Feed the Future Global Biotech Potato Partnership

Building the next generation of scientists is critical for sustainable development growth. The Feed the Future Global Biotech Potato Partnership currently supports three students working towards higher education degrees to advance Nigerian agriculture.

Amarachukwu Okechukwu is pursuing her master’s degree of science at the Godfrey Okoye University Enugu in Enugu State Nigeria. She is in her second semester of coursework in the Agricultural Biotechnology program.

"I have gained critical skills and insights that are relevant to my research interests in plant pathology and the breeding of climate-resilient crops. I am interested in developing sustainable approaches to enhance food security and ensuring scientific knowledge is translated into benefits for communities. Long-term, I envision leading an innovative plant biotechnology research group focused on understanding molecular plant-pathogen interaction as well as mechanisms governing disease resistance.

The education support provided by GBPP has been of great assistance in supporting my academic endeavors and career goals by empowering me to make meaningful contributions to the plant biotechnology sector. Ultimately, this support has relieved financial concerns, allowing me to focus fully on my studies and will enable me carry out impactful research," shares Amarachukwu.

While attending Babcock University Ilishan-Remo, Ogun State Nigeria, Onyediako Onyinye Peace is also pursuing her masters degree of science. Peace is focused on Agronomy and more specifically, plant breeding. Her proposed project title is, “Genetic evaluation of biotech potatoes resistant to late blight across multiple locations.”

Peace shares, "I am studying Agronomy, with specialization in Plant Breeding, an area I am highly passionate about. The scholarship I have received has been of immense help to me, allowing me to attend a reputable school and to focus on my research and academic work without the burden of financial stress.

In the future, I aspire to impact humanity by significantly contributing to the field of agriculture. I intend to achieve this by working on innovative solutions to improve on crops. My long-term goal is to see that the knowledge and skills gained through my education is applied to improve on food security, and to develop practical, sustainable agricultural systems that can benefit farmers and communities. My education, supported by this scholarship affords me the opportunity to network with other great minds, while being equipped with the necessary tools and knowledge, to achieve these goals. I am indeed truly grateful to be a beneficiary."

Kahya Shuaibu is currently a PhD student at Ahmadu Bello University in Zaria, Nigeria and scientist at National Root Crops Research Institute (NRCRI) .

"I am a Senior Research Scientist at the National Root Crops Research Institute, Potato Research Program in Nigeria, and with funding from the Feed the Future Global Biotech Partnership Project, I am pursuing a PhD research project focused on the development of virus diagnostic tools for potato cultivation in Nigeria.

The primary objective of this research is to determine the incidence and distribution of economically important potato viruses, including Potato virus A (PVA), Potato virus M (PVM), Potato virus S (PVS), and Potato leaf roll virus (PLRV), within the country's potato-growing regions.

The diagnostic tools that I will develop will be instrumental in implementing a robust virus indexing program for biotech seed potatoes, ensuring the production and distribution of virus-free seed potatoes to farmers for both short- and long-term seed plans. By integrating biotechnologically advanced late-blight-resistant, virus-free, and seed potatoes into the Nigerian potato seed system, we anticipate a substantial increase in yield for smallholder farmers, thereby promoting sustainable food production and food security in the region," explains Kahya.

Dr. Charles Amadi, is the project principal investigator at NRCRI and serves as a mentor to the three researchers.