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LANDMARK HOSTS NIGERIAN BIOINFORMATICS GENOMICS NETWORK
The Nigerian Bioinformatics and Genomics Network (NBGN) 2021 conference held at Landmark University from 11th to 13th October 2021. It brought together scholars across the globe to share their knowledge on the theme "Leveraging Bioinformatics and Genomics for the Achievement of Sustainable Development Goals." The 2nd edition of the conference, which drew over a hundred online and onsite participants from around the world, focused on the problem of underdevelopment in Africa, particularly in the areas of health, agriculture, science and technology, and proposed practical solutions to the problems.
The Acting Vice-Chancellor, Landmark University, Professor Charity Aremu, while receiving the NBGN team in a courtesy call meeting, described the conference’s quest as timely in combating the current challenges in African continent. Professor Aremu, who highlighted the relevance of the theme of the NBGN 2021 conference to society, the nation, and the continent of Africa as a whole, stated that issues of concern, particularly in the area of health, would be adequately addressed with the application of bioinformatics and genomics. She also made known the readiness of the University to collaborate with professional bodies, research institutes as well as industries in proffering solution to world challenges. According to her, the NBGN conference 2021 is in tandem with Landmark’s drive of the United Nation’s Sustainable Development Goals through teaching, research, training and community impact. Professor Charity Aremu, thereafter, welcomed the NBGN team, organizers, 54gene team and other participants to Landmark University as she urged them to make the most of the conference.
The Registrar, Miss Adefunke Fola Oyinloye focused her remarks on the need for a synergy between Landmark University and NBGN to turn research work into products. She expressed hope that the NBGN conference 2021 would not be a conference without a tangible proof; it would rather get people thinking for more productivity at the end.
Earlier, the President Nigerian Bioinformatics and Genomics Network (NBGN), Dr Charles Adetunji, said that NBGN 2021 conference would be all encompassing in approach towards promoting the United Nations’ SDGs, noting the Landmark’s inspiring and passionate quest for its attainment. “It is high time our industry, research, institutes, academia policymakers came together to have a kind of sustainable network. The theme of the conference is in line with what your University is driving. We are following the trend Landmark is going as one of the top Universities in the world making passionate contributions towards the achievement of the UN SDGs”, he added.
Also speaking, the NBGN Vice-President, Dr Itunuoluwa Isewon, stated that one of the things that informed the venue of the conference is that the association noticed a growing Bioinformatics community in Landmark University. She added that the association is optimistic that the University would explore plant bioinformatics and genomics to attain the agrarian mandate, an area not so many institutions have discovered thereby heralding Landmark as a force to reckon with and centre of excellence in the area.
Speaking at the opening ceremony, the Olomu of Omu-Aran, Oba Abdulsalam Adeoti accompanied by His Oba-in-Council, decried the nation’s low level transition from analogue to digital which according to him has taken its toll on the socio- economic and cultural sectors. He then expressed optimism in the multi diversity prowess of bioinformatics and genomics in solving some of the challenges facing the nation. “To drive the agrarian revolution of Landmark University, we should all be up and doing, we used to have groundnut pyramid and the likes but unfortunately, there is no sustainability. I believe this conference is to enhance sustainable living and management of our resources and I hope this would be impactful”, he said.
The chair of the conference, who is also the immediate past president and founder NBGN, Dr. Segun Fatumo of the London School of Hygiene and Tropical Medicine, appreciated Landmark University’s support while he urged participants to make their presence in the conference worthwhile professionally especially with respect to medicine and health sectors. Dr. Fatumo revealed that NGBN was born out of the passion to impact the career of academic folks in bioinformatics and genomics in Nigeria. According to him, NBGN boasts of over 2000 members globally since its creation in 2014 making impact in academic research on bioinformatics.
The highlights of the 2nd Conference of the Nigerian Bioinformatics and Genomics were the sessions of Keynote presentations by distinguished trailblazers in the areas of bioinformatics and genomics. One of the Keynote Speakers was the Founder and Chief Executive Officer (CEO) of 54gene, Dr. Abasi Ene-Obong who presented a paper on “Accelerated Achievement: How Bioinformatics and Genomics Can Advance the Attainment of the Sustainability Development Goal”. Other Keynote Speakers included Dr. Amy Bentley – “The Importance of Representation of African Ancestry Populations in Genomic Research”; Professor Nicola Mulder - “Bioinformatics training and its implication for SDGs in Africa”; and Dr. Solomon Rotimi, “Cancer Genomics and its Implication for SDGs in Africa”.
NBGN 2021 Conference also gave meritorious award to four outstanding awardees in recognition of their dedication and outstanding contributions to the development of bioinformatics and genomics in Nigeria. They were Dr. Abasi Ene-Obong, Founder and CEO 54gene; Dr. Chikwe Ihekweazu, Director General, Nigeria Centre for Disease Control (NCDC); Professor Christian Happi, Director, African Centre of Excellence for Genmics of Infectious Diseases (ACEGID); and Professor Clement Bewaji, Director, Research at West African Bioinformatics Research Initiative (WABRI).
The Conference which accepted fifty four poster presentations recorded close to two hundred and fifty participants online and onsite drawn across the globe. The Conference was rounded off at a cocktail party where participants shared their conference experiences and goodwill.
Dignitaries at the event included the Kwara State Commissioner for Tertiary Education, Barrister Ibrahim Suleiman who represented the State Governor; wife of the Kwara State House of Assembly Speaker, Hajia Mutiat Yakubu Danladi; Omu-Aran Council of Chiefs among others.
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The Ag. Vice-Chancellor, Professor Charity Aremu giving her welcome remarks
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The Registrar, Miss Adefunke Fola Oyinloye introducing the Landmark team
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NBGN President, Dr Charles Adetunji giving his remarks and sharing the purpose of the visit
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The Vice-President, NBGN, Dr Itunuoluwa Isewon giving her remarks during the courtesy call.
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Dean, College of Pure and Applied Science, Professor Ayodele Adebiyi giving his remarks at the meeting
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L-R, Registrar, Miss Adefunke Fola Oyinloye, Ag. Vice-Chancellor, Professor Charity Aremu and NBGN President, Dr Charles Adetunji
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Ag. Vice-Chancellor, Prof. Charity Aremu (Middle) flanked by the Registrar, Miss Fola Oyinloye (2nd left), Dr Bukola Oyedele (54gene), LOC Chair, Dr M
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The Ag. Vice-Chancellor and other members of Management in a group photograph with the NBGN conference team members
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HRM, Oba Abdulsalam Adeoti while giving his remarks at the 2nd Conference of the Nigerian Bioinformatics and Genomics
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Conference Chair, Dr. Segun Fatumo delivering his welcome speech at the 2nd Conference of the Nigerian Bioinformatics and Genomics
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Founder and CEO 54gene, Dr. Abasi Ene-Obong giving his keynote address at the 2nd Conference of the Nigerian Bioinformatics and Genomics
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Registrar Landmark University, Miss Fola Oyinloye presenting the conference package to the Commissioner for Tertiary Education, Barr. Sulieman Ibrahim
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The Ag. Vice-Chancellor, Professor Charity Aremu giving the award to the representative of CEO 54gene at the 2nd Conference of the Nigerian Bioinforma
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R-L; The Ag. Vice-Chancellor, Professor Charity Aremu and the Registrar, Miss Fola Oyinloye at the opening ceremony of the 2nd Conference of the Niger
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Royal fathers at the 2nd Conference of the Nigerian Bioinformatics and Genomics
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The Awardees (L-R) - Dr. Olubunkola Oyedele, representing the CEO 54gene, Professor Clement Bewaji, and the representative of Professor Christian Happ
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A cross-section of participants at the 2nd Conference of the Nigerian Bioinformatics and Genomics
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The Ag. Vice-Chancellor, Professor Charity Aremu addressing participants at the cocktail party
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The Vice-Chancellor, Registrar, DCPAS, the conference steering committee chair and others at the cocktail party
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A cross-section of participants at the cocktail party
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L-R; Dr. Solomon Rotimi, DCPAS Professor Ayodele Adebiyi, LOC Chair, Dr. Marion Adebiyi at the cocktail party
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NBGN President, Dr. Charles Adetunji giving his remarks at the cocktail party
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LANDMARK UNIVERSITYS LIFE APPLICABLE EDUCATION SYSTEM RECOGNIZED AS MAX AFRICA LAUNCHES INTERNSHIP PROGRAMME
Landmark University's distinctive approach to education, centred on life-applicable and life-transforming learning, received validation this week when representatives from MAX Africa visited the institution to seek collaboration for their second internship program. The visit underscored the high regard organizations have for Landmark’s graduates, known for their competence and productivity in the workplace.
During the meeting, MAX Africa's Chief Technology Officer, Mr Olusegun Leigh, unveiled the company’s new internship initiative designed to empower young innovators and leaders in Africa’s mobility sector. Leigh expressed admiration for Landmark University’s alumni, who, he noted, have consistently demonstrated exceptional dedication, resilience, and leadership within MAX Africa. He introduced Mr Kefas El-Olam, a graduate of Landmark University who is the Senior Product Manager, MAX. "Our first point of call for this new phase is Landmark University, primarily because of the exceptional value delivered by Landmark graduates who joined us in the first phase of the internship programme. Their resilience, ability to drive results, and leadership qualities have made a lasting impression," Leigh said, emphasizing how these qualities align with MAX Africa’s mission to address broader industry challenges by cultivating skilled professionals across the continent.
Adding to this, MAX Africa’s Digital Strategist, Mr Adewunmi Oshilaja, highlighted the soft skills and professionalism of Landmark’s graduates. “Beyond technical expertise, Landmark graduates have displayed strong leadership qualities and high standards of professionalism,” he stated. "The core of our strategy is to build well-rounded leaders. As much as we want our interns to gain hands-on experience, we are also committed to equipping them with skills in business communication, team management, and workplace etiquette.”
The upcoming three-month internship program was further detailed by MAX Africa's Human Resource Manager, Mrs Bosede Otaigbe, who described it as a transformative opportunity for participants. She noted that interns would receive intensive training in both technical and interpersonal skills vital for industry success. “Interns will be assigned responsibilities similar to full-time employees and will be evaluated at the end of the program. Those who excel will be offered full-time positions,” she announced. To facilitate applications, MAX Africa has provided QR codes for interested students, who will undergo a thorough screening process to ensure that only the most qualified candidates are selected.
In response, the Vice-Chancellor of Landmark University expressed appreciation to MAX Africa for recognizing the university’s talents and choosing Landmark as a major recruitment partner. He attributed the leadership qualities displayed by students to the legacy of Chancellor Dr David Oyedepo and affirmed the university’s confidence in the students' readiness to embrace this opportunity. He also highlighted Landmark University’s recent recognition as Nigeria's second-best university in the Times Higher Education rankings, further showcasing the institution’s commitment to excellence.
The Registrar also conveyed gratitude to the MAX Africa team and assured them of Landmark University's full support in achieving the program’s goals. Other members of the university’s management expressed enthusiasm about the collaboration, seeing it as a significant step towards advancing opportunities for students, the university, and Africa at large.
Others in attendance at the meeting were the Chaplain, Pastor Popoola; the Dean of Students, Dr Abimbola Oluyori; the Sub-Dean of Student Affairs, Mr Noah Olaibi; the Student Development Officer, Mr Daniel Emmanuel and the HRBP, Compensation & Benefits, and City Manager, Ilorin, MAX, Mrs Adebimpe Alabi.
Members of the Landmark University management and the Max Africa team in a group photograph after the meeting
R-L: The Vice-Chancellor, Professor Kolawole; the Registrar, Engr Adebayo Ajala; the Dean of Students, Dr Abimbola Oluyori; the Sub-Dean of Student Affairs, Mr Noah Olaibi during the meeting with Max Africa
MAX Africa's Chief Technology Officer, Mr Olusegun Leigh while speaking on the new internship programme
The Max team with the Landmark University Student Development Officer, Mr Daniel Emmanuel (L)
The Student Development Officer, Mr Daniel Emmanuel introducing Max Africa to the student community
Max Africa’s HR Manager, Mrs Bosede Otaigbe while speaking to the students of Landmark University on the internship programme
The Max Africa team interacting with Landmark University student community
Max Africa’s Senior Product Manager, Mr Kefas El-Olam while speaking to the students of Landmark University on his experience as a student of the University and during the internship programme
Registration point for Max Africa’s internship programme at Landmark University
