UNIVERSITY OF JOS, JOS

(OFFICE OF THE VICE-CHANCELLOR)

INFORMATION, PUBLICATIONS, PUBLIC RELATIONS AND PROTOCOL DIVISION

                                                    

PRESS RELEASE

 

MUSHROOMS CULTIVATION WILL CONTRIBUTE TO SUSTAINABLE AGRICULTURE AND ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT - UNIJOS VC

Vice-Chancellor, University of Jos, Professor Tanko Ishaya says the cultivation and commercialization of mushrooms will significantly lead to sustainability in the nation's agricultural sector while also boosting its economic development. The Vice-Chancellor was speaking at the Opening Ceremony of a 5-Day Mushroom Cultivation Workshop organized by the University of Jos African Centre of Excellence in Phytomedicine Research and Development (ACEPRD), held at the Mushroom Training School Farm, behind the Naraguta Campus Staff Quarters of the University.

Explaining the incredible potentials inherent in mushrooms, the Vice-Chancellor said the product offers a sustainable source of income through the job opportunities it provides given its nutritional value, which is why the workshop by ACEPRD aims to equip participants with the knowledge and practical skills needed to harness such untapped potentials.

While describing Mushrooms as the diamonds of the kitchen, Professor Ishaya who was represented by the Deputy Vice-Chancellor (Administration), Professor Joash Amupitan SAN said mushrooms have gained prominence by being a culinary delight and also for their medicinal properties. He noted that the workshop package contains informative sessions, practical demonstrations and interactive discussions that would avail the participants the platform to explore the intricacies of mushrooms cultivation, from selecting the right species to understanding the ideal growing conditions as well as commercializing the products and turning their knowledge into a thriving business.

Commending ACEPRD under the leadership of the Director, Professor Abraham Dogo for organizing the workshop, the Vice-Chancellor said the workshop should focus on inculcating knowledge, fostering collaboration and networking. He therefore encouraged participants to share experiences even as they create partnership that will be beneficial in their mushroom cultivation enterprises.

In a keynote address, the General Manager, Plateau State Agricultural Development Programme, (PADP), Mr. Ishaku Jilemsam said mushroom is rich in value diversity including the ability to make one healthy and live long, adding that mushrooms have been in existence for as far as the origin of man and in many places like Greece, mushrooms are used as drinks during ceremonies.

The PADP General Manager appreciated the University’s commitment towards contributing to the development of agriculture in Plateau State assuring that PADP is committed to supporting the work of ACEPRD by ensuring that the research work and knowledge gained from the workshop is translated down to farmers at the grassroots while also creating awareness among farmers on mass production and commercialization of mushrooms.

Earlier in a welcome address, Director, African Centre of Excellence in Phytomedicine Research and Development (ACEPRD), University of Jos, Professor Abraham Dogo said the workshop with the theme “Mushroom Cultivation and Commercialization: Hands-On” aims at turning mushrooms production into a thriving commercial business in Nigeria.

He stressed that the demand for mushrooms is on increase due to its remarkable versatility and health benefits, thus urging the participants to fully put the knowledge acquired into use.

It would be recalled that the University of Jos African Centre of Excellence in Phytomedicine Research and Development (ACEPRD) was selected as one of the ten (10) Centres from Nigeria by World Bank to contribute to the health care development in Africa. Since then, the Centre has advanced knowledge through discovery, dissemination and application of research findings that are addressing critical challenges. The Centre’s research products continue to meet the health care needs of the public with commercialization in the areas of mushrooms production with five (5) different species approved by NAFDAC, SCABIPLUS products for treating scabies, COVID-19 Tea among many others. The Centre has also trained and issued certificates to many Nigerian and foreigners Students who undertook short term courses, Masters and PhD level programmes in Phytomedicine Research and Biomedical Specialties.

 

Signed:

Abdullahi Abdullahi

Senior Deputy Registrar (Information & Publications)