Senator Salisu Hails FUNAAB on Youth Jobs, Skills Drive

Senator Shuaib Afolabi Salisu, Chairman of the Senate Committee on ICT and Cybersecurity and representative of Ogun Central Senatorial District, on Monday praised the Federal University of Agriculture, Abeokuta (FUNAAB) for its consistent role in equipping young Nigerians with practical skills, creating employment pathways and building human capital through agriculture and education.

Speaking at the opening of the 16th Annual Conference of the Mycology Society of Nigeria (MYCOSON), tagged MYCOSON-FUNAAB 2026, Salisu described the university as a strategic partner that has become “part of my DNA.” He noted that whenever he seeks to train youths in agriculture, FUNAAB supplies the trainers, resources and intellectual foundation required for success.

“You provide them the intellectual skills that they require to do the job,” the senator said, while pledging continued collaboration on education, youth empowerment, employment and national development.

The conference, themed “Integrating Fungal Biotechnology with Digital Innovation for Agricultural and Industrial Developments in Nigeria,” drew researchers, academics, students, policymakers and practitioners. It focused on using fungal science and digital tools—including artificial intelligence—to address agricultural challenges, boost food security and drive industrial growth.

Vice-Chancellor Prof. Babatunde Kehinde welcomed participants and expressed confidence that FUNAAB’s research tradition would yield practical, home-grown solutions for the sector. MYCOSON National President Prof. Raphael Okigbo thanked the university for hosting the event and urged delegates to share findings and innovations freely. Local organising committee chairperson and Dean of the College of Biosciences, Prof. Iyabode Kehinde, encouraged students to join the society and network with professionals while enjoying the campus environment.

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Keynote speakers included Prof. Charles Adetunji, Deputy Vice-Chancellor of the Federal University of Agriculture and Development Studies, who addressed “From Laboratory to Marketplace: Fungal Biotechnology and Artificial Intelligence for Sustainable Agriculture Transformation, Food Security and National Development.” Prof. Adewale Obadina of the Association of African Universities spoke on harnessing fungal resources for food security and commercial value in emerging economies.
The MYCOSON executive committee earlier paid a courtesy visit to the Vice-Chancellor. Guests at the opening included a representative of the Ogun State Commissioner for Education, Science and Technology, the Executive Chairman of Odeda Local Government, and academics and students from across the country. Fellowship awards were presented and the society’s journal launched.

The event underscored the value of partnerships among universities, government and professional bodies in advancing biotechnology, agricultural innovation and sustainable development.