The University of Lagos played host to a delegation from the People’s Republic of Bangladesh on Monday, April 7, 2025.
Accompanied by the Acting Director of Nithub-UNILAG, Dr. Victor Odumuyiwa, the visitors were received by the Deputy Vice-Chancellor (Academics & Research), Prof. Bola Oboh and Director, Research Management Office, Prof. Wale Okunuga at the 10th floor of the Senate Building.
The Director General (Grade 1) of the Bangladesh Standards & Testing Institution (BSTI), SM Ferdous Alam, led the delegation which included representatives from the Bangladesh Ministry of Industry, Bangladesh Food Safety Authority (BFSA), Directorate of National Consumers Rights Protection (DNCRP), and Global Alliance for Improved Nutrition (GAIN) Bangladesh.
They are currently on a 5-day experience sharing and learning visit to Nigeria, focusing specifically on trailblazing efforts in the Large-Scale Food Fortification (LSFF) project. The LSFF project, spanning Nigeria, Bangladesh, and India, is a powerhouse initiative aimed at digitizing the food fortification process. Its objectives include the development of a country-owned Digital Fortification Quality Traceability (DFQT+) system for edible oil, capacity building for industry and government stakeholders, and creating an enabling environment for effective food fortification.
Speaking on behalf of the Vice-Chancellor, Prof. Oboh welcomed the team to the University. She emphasized the university’s growing focus on agricultural innovation and its eagerness to leverage GAIN’s quality control training for transformative impact.
The Deputy Vice-Chancellor (Academics & Research) disclosed plans to establish a food control laboratory at the D. K. Olukoya Central Reference and Research Laboratories, and a Food Science Department—poised to be a game changer in UNILAG’s nutrition research efforts.
In response, SPM of GAIN, Dr. Toyin Oyekun commended the University’s proposed initiatives and reaffirmed GAIN’s commitment to developing training modules for food inspectors and lab analysts. Her assurance reflected a shared vision of capacity building that bridges continents and bolsters global nutrition efforts.
Afterward, the team was taken on a tour of the Nithub-UNILAG facility.
It would be recalled that in December 2024, the University of Lagos and GAIN signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) on capacity building in support of the Digital Fortification Quality Traceability (DFQT+) project. (Click https://unilag.edu.ng/unilag-joins-hands-with-gain-champions-innovative-nutrition-security/ to read more.)
From digital innovation to enhanced food safety, this partnership epitomizes the power of shared expertise, leaving an indelible mark on the university’s mission to transform lives locally and globally.
Report: Ndidi J. Odinikaeze
Photographs: Joshua Michael
