Rose Gidado

Rose started her public service carrier at the Sheda Science and technology Complex (SHESTCO), Abuja as a Research Assistant in the Advanced Biotechnology laboratory in the year 2001. In 2002, she got transferred to National Biotechnology Development Agency (NABDA). She is currently a Deputy Director, Agricultural Biotechnology Department at NABDA under the Federal Ministry of Science and Technology, Abuja and also the Country Coordinator, Open Forum on Agricultural Biotechnology (OFAB) in Africa, where she is actively involved in outreach to increase public understanding of biotechnology and Biosafety locally and internationally on issues like policies, regulations, communication, business, ethics, religion and education. She has a doctorate degree (PhD) in Industrial Microbiology. Her Ph.D research focused on the development of indigenous ethanol tolerant yeast, for the industrial production of Bioethanol but presently involved in a research work on Herbicide Tolerant (Round-up- Ready) Soybeans in collaboration with the Michigan State University as an Assistant lead Scientist. The aim of the project is to screen and backcross the HT genes into Nigerian leading commercial varieties of soybeans so as to reduce the drudgery of soybeans cultivation faced by farmers in Nigeria. This will promote the use of Soy in the country. My Food Science and technology background gives me the ability to lead in the food and feed safety assessment component of the project. She has also published extensively, authored, co-authored, edited and co-edited various chapters in books, books, papers in journals, policy briefs, Newsletters and scientific articles in reputable journals at the National and International levels. Some highlights of the repertoire of her publications include: “2009 & 2010 Reports of Open Forum on Agricultural Biotechnology (OFAB), ISBN 978-923-467-7”; “2011 Reports of Open Forum on Agricultural Biotechnology (OFAB), ISBN: 978-978-931-851-3”; Contributor: “Biofuels Training Manual Publication of Energy Commission of Nigeria (ECN)”; Biotechnology in Africa, Springer International Publishing Switzerland 2014.; “Sustainable Utilization of Energy for Wealth Creation and Development: The Nigerian Scenario” (ISBN 978-81-837) and, “The Isolation and Characterization of Ethanol Tolerant Yeast for Industrial Production of Bioethanol”, PhD. Thesis. Rose was also involved in the review of Draft Nigerian National Biosafety Regulations, National Biosafety Containment Guidelines, National Biosafety Communication Strategy and the last edition of the Nigeria Biosafety Guidelines She is a recipient of several awards among which are: • Award in appreciation of dedicated service to the OFAB Nigeria Planning Committee from OFAB Africa (2009-2012). • African Women in Agricultural Research and Development (AWARD) Award in recognition of dedication and commitment to excellence in mentoring (2011-2012). • Award of Excellence from Biotechnology Students Society of Nigeria in recognition of role-played in Awareness creation. • Award of Excellence on the Role-played by the Open Forum on Agricultural Biotechnology in Africa in the Passage and Assent of the Biosafety Bill and the Establishment of the National Biosafety Management Agency (NBMA). • Director- General’s Merit Award, 2016 to Dr. Rose Suniso Maxwell Gidado. • Achievers Award of the Biotechnology Society of Nigeria (BSN) 2017. • Nigerian Agricultural Award (NAA) Excellence Award, 2020. • African Women in Agricultural Research and Development AWARD Mentor 2010-2012. Furthermore, she has played very active role in the review and validation of national Biosafety guidelines and regulations among which is genome editing. Dr. Gidado has also facilitated and mobilized funds for Biotechnology and Biosafety awareness creation from both national and international Donor Organizations to this date. she recognizes and understands the role of science and technology for human advancement by improving human health, nutrition and economic growth, particularly the potential impacts of biotechnology on agriculture in Nigeria. Therefore, she is passionate about making Nigeria and Africa more food and nutrition secure, as well as promoting public understanding of science and modern biotechnology. Her mission through the Open Forum on Agricultural Biotechnology in Africa (OFAB), Nigeria, is to drive advocacy campaigns, enhance knowledge sharing on agricultural biotechnology and dispel misconceptions within the realms of genetic modification technology. She intends to promote inclusive communication strategies between all stakeholders in the industry, for policy makers to make informed decisions towards ensuring a food secured Nigeria in the face of frightening global food insecurity. Dr Gidado is married Prof Maxwell Michael Gidado, a Senior Advocate of Nigeria (SAN) with a daughter and has travelled widely.