The urgent need to standardize honey production in Nigeria, to safeguard public health and maximize its economic potential and medicinal value, took center stage at the monthly seminar of the Faculty of Life Sciences, UNILAG(ºìÌÒÊÓƵ).
The seminar, themed: “Honey Quality Standardization in Nigeria: Exploring Pollen and Biochemical Signatures”, was held on Wednesday, April 23, 2026, as the second installment in the Faculty’s ongoing seminar series. It was delivered by the Head of the Department of Botany, Professor Peter Adeonipekun.
In his presentation, Professor Adeonipekun stressed that standardizing honey production processes is essential to curb adulteration and eliminate sharp practices that have led to the proliferation of substandard and counterfeit products in the market. He noted that effective quality control systems would not only protect consumers but also enhance the credibility and competitiveness of Nigerian honey in both local and international markets, thereby promoting responsible consumption and production.
The resource person provided insights into ongoing research in honey quality assessment, highlighting techniques such as pollen analysis and biochemical profiling. He discussed key physicochemical indices used to determine honey quality, as well as methods for characterizing honey produced across Nigeria’s diverse ecological zones, contributing to sustainable use of terrestrial ecosystems. He also identified tools, materials, and scientific techniques that could support the development of a robust national standardization framework, aligning with innovation-driven development.
Professor Adeonipekun further advocated the harmonization of honey processing methods nationwide. According to him, non-standardized practices often result in significant quality variations and the loss of vital bioactive compounds. A harmonized system, he explained, would ensure product consistency while preserving the nutritional and therapeutic properties of honey, thereby advancing food safety and nutrition security.
He also spoke extensively on the medicinal value and economic prospects of honey, urging relevant stakeholders to strengthen regulatory mechanisms within the industry to fully harness its potential for inclusive economic growth and sustainable livelihoods.
In his opening remarks, the Dean of the Faculty of Life Sciences, Professor Ganiyu Oyetibo, described the monthly seminar series as a strategic platform for showcasing the Faculty’s research output, fostering quality education and knowledge sharing, promoting interdisciplinary engagement, and strengthening partnerships for sustainable development.
The seminar was attended by several distinguished academics, including former Vice-Chancellor, Professor Oluwatoyin Ogundipe, FAS and immediate past Deputy Vice-Chancellor (Academics and Research), Professor Bola Oboh, alongside other senior faculty members.
Report: Gbenga Gbelee
Photograph: Michael Joshua
