In December 2023, John Makinde, a researcher from the Federal University of Gashua in Nigeria, arrived at the Research Centre for the Management of Agricultural and Environmental Risks (CEIGRAM) for a 6-month research stay. This visit was funded by the Spanish Agency for International Development Cooperation (AECID) through the AFRICA-MED programme, which aims to promote research collaboration between African citizens and Spanish universities.
During his stay, Makinde participated in various research activities, including laboratory analysis of the nutritional value of raw materials in the framework of the PRISMA project. Under the supervision of Professor Dolores Carro, Makinde collaborated in the evaluation of the in vitro digestibility and degradability of Nigerian agricultural products, using advanced laboratory techniques.
Makinde also attended conferences such as the Spanish Foundation for the Development of Animal Nutrition (FEDNA) Congress and the 16th UPM Student Congress, where he presented his findings on the chemical composition and energy content of Nigerian agricultural by-products compared to European standards. These experiences allowed him to establish connections with leading scientists in the field of animal nutrition, promoting future collaborations.
At the UPM Department of Animal Production laboratory, Makinde conducted in vitro degradability experiments using rumen fluid from Manchega sheep to analyse gas production at different incubation times. In addition, in June 2024, he collaborated with researchers from the University of Lérida in the use of High Performance Liquid Chromatography (HPLC) to analyse aflatoxins in samples from the PRISMA project, sharing protocols with research partners in Burkina Faso, Mali, Nigeria and Niger.
Makinde’s stay at CEIGRAM also included attending scientific seminars and lectures, where he had the opportunity to interact with academics and students, enriching his perspective on scientific research and the importance of international collaboration. Makinde highlighted the positive influence of his colleagues at CEIGRAM on his academic and personal development.
Makinde concluded that his visit to Spain provided him with new research perspectives, access to advanced laboratory facilities and the opportunity to collaborate with researchers from diverse cultural and academic backgrounds. He especially thanked the CEIGRAM team, including Professor Fernando Escribano and Eva Iglesias, as well as AECID for making this enriching research experience possible.
Media Library from Dr. John Makinde during his research visit.
