Nigerian Food Journal
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Nigerian Institute of Food Science and Technology

GENERAL INFORMATION ON THE NIGERIA INSTITUTE OF FOOD SCIENCE AND TECHNOLOGY (NIFST) The Institute is the professional body representing Food Scientists and Technologist in Nigeria and strives to be recognised as such by appropriate government authorities and other agencies. I. OBJECTIVES 1. To promote the development and application of science and technology to every aspect of food 2. To disseminate knowledge among food scientists and technology by sponsoring studies, workshop, symposia, seminar and applications aimed at focusing attention on food problem and associated government policies and actions. 3. To function as the professional body of food scientists and food technologist in Nigeria that will be in position to provide authoritative advice and guidance on all food matters and on the planning and development of curricular in the training of food scientists and technologist. 4. To collaborate with other bodies, both national and international, concerned with the various disciplines among members who are employed in food research, the food industry and the institute of higher learning. II. BACKGROUND OF THE INSTITUTE Among the many development of far-reaching consequence which have taken place in Nigeria has been the emergence of a significant, distinctive and thriving industrial sector which can be rightly called the food industry. The evolution of this industry sector has meant a collateral emergence of a body of professionals with a keen interest in and specialized in all aspects of Food Science and Technology. The developments have been reinforced in recent years by the introduction of systematic courses of study in Food, Science and Technology which now cover all education stages up to full honours degree courses in many institute of higher learning. The setting up of an official professional body is a necessary consequence of this evolutionary process and enables the collective views of all engaged in the field to become more effective in implementing the aims of the Institute listed above. Though, this pattern of thinking had been on the minds of several Nigerian food professionals for many years, it did not assume a concrete practical form until January 1975. it was at this time, as a result of a symposium organised by the “ Food Science and Technology Association” of the University of life, that an inaugural committee was sent up to explore the possibility of establishing a professional body and to chart the course such a body. In July of 1975, a forum of over thirty professionals met at the Federal Department of Fisheries, Victoria Island, Lagos to consider a draft constitution which had been proposed by the Inaugural committee and on June 5 1976 an Inaugural meeting was held. This forum pronounced the draft constitution has being in accepted able form. This approval paved the way, and on June 5 1976, an inaugural meeting involving over Fifty Food Professionals was held at the New Conference Hall of the Federal Institute of Industrial Research, Oshodi to make the birth of Nigerian Institute of Food Science and Technology and adopt its constitution. The current. Membership of the institute include a wide range of specialists working in Food Industries, Government Research Centres and Institutions of higher learning. The institute is administered by a Government Council consisting of the President, 1st Vice President, 2nd Vice-President, National Secretary, National Assistant Secretary, National Treasurer, Two Ex-Office members, Editor-In-Chief, Chairman of Standing Committees and Chapter Chairman, NIFST Chapter can be formed on request to council by Twenty-Five or more members living and working in any state or region of Nigeria.