Lagos — Association of Nigerian Institute of Food Science and Technology (NIF-ST),Lagos, has expressed its preparedness to facilitate its growth by organising training for students of food science and technology in tertiary institutions.

Speaking during a courtesy visit to Yaba College of Technology (YABATECH) recently, the National Secretary of the association, Mr. Shola Olawole said that students should live school with adequate training that would enable them be self-reliant and face the challenges ahead.

He said his association has organised and line forums for interaction with students on the role of technologist.

The Chairman, Mr. Wole Toye, earlier in his address said that the slogan of the association has been relevance, both at the national and chapter levels. "The relevance has not only increased but has become too obvious," he added.

He pointed out that the association, apart from organising other activities for researchers would also give annual award of N50, 000 to the best student of the food science and technology in Lagos chapter.

Toye disclosed that two companies have already expressed willingness to sponsor the award.

The association, he said is presently getting ready for a one-day workshop for small scale industries in the sector.

He therefore appealed to members to sponsor the next annual conference that would hold in Owerri, the Imo State capital.

Responding, the Rector of YABATECH, Mr. Olubunmi Owoso acknowledged the roles of the association's executives whom he said have been done a lot to raise the standard of the association.

"I appreciate the focus of the Lagos chapter, not only to the students, but to professional bodies as well," he said. He commended the association's scholarship project, saying that it would promote professionalism among students and make them strive harder.

Owoso said that the training, which the association intend to carry out, would be a special advantage to polytechnic students over their university counterpart as they are oriented towards industrial practises.

He expressed his appreciation to the association for planning the programme at a time the relevance of food and adequate nutrition is of importance to the populace.

The rector said that YABATECH has put in place a lot interactions geared towards actualising their new vision, which is aimed at first rate academic, professional and entrepreneurial education for the purpose of making a positive impact in the technological and socio-economic development of the country.

Owoso told the association depend on the college as corporate member of the association. He promised to support and assist in actualising its projects.

The Registrar, Mrs. Francisca Taiwo in her closing remark, expressed appreciation for the association's plans for students to develop entrepreneurial skill that would prepare them for the future.

She expressed confidence that with the calibre of people in the association, its mission would be accomplished and the impact felt in the campus.

She advised students to take positive advantage of the opportunity and strive for greater heights.