.icgeb.org/activities/meeting-and-courses/
