By Princess Simon (Bureau Chief North Central, in Minna)
An expert on Food Science and Technology, Federal University of Technology (FUT), Minna, Professor Chiemela Enyinnaya Chinma has made a case for a policy to guarantee the unlocking, adaptation and promotion of potentials of plant-based foods through bioprocessing in Nigeria for inherent benefits not only for nutrition but as a national economic earner.
Bioprocessing, he said represents a powerful, affordable, and sustainable strategy for unlocking the full nutritional, bioactive, and techno-functional potential of plant-based foods through systematic application of traditional and novel bioprocessing techniques.
In his Inaugural Lecture Series 121, FUT, Minna on Thursday, Chiemela said, "Through systematic application of traditional and novel bioprocessing techniques particularly soaking, germination, fermentation, enzymatic treatment, and their combinations, significant improvements were achieved in nutrient density, mineral bioavailability, protein and starch digestibility, antioxidant activity, and functional properties of a wide range of cereals, legumes, tubers, and underutilized indigenous crops".
Findings from series of research, according to Professor Chiemela consistently show that bioprocessing effectively reduces antinutritional factors while simultaneously enhancing essential amino acids, dietary fiber, resistant starch, vitamins, and health-promoting phytochemicals.
The lecture with the theme: "Unlocking the Potentials of Plant-based Foods Through Bioprocessing", Chiemela who has been a visiting Professor at the university of Johannesburg, South Africa and currently the Director of the Directorate for Research, Innovation and Development (DRID), a member of the 14th Governing Council, FUT, Minna amongst others emphasized that application of bioprocessed plant-based ingredients in food product development confirmed their practical relevance, consumer acceptability, and industrial potential.
Composite foods developed from bioprocessed flours not only exhibited superior nutritional and functional quality but also maintained desirable sensory attributes, demonstrating that health promotion and consumer appeal can be achieved simultaneously.
These outcomes, Professor Chiemela said provided strong scientific justifications for the substitution of imported raw materials with locally available, value-added plant resources, thereby supporting food sovereignty, reducing foreign exchange expenditure, and strengthening local food value chains.
Also, bioprocessing plays a crit8role as a low-cost, scalable, and culturally adaptable technology for addressing food insecurity, malnutrition, and sustainability challenges, particularly in developing regions such as sub-saharan Africa, including Nigeria.
By encouraging the utilization of underexploited crops and the adoption of simple, accessible processing methods, bioprocessing aligns closely with the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals, the African Union Agenda 2063, and national priorities related to nutr, public health, poverty reduction, and sustainable economic development.
He further pointed out that continued research therefore leads to the optimization, and industrial translation of bioprocessing technologies are essential for transforming plants-based foods into functional, health-promoting.products capable of meeting the nutritional demands of a rapidly growing global population.
Vice Chancellor of FUT, Minna, Professor Faruk Adamu Kuta who described Professor Chiemela as one of the best hands in the sector, commended all who were present from within Niger state and beyond for the presentation. NNL.
