A new generation of Nigerian scientists is stepping forward to defend biotechnology — and they are calling for a nationwide campaign to confront misinformation about genetically modified organisms (GMOs).
At the University of Abuja, what began as a campus dialogue on agricultural biotechnology has evolved into a broader call for action. Students who once approached GMOs with skepticism now say evidence-based engagement has transformed them into advocates determined to spread credible scientific knowledge beyond the classroom.
The interactive session, held at the university’s main campus in Abuja, brought together biotechnology experts, undergraduates, and postgraduate students from the faculties of science and agriculture. The objective was clear: confront myths, clarify safety concerns, and bridge the widening gap between scientific research and public perception.
By the end of the session, the impact was unmistakable.
Afuye Nathaniel, a Master’s student in Botany, described the forum as a turning point. Although familiar with global debates surrounding GMOs, he admitted he had never fully understood the science behind them.
“One of the most important clarifications was that GMO crops have the same shelf life as conventional crops,” he said. “That alone dispelled a widespread belief that genetically modified seeds behave unnaturally or spoil differently.”
For Nathaniel, the bigger issue is not science but communication. He warned that misinformation continues to dominate public discourse because credible voices are often absent from grassroots conversations.
Duru Loveth, an MSc student of Environmental Biology, shared a similar experience. Previously cautious due to conflicting online narratives, she said transparent, evidence-based responses to her questions reshaped her perspective.
“I asked critical questions, and they were answered transparently. That changed everything,” she said.
Loveth now sees herself as part of a wider movement to promote science-driven agricultural solutions. She argued that structured engagement between scientists, farmers and communities is essential if Nigeria hopes to build a sustainable food system.
For Yusuf Jiddah, a postgraduate student of Agronomy, the conversation has shifted from acceptance to sustainability. He expressed confidence that farmers will increasingly adopt genetically modified seeds once tangible results become evident in yield and resilience.
“The challenge,” he noted, “will be ensuring a sustainable, affordable seed supply and maintaining strict quality standards.”
He called for a coordinated framework that guarantees consistent access to officially approved GMO seeds while safeguarding quality assurance mechanisms.
University leadership reinforced the urgency of innovation. Representing the Vice-Chancellor, Professor Hakeem Fawehinmi, the Dean of Science, Professor Ahmed Dankishiya, described students as ambassadors of a technology-led agricultural transformation.
Feeding Nigeria’s estimated 237 million people, he argued, cannot rely solely on traditional farming practices. Environmental degradation, climate stress, and declining soil fertility have reduced the productivity of conventional seeds.
“Biotechnology is not a temporary fix,” he said. “It is a structural solution to a structural problem. For sustained food security, Nigeria must embrace innovation.”
Dr Jean-Baptiste Tignegre, Regional Representative of the African Agricultural Technology Foundation, warned that misinformation remains one of the most persistent barriers to agricultural progress. Despite successful releases and commercialisation of GM crops in Nigeria, fear-based narratives continue to undermine public trust.
He emphasized that GMOs in Nigeria are regulated under a robust legal framework and undergo rigorous safety assessments before approval. According to him, universities are uniquely positioned to lead public education efforts because they remain trusted centres of knowledge.
“Ironically, non-scientists often dominate media narratives on scientific matters,” he said. “Budding scientists must rise to defend the integrity of their profession and the knowledge they acquire.”
Providing further scientific insight, Dr. Liadi Tella of the Faculty of Agriculture dismantled common myths surrounding GMOs. Drawing from field research, he argued that biotechnology addresses both food scarcity and excessive chemical use in farming. Genetic modification, he explained, enables crops to resist pests, drought and disease, increasing yields while reducing environmental harm.
“The technology is science at work for humanity,” he said. “Its benefits are measurable, not speculative.”
By the close of the engagement, a clear consensus had emerged: the future of Nigeria’s food security depends not only on scientific innovation but also on public understanding. Students resolved to serve as conduits of accurate information, using their platforms to promote informed dialogue.
They urged universities, the National Biosafety Management Agency, and advocacy groups to intensify outreach efforts, particularly in rural communities where misinformation often spreads unchecked.
“The next phase is to take this conversation beyond campus walls,” one participant said, “to the farmers who feed us and the consumers who deserve the truth.”
For these young scientists, the debate is no longer about whether Nigeria should embrace biotechnology. It is about how quickly credible knowledge can replace fear — and how decisively the nation can act to secure its food future.
