The 41st Scientific Conference and General Assembly of the Nigerian Society of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology (NSBMB) was officially declared open on Monday, July 7, 2025, at the Assembly Hall of Nasarawa State University, Keffi (NSUK). The Visitor to NSUK and Executive Governor of Nasarawa State, Engr. Abdullahi A. Sule, underscored the pivotal role of NSBMB in promoting research and innovation, particularly within science studies.
Represented by the Commissioner for Science and Technology, Comrade Gabriel Agbashi, Governor Sule lauded the management of Nasarawa State University, under the leadership of Professor Sa’adatu Hassan Liman, for their impactful commitment to research and innovation. In a significant show of support, the Governor pledged 10 million to the NSBMB to encourage further research and innovation, reiterating the state government’s dedication to supporting higher institutions as key drivers of development.
In her welcome address, the Vice-Chancellor of NSUK and Chief Hostess of the 41st conference Professor Sa’adatu Hassan Liman (Fellow: UNESCO, ACLS, FIIP), commended NSBMB for organizing the conference. She also expressed profound gratitude to Senator Dr. Aliyu Wadada for his sustained contributions to the growth and development of the University. Professor Liman emphasized that the fields of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology are fundamentally “reshaping our understanding of life and opening up new avenues for innovation—from disease diagnosis and treatment to sustainable agriculture and environmental conservation.”
She further highlighted that harnessing the potential of these disciplines can lead to groundbreaking solutions for poverty alleviation, improved health outcomes, and the promotion of sustainable development. The Vice-Chancellor specifically noted how recent innovations, particularly those leveraging Artificial Intelligence (AI) technologies, are driving transformative advancements in biochemical research, industrial biotechnology, and personalized medicine, empowering researchers to develop more effective treatments and streamline clinical applications.
Professor Mathew O. Wegwu, the National President of NSBMB, underscored the timeliness and importance of the conference theme, “Innovations in Biochemistry and Molecular Biology: Tools for Sustainable Development and Poverty Alleviation.” He stated that the theme directly addresses a multiplicity of pressing local and global challenges, including diseases, climate change, and economic inequality. Professor Wegwu also highlighted recent breakthroughs in innovation such as therapeutics, vaccine development, and gene editing.
Distinguished Senator Aliyu Wadada, Chairman of the occasion, represented by his Senior Special Assistant, Alhaji Isma’ila Sallau, reaffirmed his commitment to supporting platforms like this. He stressed that the prosperity of the nation is inextricably linked to advancements in technology and innovation. Alhaji Sallau urged members of the association to actively engage in policy advocacy and collaborate with government at all levels, asserting that economic growth and industrialization for Nasarawa State and the Nation at large are firmly anchored on Biochemistry and innovation.
The four-day conference, which drew participants from various universities across Nigeria, including Vice-Chancellors, professors, and students, served as a robust platform for scientific exchange. It featured an impressive 300 research paper presentations, comprising 200 oral presentations and 90 poster presentations, showcasing the latest advancements and insights in the fields of biochemistry and molecular biology.
Information and Protocol Unit, 2025