WNAM REPORT: A three-day international workshop on natural products for community education and sustainable capacity building in Africa concluded at Bayero University, bringing together scientists and academics from across member states of the Organisation of Islamic Cooperation (OIC).
The workshop was conducted in a hybrid format, allowing both in-person and virtual participation. The event focused on promoting applied learning and strengthening practical research skills in the field of natural products, regarded as a key sector for regional development.
The workshop was organised through a collaboration between OIC-COMSTECH, the World University Association for Community Development (WUACD), Universitas Airlangga in Indonesia, and Bayero University, Kano.
Technical sessions were delivered by a panel of COMSTECH distinguished scholars and experts from Universitas Airlangga, including Prof Ni Nyoman Tri Puspaningsih, Prof Nanik Siti Aminah, Prof Alfinda Novi Kristanti, Dr Yuni Sari Amalia and Dr Salma Zulqaida. Participants received training in contemporary research methodologies and practical approaches to harnessing natural resources more effectively.
The inaugural session featured remarks by Prof Haruna Musa, vice chancellor of Bayero University Prof. Dr. M. Iqbal Choudhary, coordinator general OIC-COMSTECH, and Prof Muhammad Madyan, rector of Universitas Airlangga. Dr AbdulKabir Oladele Oladimeji, honorary young academic and scientific representative of OIC-COMSTECH in Nigeria, also addressed the gathering, along with representatives of the Indonesian embassy in Nigeria, including Minister-Counsellor for Economic Affairs Harryansah Khairul.
Speakers highlighted the importance of building robust scientific and research capacity across Africa to advance sustainable development goals. They noted that collaborations of this nature contribute to strengthening institutional capabilities, enhancing human resource development and integrating national universities into the wider global research community.
At the conclusion of the workshop, participants expressed their intention to pursue continued academic exchanges and joint research initiatives aimed at sustaining momentum in scientific cooperation across the region.
