The National Biosafety Management Agency (NBMA) has signed a memorandum of understanding (MoU) with the Federal University of Petroleum Resources Effurun (FUPRE) in Delta to start biosafety courses.

NBMA director-general Rufus Ebegba said the MoU would give opportunities to students seeking knowledge in biosafety.

The MoU was signed in Abuja on Thursday.

“The MOU is to give opportunities to those who want to increase their proficiency, skills and knowledge in biosafety,” Mr Ebegba said. “The Nigerian system has been able to put in place a strong biosafety system, which is attested to by being the head of the African Union Regulator Biosafety Forum in Africa.”

He added, “We must be at the top of biosafety in Africa. As Nigeria, I can tell you that we have put in place a strong system that must be sustained through capacity strengthening and building.”

Akpofure Rim-Rukeh, FUPRE’s vice-chancellor, expressed satisfaction over the signing of the MoU. He said the signing of the MoU was in line with his vision to build young Nigerians and graduates that are technocrats.

“We have to train graduates in the oil and gas-related industry such that as they leave the university, they can be ready for the market,” added Mr Rim-Rukeh.

(NAN)