NSBMB Lays Foundation for ₦10 Billion Centre of Excellence for Research, Innovation and Sustainable Development in Keffi
A Historic Milestone Towards Advancing Scientific Research, Innovation and National Development
– Stanley I.R. Okoduwa, PhD – Director of ICT, NSBMB
Friday, 31 July 2026 marked a defining moment in the history of the Nigerian Society of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology (NSBMB) as the Society officially performed the groundbreaking and foundation-laying ceremony for its proposed National Secretariat and ₦10 Billion Centre of Excellence for Research, Innovation and Sustainable Development at Gaate, Keffi, Nasarawa State, Nigeria.
The landmark project represents one of the most ambitious scientific infrastructure initiatives undertaken by a professional scientific society in Nigeria and demonstrates NSBMB’s unwavering commitment to advancing cutting-edge research, technological innovation, capacity development, scientific excellence, and sustainable national development.
The proposed Centre is envisioned to become a world-class multidisciplinary research hub that will foster collaboration among scientists, industry, government, and international partners while addressing critical national and global challenges in health, agriculture, biotechnology, environmental sustainability, food security, and industrial development.
Building the Future of Science in Nigeria
For decades, NSBMB has remained Nigeria’s foremost professional body dedicated to promoting excellence in Biochemistry and Molecular Biology through research, education, innovation, and professional development.
The Society continues to champion scientific advancement across diverse fields, including:
- Drug discovery and pharmaceutical development
- Vaccine research
- Nutrition and public health
- Biotechnology and molecular biotechnology
- Genomics and precision medicine
- Disease diagnosis and molecular diagnostics
- Agricultural biotechnology
- Environmental biochemistry
- Industrial biochemistry
- Sustainable development
- Translational biomedical research
The establishment of the proposed Centre of Excellence is expected to significantly strengthen the Society’s capacity to drive impactful research capable of addressing pressing national priorities while positioning Nigeria as a regional leader in scientific innovation.
Groundbreaking Ceremony Led by FIIRO Director-General
The groundbreaking and foundation-laying ceremony was performed by Dr. Mrs. Jummai Adamu Tutuwa, Director-General/Chief Executive Officer of the Federal Institute of Industrial Research Oshodi (FIIRO).
In her keynote address, Dr. Tutuwa described the occasion as far more than the laying of concrete and mortar, noting that it represents the laying of a strong foundation for Nigeria’s scientific future.
She emphasized that Biochemistry and Molecular Biology remain at the heart of modern scientific innovation, influencing nearly every aspect of national development, including:
- Drug discovery and development
- Disease prevention and control
- Agricultural biotechnology
- Food security
- Industrial innovation
- Sustainable utilization of indigenous resources
Speaking on behalf of FIIRO, she reaffirmed the Institute’s commitment to research-driven industrialization and highlighted the importance of strengthening partnerships between research institutions and professional scientific societies.
According to her:
“Industrial breakthroughs do not simply happen. They begin with basic research, progress through translational research, and culminate in innovation that transforms society.”
She further noted that the proposed state-of-the-art Centre would serve as a national hub for research and development, providing an enabling environment for nurturing the next generation of Nigerian scientists.
Commending the visionary leadership of NSBMB, she remarked:
“Buildings are built by hands, but institutions are built by purpose. May this future headquarters become a sanctuary of discovery, an engine of national development, and a source of pride for Nigeria’s scientific community.”
Recognizing Nasarawa State’s enormous natural resource potential, particularly its rich mineral deposits and diverse biological resources, Dr. Tutuwa expressed optimism that locating the Centre in Keffi would facilitate the harnessing of these resources for scientific advancement and national economic development.
She concluded by officially unveiling the foundation stone and, alongside senior officials of the Society, laid the first foundation block to formally commence construction of the project.
NSBMB President Appeals for National Support
Earlier in his address, the National President of NSBMB, Prof. Matthew Wegwu, described the project as a transformative investment in Nigeria’s scientific future and called on the Federal Government, state governments, development partners, private organizations, philanthropists, and all well-meaning Nigerians to support the realization of the proposed ₦10 billion Centre of Excellence for Research, Innovation and Sustainable Development.
According to the President, the Centre is designed not only to serve as the permanent National Secretariat of the Society but also to become one of Nigeria’s premier scientific research facilities.
He disclosed that the Centre is planned to accommodate approximately eleven specialized research laboratories dedicated to strategic areas of national importance, including:
- Drug discovery
- Vaccine research
- Cancer research
- Degenerative diseases
- Molecular medicine
- Biotechnology
- Agricultural innovation
- Environmental health
- Life sciences research
Prof. Wegwu emphasized that the facility would provide Nigerian scientists with research infrastructure comparable to those available in leading scientific institutions around the world.
He explained that the Centre would serve researchers across numerous disciplines, including:
- Biochemistry
- Molecular Biology
- Medicine
- Pharmacy
- Medical Laboratory Science
- Nursing
- Agriculture
- Veterinary Medicine
- Zoology
- Botany
- Environmental Sciences
- Biotechnology
- Pharmaceutical Sciences
“When this Centre becomes fully operational,” he noted, “Nigeria will witness remarkable advances in cancer research, vaccine development, drug discovery, agricultural biotechnology, and many other areas that directly impact national health and economic development.”
Advancing Research for Evidence-Based Policy
Also speaking during the ceremony, Prof. Muhammad Bawa, Head of the Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Nasarawa State University, Keffi, emphasized the strategic importance of the Centre in strengthening scientific research within the region.
He observed that the facility would significantly enhance research capacity and generate scientific evidence capable of informing public policies that improve the health, safety, and wellbeing of citizens.
According to him, research findings generated from the Centre would be translated into practical policy recommendations for government implementation, thereby contributing meaningfully to sustainable development in Nasarawa State and across Nigeria.
Community Support for Scientific Development
Representing the host community, Retson A. O. Tedheke (Sarkin Yakin Gaate), Managing Partner of NFGCS Farm Estate, Gaate Communities, Kokona Local Government Area, expressed appreciation to the Society for choosing Gaate as the location for the national project.
He noted that scientific research provides practical solutions capable of improving food production, strengthening food security, creating employment opportunities, enhancing community stability, and promoting sustainable national development.
According to him, investments in science ultimately translate into improved livelihoods, greater security, and stronger communities.
Official Foundation Laying
The symbolic laying of the foundation block was jointly performed by:
- Dr. Mrs. Jummai Adamu Tutuwa, Director-General, FIIRO
- Prof. Matthew Wegwu, National President, NSBMB
- Prof. Muhammad Bawa, Head, Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, NSUK
- Prof. Moses Zaruwa
The ceremony officially marked the commencement of construction of the proposed National Secretariat and Centre of Excellence.
Distinguished Guests in Attendance
The event attracted numerous distinguished scientists, academics, community leaders, government representatives, media organizations, and members of the Society.
Among those present were:
- Prof. Moses Zaruwa, former Vice-Chancellor;
- Prof. Abubakar Abdulkadir, National Secretary, NSBMB, and staff member of the Federal University of Technology, Minna;
- Dr. Nasiru U. Imam, Director of Exchange and Linkages, NSBMB; Mutual Commitment Group, FCT, Abuja;
- Stanley I. R. Okoduwa, PhD, Director of ICT, NSBMB; and Deputy Editor-in-Chief of World Nutrition, Journal of the World Public Health Nutrition Association, United Kingdom;
- Prof. Efe Omwirhiren, Legal Adviser, NSBMB, and staff member of the Federal University of Education, Zaria;
- Dr. Palmer, University of Abuja;
- Academic staff from Nasarawa State University and the University of Abuja;
- Members of the Gaate Traditional Council and community stakeholders;
- Journalists from the Nigerian Television Authority (NTA), Keffi
- Representatives of the Nasarawa State University media team
- Mr. Isaac, Protocol Officer, Nasarawa State University, who served as Master of Ceremony
Looking Ahead
The proposed NSBMB Centre of Excellence for Research, Innovation and Sustainable Development represents a bold investment in Nigeria’s scientific future.
Upon completion, the Centre is expected to become a nationally recognized research ecosystem dedicated to scientific discovery, innovation, entrepreneurship, technology transfer, postgraduate training, interdisciplinary collaboration, and evidence-based solutions to national challenges.
It will also serve as the permanent National Secretariat of NSBMB, providing a modern administrative headquarters for coordinating the Society’s activities while strengthening partnerships among academia, industry, government, and international organizations.
As construction progresses, the Society remains committed to mobilizing partnerships and resources necessary to transform this vision into a world-class scientific institution that will inspire generations of researchers and contribute significantly to Nigeria’s knowledge economy.
The ceremony concluded with goodwill messages, networking among participants, and a series of commemorative group photographs, marking the beginning of a new chapter in the history of the Nigerian Society of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology.
