THE BAYELSA MEDICAL UNIVERISTY DIRECTORATE OF RESEARCH AND DEVELOPMENT STRENGTHENS RESEARCH COLLABORATION WITH BIORESOURCE DEVELOPMENT CENTRE, ODI, BAYELSA STATE.

“Wisdom is like a baobab tree; no one individual can embrace it alone.” This African proverb underscores the determination of the Vice Chancellor, Prof. Dimie Ogoina towards collaboration, partnership, and shared knowledge in achieving meaningful development. It was in this spirit of collaboration and institutional partnership that the Directorate of Research and Development of Bayelsa Medical University, led by its Director, Dr. Roland Funwei paid a collaborative site visit to the Bioresource Development Centre (BIODEC), Odi, KOLGA, Bayelsa State. The visit was aimed at fostering collaboration in biotechnology research, innovation, capacity development, and knowledge exchange between Bayelsa Medical University and the Bioresource Development Centre, which operates under the National Biotechnology Research and Development Agency (NBRDA). The Bayelsa Medical University delegation was led by the Ag. Director of Research and Development, Dr. Roland Funwei. Other members of the delegation included Dr. Mrs. Marie Teibowei, SAVC/PRO (SPDC member); Dr. Trusting Ofondu, Principal Assistant Registrar (ASPIRE Research Team Member); Mr. Aki Gift Dennis, Research Assistant, R&D Office; Mr. Franklin Nweke, Administrative Officer, R&D Office and Ms. Fortune Marklolo of the Public Relations Department. During the visit, several productive discussions were held between both institutions. Key areas discussed included collaborative research in biotechnology and medical research, student industrial training and internship placements, staff capacity building and specialized training programmes such as applied microbial Lab training, joint research grants and publications, molecular biology workshops, development of medicinal plants and bioresources, laboratory collaboration and equipment sharing, and innovation, product development, and commercialization of research outputs, and how to make the BIODEC viable for the benefit of our people. Both institutions also discussed the possibility of signing a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) to formalize the collaboration and establish a long-term institutional partnership. In his response, the Director of the Bioresource Development Centre, Dr. Wood Timipanipiri T. thanked the Vice Chancellor of the Bayelsa Medical University, Prof. Dimie Ogoina and expressed appreciation to him for initiating this collaboration. He highlighted the mandate of the Centre in biotechnology research, bioresource development, and training, and expressed the Centre’s willingness to collaborate with the University in research, training, and innovation programmes. He further assured the University delegation of the Centre’s support in areas of student training, joint research projects, and technical collaboration. The visit also provided an opportunity for the University delegation to tour the facilities of the Centre, interact with researchers and technical staff, and explore possible areas of immediate and long-term collaboration. This collaborative engagement marks an important step towards building a strong Directorate of Research and Development within the University particularly in the areas of research development, biotechnology innovation, and capacity building, since assumption of office of its Director, Dr. Roland Funwei. In line with the ASPIRE Agenda of the Bayelsa Medical University, partnership and collaboration remains the key to scientific advancement, national development, and global competitiveness.