By Abbas Nazil
Renowned agricultural scientist and Islamic scholar, Professor Shehu Ado Garki, will be the keynote speaker at the 8th Monthly Lecture Series organized by the International Institute of Islamic Thought (IIIT), Central Nigeria Office.
The event is scheduled for Sunday, August 3, 2025, from 10:00 AM to 12:00 PM at the VET Auditorium, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Ahmadu Bello University (ABU), Zaria, and will also be streamed virtually via Google Meet.
The lecture, titled “GMOs & Global Food Crisis: An Islamic Perspective,” is expected to delve into the intersection of science, ethics, and faith, addressing one of the most critical issues in contemporary agriculture and food security.
Professor Garki, a Research Professor of Genetics and Plant Breeding at ABU Zaria, brings over four decades of experience to the discussion.
He is widely respected for his leadership in developing high-yield, drought-resistant maize varieties and has become a pivotal figure in shaping Nigeria’s food policy.
Dubbed the “Maize Maestro,” Professor Garki has led teams that developed seven new maize varieties and contributed significantly to the development of 55 others.
His groundbreaking work was recognized in 2022 when he and his former PhD student received the prestigious \$100,000 Nigeria Prize for Science.
This award honored their development of maize that withstands drought and produces high yields using advanced but non-GMO techniques, showing that powerful scientific solutions can exist without genetic modification.
Beyond his achievements in crop science, Professor Garki holds a certificate in Recombinant DNA Technology, equipping him with a deep understanding of the science behind genetically modified organisms.
This foundation makes him uniquely qualified to critique and discuss GMOs from both a technical and ethical standpoint.
His contributions are not confined to the laboratory.
He served as Nigeria’s National Coordinator for Maize Research and National Facilitator for the National Programme for Food Security, helping to shape national agricultural policies and food strategies.
His influence extends to Islamic education as well.
Professor Garki was Vice-Chancellor of Al-Qalam University, Nigeria’s first Islamic university, where he served for eight years.
During his tenure, he worked to integrate modern science with Islamic ethical teachings, ensuring students graduated not only as skilled professionals but also as morally grounded individuals.
The upcoming lecture offers a rare opportunity to hear from a scholar who has excelled in scientific research, national policymaking, and Islamic leadership.
Attendees, both in-person and online, will gain valuable insights into the moral and practical dimensions of genetic modification in food production.
This is expected to spark meaningful dialogue on the compatibility of biotechnology with Islamic values and offer pathways for ethical food security solutions.
Interested participants can join virtually through Google Meet at meet.google.com/edf-uiqw-qbq.
