Dola Adeboye, is the National Publicity Secretary of Nigerian Institute of Food Science and Technology (NIFST), having previously served as the National Secretary of the Institute. In both capacities, he has been involved in the management of the position of NIFST for business to business engagement and innovative collaboration with corporate organisations and government agencies towards the achievement of important goals.
He joined Moshood Abiola Polytechnic, Nigeria over a decade ago and has been involved in teaching, research and extension services since then. He currently heads the Food Processing Plant of the Institution and facilitates at the entrepreneurial training center where he is inspiring numerous young undergraduates and graduates with the impetus and courage to convert regular academic training to entrepreneurial initiatives.
He holds Master’s degree in Food Processing and Storage Technology from Federal University of Agriculture, Abeokuta, Nigeria and a PhD in Food Science from University of Pretoria, South Africa. His area of specialization is Food Processing with bias in starch technology. He has published articles in learned journals, co-authored 3 books in food processing and preservation and developed many practical manuals in food processing, food chemistry and quality control. He is a Professional member of South African Association for Food Science & Technology (SAAFoST) and South African Council for Natural Scientific Profession (SACNASP).
Abstract
“Research and Business in the Nigerian Food Industry: Perspectives, Challenges and Opportunities”
The world is now a global village where location is no more a hindrance to impact. The Food Processing industry in Africa is not unaffected by the key forces that are shaping the global food system. Working together for the achievement of common goals is one of the four Cs of making impact in the 21st Century. The Nigerian Institute for Food Science and Technology (NIFST) and the South African Association of Food Science and Technology (SAAFoST) remain the most influential bodies for the advancement of the Food Science & Technology profession in Africa. A deliberate and strategic investment is required for both organizations to achieve their partnership goals. Such investments should recognize the strengths and weaknesses of both organizations as well as the opportunities that exist in the respective countries. The huge population of Nigeria and the entrepreneurial nature of its people should ordinarily make Nigeria an attractive destination for Food Science and Technology investments. However, research and technology remain a major obstacle to Nigeria realizing its full potential. While South Africa can boast of a relatively more robust food research and technology environment, its ability to think more regionally and develop strategies on how to penetrate the Nigerian market still remains an issue. This paper highlights the challenges and opportunities faced in the Nigerian Food industry, and the role NIFST and SAAFoST could play in building a vibrant African Food industry where investments in research and technology are made with no trepidation.
Key words: NIFST, SAAFoST, collaboration, research, Nigerian food industry