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The Nigerian Institute of Food Science and Technology (NIFST) has accepted the Vice-Chancellor and Principal of the Milton Margai Technical University, Professor Philip John Kanu for his remarkable contribution to Food Science and Technology during their 47th Annual Conference and General Meeting that ended with an Induction Ceremony held at the International Conference Centre, Umuahia, Abia State Nigeria.
NIFST is a professional body representing the interests of Food Scientists, Food Technologists and allied components drawn from Academia, Research Institutes, Industries, and Public and Private Sectors in Nigeria.
Professor Kanu’s contribution to this sector is enormous, he has shared his knowledge over the years to strengthen food formulation and processing skills, food standards and food safety systems to reposition his country’s foods for global suitability.
He has also published a range of academic papers in this field which have been referenced by many other scholars in the field of food science and technology in various countries to build up their food sector.
He recently led the publication of an article titled “Environment and awareness influencing food safety” in the Western Area, Sierra Leone in the Food and Nutrition Sciences (FNS) Journal.
As one of the few Food Scientists in the country; Prof Kanu was the lead actor in the improvement of Bennimix for it to upgraded to be an instance food and the formulation of other products like breakfast cereal for adults and pinkinmix which has helped greatly in responding to Malnutrition in Sierra Leone.
Borne out of passion as a food technologist, he believed that for a country to develop, Agriculture should be prioritized with a strong commitment towards value addition along the food chain to address food security.
His academic journey has not been one of shortcuts;
Dr. Philip John Kanu was first employed at the Milton Margai Technical University as an instructor, he rose from that to Senior Principal Lecturer (the highest rank in the Polytechnic College).
Professor Kanu holds a Diploma, HTC Secondary, BEd, M.Sc and several other postgraduate certificates and a PhD.
He was promoted to Associate Professor effective June 2021 after going through a rigorous process with both internal and external assessors in the field of food science.
In recognition of his work and impact on the field of Food Science and Technology, the NIFST’s Council on the 24th of June 2023 accepted Professor Kanu’s application after going through a rigorous assessment to be accepted as a Professional Member of NIFST and was sent a special invitation to be part of this year’s 47th Annual Conference and General Meeting to be decorated by the President of NIFST, subscribe to the oath of allegiance in the profession and presented a certificate.
The President of NIFST Professor Joseph Oneh Abu decorated and awarded a certificate of membership to Professor Philip John Kanu which climaxed the occasion.
Credit: Public Relations Office, Milton Margai Technical University
