Prof. Lateef Sanni, the current Executive Director of the Nigerian Stored Products Research Institute (NSPRI), former Deputy Vice Chancellor, Development, Federal University of Agriculture, Abeokuta (FUNAAB), and former National President of the FUNAAB Alumni Association, is set to bring his wealth of scientific knowledge, institutional leadership and practical experience to the fifth edition of the ValidViewNetwork Monthly Global Discourse, as Nigeria confronts a growing concern over fake, adulterated and potentially unsafe food products.
The highly anticipated virtual discourse will hold on Sunday, October 25, 2026, from 6:00 PM to 8:00 PM West Africa Time, under the theme: “Poison on the Plate: Confronting Nigeria’s Epidemic of Fake and Adulterated Food Items.”
The discourse comes amid continuing concerns about fake, adulterated, contaminated and potentially harmful food products circulating in Nigerian markets. The problem cuts across the food chain, from agricultural production and processing to storage, transportation, distribution and consumption.
WHY PROF. SANNI MATTERS
Prof. Sanni is currently the Executive Director of the Nigerian Stored Products Research Institute, NSPRI, and a Professor of Food Science and Technology.
His career has spanned more than three decades of research, teaching, institutional leadership and practical engagement with food production, processing, preservation, post harvest management and food safety.
Prof+Lateef+Sanni is a distinguished food scientist whose professional stature is reflected in an impressive array of fellowships, including his election as a Fellow of the African Academy of Sciences (AAS), induction into the International Academy of Food Science and Technology (IAFoST), and recognition as a Fellow of the Nigerian Academy of Science (NAS). He is also a Fellow of the Nigerian Institute of Food Science and Technology (NIFST), a Fellow of the Institute of Management Consultants of Nigeria (IMC‑Nigeria), an Honorary Fellow of the Federal Institute of Industrial Research Oshodi (FIIRO), and a Fellow of the Risks Managers Association of Nigeria, collectively underscoring his leadership, scholarly impact, and sustained contributions to food science, technology innovation, and professional development across Africa and the global scientific community.
He obtained his Bachelor of Science degree in Food Science and Technology from the University of Agriculture, Abeokuta, before earning his Master of Science and Doctor of Philosophy degrees in Food Technology from the University of Ibadan. He became a Professor in 2008. He has also served in several major academic leadership positions, including Deputy Vice Chancellor Development at the Federal University of Agriculture, Abeokuta.
His professional record includes extensive research into food processing, quality management, agricultural value chains and post harvest technology.
The official profile of the distinguished food scientist records extensive postgraduate supervision, publications, professional fellowships and international engagements.
Prof. Sanni has also worked with international development organisations, including the Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations.
His expertise has taken him beyond the university environment into practical national food security and food safety interventions.
Under his leadership, NSPRI has pursued partnerships aimed at improving food production, preservation and safety.
In 2023, NSPRI entered into a partnership with the International Institute of Tropical Agriculture to advance technologies for food production, preservation and safety in Nigeria.
In 2024, NSPRI under Prof. Sanni hosted the inaugural Postharvest Connect Conference, drawing attention to post harvest losses and food safety challenges in Nigeria.
His current national engagement makes his participation in the ValidViewNetwork discourse even more significant.
Prof. Sanni has been involved in national efforts to strengthen agricultural produce standards and address issues surrounding residues in agricultural products.
His experience therefore places him at a unique point between the farm, the laboratory, the processing facility, the marketplace and the consumer.
He also embodies the ideal fusion of town and gown, holding the prestigious traditional title of Mogaji of Olukunle Compound in Ibadan, Oyo State. His profile reflects a rare versatility: a scholar who engages comfortably with leading scientists across the world yet communicates with clarity, warmth and cultural fluency to everyday people in Oshodi, Mokola, Benin, Umuahia or Katsina‑Ala — demonstrating an exceptional ability to translate complex scientific ideas into language accessible even to those who have never stepped inside a classroom.
FROM FARM TO PLATE
The fifth ValidViewNetwork discourse will examine how unsafe food can move through the food chain and what can be done to stop it.
The discussion will address food processing, storage, preservation, transportation, product quality, consumer awareness, regulation and enforcement.
It will also examine the responsibilities of farmers, manufacturers, food traders, regulators and consumers.
ValidViewNetwork reports that the objective is not simply to generate alarm, but to promote evidence based public enlightenment and practical solutions that can strengthen Nigeria’s food safety system.
The discussion will distinguish established scientific evidence from claims requiring further investigation, ValidViewNetwork reports.
FOURTH EDITION SET THE PACE
The fifth edition follows the successful fourth edition of the ValidViewNetwork Monthly Global Discourse held on September 27, 2026.
The fourth edition examined the theme: “The Lost Promise of 6 3 3 4: Can Nigeria Still Recover Its Technological Vision?”
It featured distinguished educationist and former UNESCO Permanent Delegate, Emeritus Professor Michael Abiola Omolewa OON, alongside veteran journalist and public intellectual Chief Tola Adeniyi.
The discussion examined Nigeria’s educational vision, technical education, practical skills, teacher dignity, indigenous languages and the role of education in national development. The fifth edition now moves the conversation from the classroom to the kitchen table.
THE VALIDVIEWNETWORK VISION
The Monthly Global Discourse is an initiative of ValidViewNetwork, founded by Associate Professor Kayode Ogunjobi FHEA, FFAN, an academic, environmental researcher, public affairs analyst, nature conservation advocate and media entrepreneur.
Through ValidViewNetwork, Ogunjobi has built a platform focused on credible information, public enlightenment, responsible advocacy and meaningful conversations on issues affecting society.
ValidViewNetwork operates around the broad pillars of Consultancy, Media and Advocacy, with a commitment to connecting credible knowledge with public engagement.
Lanre Ogundipe, serves as the Chairman of the ValidViewNetwork Advisory Council. He is a former President of the Nigeria Union of Journalists and former President of the African Union of Journalists, Ogundipe brings decades of journalism and public affairs experience to the organisation. His involvement reinforces ValidViewNetwork’s commitment to credible journalism, informed debate and responsible public engagement.
STAKEHOLDERS URGED TO ATTEND
ValidViewNetwork is calling on Nigerians and stakeholders around the world to participate in the fifth edition.
Farmers, food processors, manufacturers, traders, regulators, health professionals, researchers, policymakers, consumer advocates, journalists, students and members of the public are encouraged to attend.
Participants are also encouraged to invite others.
Food safety is everybody’s business.
Every Nigerian household is a stakeholder no matter where they live in the world.
Every consumer deserves access to safe food.
Every producer has a responsibility to protect consumers.
Every regulator has a responsibility to enforce standards.
And every citizen has a role to play in demanding accountability.
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THE CALL TO ACTION
The fifth edition of the ValidViewNetwork Monthly Global Discourse is therefore expected to provide a powerful platform for examining the threats posed by fake and adulterated food products and identifying practical pathways towards a safer Nigerian food system.
With Prof. Lateef Sanni bringing decades of scientific knowledge, institutional leadership and practical food safety experience to the conversation, expectations are high.
ValidViewNetwork reports that the battle for safer food cannot be won by regulators alone.
It requires scientists.
It requires farmers.
It requires industry.
It requires government.
It requires consumers.
And it requires an informed public that refuses to remain silent.
The food on the plate should nourish life.
It should never become a source of avoidable danger.
The fifth ValidViewNetwork Global Discourse will therefore be a call to Nigerians everywhere:
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