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Our Team

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Our Team

Meet the People Behind the Mission

Scientists. Educators. Innovators. Entrepreneurs. Volunteers.

JR Biotek Foundation is powered by a diverse team of scientists, educators, entrepreneurs, and volunteers united by one shared mission: strengthening African agriculture through science, innovation, and collaboration.

OUR LEADERSHIP PHILOSOPHY

Leadership Through Service

We believe leadership is about creating opportunities for others. Our Board, advisors, and volunteer team work across Africa and internationally to empower scientists, support farming communities, and advance lasting agricultural impact.

Board of Directors

Our Board provides strategic oversight, governance, and fiduciary responsibility, helping guide the Foundation’s long-term vision while ensuring accountability and sustainability.

Dr Rebekah Sacher

Global Project Head, Sanofi

Dr Theresa Ngozi Elumogo

Clinical Consultant & Senior Research Fellow in Translational Medicine

Eva Abel

Chief Investment Officer, Oryx Investment Ltd.

Dr Carol Ibe

Plant Scientist, Founder & Executive Director of JR Biotek Foundation

ADVISORS

Our advisors provide specialist expertise, strengthen partnerships, and help shape the Foundation’s scientific and strategic direction.

Professor John P. Carr

University of Cambridge

Dr Kabir Mustapha Umar

Centre for Dryland Agriculture, Bayero University, Kano

Dr. Sarah Okafor

International Institute of Tropical Agriculture (IITA)

Advisor Name

Institution / Affiliation

Advisor Name

Institution / Affiliation

Core Team

Founder & Executive Director

Dr Carol Ibe

Molecular Plant Scientist | Founder & Executive Director

Dr. Ibe founded JR Biotek Foundation to bridge the gap between global scientific excellence and local agricultural research capacity in Africa. She leads the Foundation’s strategic vision and partnerships.

AGRIIP Research & Entrepreneurship Fellowship

Mainda Kiwelu

Olanrewaju Babalola

Christianah Oseni

Nwogu-Uchenna Ogechi

JR Biotek-AGRIIP Farmer Systems & Indigenous Crops (Nigeria) Team

Dr Olaide Ogunsanya

Igyuve Terngu Moses

Dr Binta Sani Ibrahim

Faith Mohammed

Nwogwugwu Precious Amarachi

Dr Flora Adachi Asibe

JR Biotek Education & Scientific Capacity Development Team

Dr Velma Okaron

Dr Ekemini Edet Obok

Harun Ali Kellu

Mujeeb Adaraloye

JOIN OUR TEAM

Help Shape Africa's Agricultural Future

Passionate about science, agriculture, innovation, or community impact? We’d love to hear from you.

Whether you’re a scientist, educator, entrepreneur, student, designer, communications specialist, agricultural extension professional, or volunteer, there are many ways to contribute.

Current opportunities include:

  • Scientific mentors
  • Communications & media
  • Fundraising
  • Graphic design
  • Web development
  • Monitoring & evaluation
Become a Volunteer →

Our Culture

United by Purpose

Although our team is spread across countries, institutions, and disciplines, we are united by shared values.

  • We believe in scientific excellence.
  • We believe in collaboration.
  • We believe in service.
  • We believe in investing in people.
  • We believe that the most impactful research begins by listening.
  • And we believe that when talented people come together with a shared purpose, they can help build a more resilient, food-secure, and prosperous future for Africa.

Looking Ahead

The Next Decade

Our next chapter is focused on scaling impact by:

  • Expanding scientific capacity across Africa.
  • Advancing indigenous crop research and innovation.
  • Strengthening farmer-centred partnerships.
  • Supporting the next generation of scientific leaders and entrepreneurs.
  • Building resilient food systems that improve livelihoods.

JOIN US

Be Part of Africa’s Next Chapter

Whether you’re a scientist, student, entrepreneur, university, donor, corporate partner, policymaker, volunteer, or philanthropist, there’s a place for you in our growing community.

Together, we can strengthen scientific capacity, revitalise indigenous crops, support farming communities, and build resilient food systems across Africa.

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Dr Rebekah
(Scheuerle) Sacher

Board Member

Dr Rebekah (Scheuerle) Sacher is a scientist and global health leader with experience spanning research, product development, innovation and strategy. She holds a PhD in Chemical Engineering from the University of Cambridge, where she was a Gates Cambridge Scholar, and an MBA from the Wharton School at the University of Pennsylvania.

Driven by a longstanding commitment to improving public health in frontier and emerging markets, Rebekah’s early career included serving on the Board of JustMilk, a nonprofit developing drug and nutrient delivery technologies for infants in low-resource settings. She has since built her career in vaccines, holding roles across translational science, commercial, medical, and clinical research and development at GSK. She currently works at Sanofi, where she is a Global Project Head in the vaccines business unit, having previously served as Senior Director and New Product Planning Leader within the Vaccines New Products and Innovation team.

As a member of JR Biotek Foundation’s Board of Directors, Rebekah has been one of the Foundation’s most actively engaged Board members, providing hands-on strategic, practical and leadership support as the organisation has grown. During the early development of AGRIIP, she was among the trusted colleagues invited to review and discuss the platform’s first written plan, providing valuable perspectives as we considered its direction and next steps.

Dr Ngozi Elumogo

Board Member

Dr Theresa Ngozi Elumogo is a Consultant Medical Microbiologist at Norfolk and Norwich University Hospital and Senior Research Fellow in Translational Medicine at the Quadram Institute Bioscience, with over 24 years’ experience as an NHS consultant. Her career combines clinical medicine, scientific research, healthcare leadership and innovation.

Her research interests include the gut microbiome, faecal microbiota transplantation, metagenomics and the application of emerging genomic technologies to improve the diagnosis of infectious diseases. She contributes to multicentre clinical trials and serves on national expert groups in microbiome-related medicine.

Dr Elumogo previously served as Clinical Director/Chief of Service for Laboratory Medicine, Norfolk and Norwich University Teaching Hospitals, and the Eastern Pathology Alliance, providing clinical leadership across a large pathology network. During the COVID-19 pandemic, she was appointed Pathology Incident Director by NHS England and led the implementation of NHS testing across Norfolk and Waveney and facilitated collaborations in genomic sequencing and innovative diagnostic technologies.

She brings to the JR Biotek Foundation’s Board extensive experience and expertise in clinical science, biotechnology, research, strategic leadership, evidence-based practice, and healthcare governance, and a strong commitment to translating scientific innovation into meaningful benefits for patients, the public, and wider society.

Eva Abel

Board Member

Eva Abel is an investment and impact finance leader with extensive experience in venture capital, fund investment and impact investing across Africa and Europe. She is Partner and Chief Investment Officer at Oryx Impact, an impact fund of funds focused on Africa, investing across economic development and job creation, climate change mitigation and adaptation, and women’s economic empowerment.

Prior to joining Oryx Impact, Eva was an Investment Manager at the European Investment Fund, where she invested close to €500 million in technology venture capital funds across Europe. She previously served as a Partner at Giza Polish Ventures, an early-stage technology venture capital fund.

As a member of JR Biotek Foundation’s Board of Directors, Eva brings valuable expertise in investment, finance, entrepreneurship and impact to support the Foundation’s strategic growth and long-term sustainability. She has also actively supported the development of AGRIIP, including playing a key role at our AGRIIP launch and stakeholder engagement in Abuja, Nigeria, where she served as a panel chair and moderator, helping to facilitate conversations across science, agriculture, entrepreneurship, investment and development.

Eva is passionate about using investment and enterprise to create sustainable economic opportunities and positive social and environmental impact.

Dr Carol N. Ibe

Founder & Executive Director

Dr Carol N. Ibe is a molecular plant scientist, Gates Cambridge Scholar, and Founder and Executive Director of JR Biotek Foundation. She founded the Foundation in 2015, inspired by her own experiences studying and conducting research across Nigeria, the United States and the United Kingdom, and by a conviction that African scientists should have the opportunities, resources and networks to lead world-class research and innovation addressing the continent’s priorities. Over the past decade, Carol has led the Foundation’s growth into a pan-African scientific capacity-building organisation, developing programmes and partnerships that have supported scientists and researchers across more than 25 African countries. She is also the visionary behind the Agri-Innovation & Impact Platform (AGRIIP), which connects scientists, farmers, entrepreneurs and institutions to advance research and science-backed innovation around Africa’s indigenous and undervalued crops and food systems. Carol holds a PhD in Plant Sciences from the University of Cambridge, where she was a Gates Cambridge Scholar, and has conducted research at Cambridge and the John Innes Centre. Her wider work spans scientific leadership, equitable partnerships, research capacity strengthening, innovation ecosystems and sustainable food systems. At the heart of her leadership is a commitment to building people, partnerships and ecosystems that enable African science and innovation to thrive and contribute to healthier communities, stronger livelihoods and human flourishing.

Professor John P. Carr

Senior Advisor

Professor John P. Carr is Professor of Plant Virology in the Department of Plant Sciences at the University of Cambridge, where he leads the Virology and Molecular Plant Pathology research group. His research spans plant–virus interactions, molecular plant pathology and the mechanisms that shape plant responses to pathogens. John has been a longstanding and deeply valued supporter of JR Biotek Foundation, contributing his scientific expertise, networks and practical support to our mission of strengthening scientific capacity in Africa. Over the years, he has helped develop collaborations between JR Biotek Foundation and the University of Cambridge, supported fundraising efforts through collaborative projects, and provided technical expertise, laboratory support and scientific guidance that have helped make several of our training and research initiatives possible. His support has extended beyond individual programmes. John has been a trusted adviser and advocate for the Foundation, generously opening doors, sharing expertise and helping create opportunities for African scientists to access high-quality scientific training, mentorship and international research networks. In 2025, as JR Biotek Foundation celebrated its 10-year anniversary at the University of Cambridge, John was presented with our Lifetime Contribution Award in recognition of his exceptional and sustained contribution to the Foundation and the many African scientists reached through our work. As a Senior Advisor to JR Biotek Foundation, John continues to provide scientific insight, mentorship, advocacy and strategic support as we expand our work in scientific capacity building, indigenous crop research and Africa-led agricultural innovation.

Dr Kabir Mustapha Umar

Senior Advisor

Dr Kabir Mustapha Umar is a biotechnology scholar, research leader and academic with over 19 years of experience spanning molecular biology, environmental biotechnology and sustainable agricultural systems. He is a Senior Lecturer at the Centre for Dryland Agriculture (CDA), Bayero University Kano, Nigeria, where he has held research leadership roles supporting postgraduate training, innovation and international collaboration. He holds a PhD in Food Biotechnology from Universiti Putra Malaysia.

His research integrates plant tissue culture, microbial biotechnology, genetic engineering and bioinformatics to develop climate-resilient and environmentally sustainable solutions for dryland agriculture. He has contributed to major research and capacity-building initiatives, including World Bank-funded programmes under the Africa Centres of Excellence initiative, and has trained and mentored numerous postgraduate and early-career scientists.

Kabir’s relationship with JR Biotek Foundation began in 2017, when he participated in our inaugural Plant Molecular Biotechnology Laboratory Training Programme at the University of Cambridge. That connection grew into a long-standing partnership. In 2021, while serving as Deputy Director of Research at CDA, he was the lead institutional collaborator for our Plant Molecular Biology Laboratory Training Programme at Bayero University Kano, which equipped 25 early-career Nigerian scientists with high-quality, practical molecular bioscience skills.

Over the years, Kabir has become a trusted collaborator, advocate and intellectual partner to JR Biotek Foundation. He has made significant intellectual contributions to the design and development of AGRIIP, helping to shape its scientific direction, capacity-building approach and connection to the realities of African agricultural research and food systems. In March 2025, he joined us at the University of Cambridge for JR Biotek Foundation’s 10-Year Anniversary and the launch of AGRIIP, and in April 2026 delivered the keynote address at our AGRIIP Launch and Stakeholder Engagement in Abuja, Nigeria.

As a Senior Advisor to JR Biotek Foundation, Kabir brings deep scientific expertise, institutional leadership and an enduring commitment to our mission. He continues to help shape our thinking, strengthen strategic partnerships, champion African scientific leadership and advance research and innovation that can deliver meaningful impact for farmers, communities and food systems across Africa.

Mainda Kiwelu

Mainda Kiwelu is an entrepreneurship educator, mentor and business professional who leads the design of entrepreneurship education for early-career African scientists and farmer-innovators through AGRIIP. Her work supports the platform’s ambition to catalyse sustainable, science-backed ventures that contribute to a more climate-resilient and food-secure Africa.

A law and business graduate, Mainda has worked across both large organisations and start-ups, holding senior roles in product management, marketing and business development. Her career spans education, publishing, professional services, fashion technology and retail. She has also mentored start-ups and entrepreneurial teams for more than a decade, including through programmes delivered by Cambridge Judge Business School.

Alongside her work with AGRIIP, Mainda runs a training company that delivers research-based, creative and immersive workshops designed to help teams strengthen how they think, collaborate and build.

Mainda is passionate about bringing together human-centred and multidisciplinary perspectives to solve complex problems and equipping scientists and innovators to translate ideas into sustainable solutions and ventures.

Olanrewaju Babalola

Olanrewaju Babalola is an entrepreneurship consultant and ecosystem builder with expertise spanning agriculture, innovation and enterprise development. He holds a degree in Entrepreneurship from the Federal University of Agriculture, Abeokuta, and an MBA from the University of Nebraska Omaha.

His work focuses on helping individuals and organisations translate ideas into sustainable ventures through entrepreneurship education, capacity building, strategic partnerships and venture development. He has supported entrepreneurs through the Nebraska Business Development Center and designed entrepreneurship and innovation programmes, including The Entrepreneurship Bootcamp, a practical initiative that equips aspiring entrepreneurs with the tools, mindset and support to develop viable ventures. His thought leadership has also been featured in Forbes and AllBusiness.com.

As a member of our AGRIIP Entrepreneurship Fellowship team, Olanrewaju contributes to the design and delivery of initiatives that help scientists and innovators translate research and ideas into practical, market-relevant solutions.

He is passionate about strengthening the connections between science, entrepreneurship and innovation to advance sustainable agriculture, indigenous crop development and livelihoods across Africa.

Christianah Oseni

Christianah Oseni is a Doctoral Researcher at Harper Adams University, United Kingdom, with research interests spanning sustainable agriculture, food security and climate-resilient farming systems. Her doctoral research focuses on improving wheat resilience and productivity through genetic and physiological approaches to carbohydrate metabolism.

She holds an MPhil with Distinction from the University of Cambridge, where she was a Mastercard Foundation Scholar, and a First-Class bachelor’s degree from Obafemi Awolowo University, Nigeria. Christianah has also gained research experience at the International Institute of Tropical Agriculture (IITA) and NIAB, spanning plant breeding, molecular genetics and field experimentation, including research on drought-tolerant maize, wheat introgression lines and underutilised crops.

At JR Biotek Foundation, Christianah is a member of our AGRIIP Research Fellowship team, contributing to the design and development of the Fellowship and its focus on applied, farmer-linked research on Africa’s indigenous and undervalued crops. In March 2026, she also served as a facilitator for our collaborative Plant Molecular Biology & Biotechnology Laboratory Training in Nigeria, helping to equip 30 early-career Nigerian scientists with practical molecular bioscience skills.

Christianah is passionate about translating scientific research into practical solutions that strengthen food systems, support farmers and advance climate resilience across Africa.

Nwogu-Uchenna Ogechi

Nwogu-Uchenna Ogechi is a plant breeder, researcher and lecturer specialising in crop improvement for climate resilience. She is a PhD candidate in Plant Breeding at the West African Centre for Crop Improvement (WACCI), University of Ghana, a Graduate Research Fellow at the Genetic Resources Center of the International Institute of Tropical Agriculture (IITA), and a Lecturer in Plant Science and Biotechnology at Michael Okpara University of Agriculture, Umudike, Nigeria.

Her research focuses on indigenous and undervalued legume crops relevant to smallholder farming systems in sub-Saharan Africa. She integrates plant breeding, physiology, quantitative analysis and data-driven approaches to develop crops with improved stress tolerance, yield stability and climate resilience.

Ogechi is also a JR Biotek Foundation alumna. She first joined our network through the 2019 Plant Molecular Biology Laboratory Training for African Plant Breeders in Benin Republic and subsequently participated in our programme delivered in collaboration with the Centre for Dryland Agriculture at Bayero University, Kano, Nigeria in 2021. In March 2026, she returned as a facilitator for our collaborative Plant Molecular Biology & Biotechnology Laboratory Training, helping to equip 30 early-career Nigerian scientists with practical molecular bioscience skills.

Now a member of our AGRIIP Research Fellowship team, Ogechi brings her expertise and experience full circle, helping to advance applied, farmer-linked and climate-resilient indigenous crop research while supporting the next generation of African scientists.

Dr Olaide Ogunsanya

Dr Olaide Ogunsanya is a plant scientist specialising in plant–microbe interactions and sustainable cropping systems. She holds a PhD in Plant Pathology and has research experience spanning pathogen diagnostics, soil microbiology and plant health. She has worked with the International Institute of Tropical Agriculture (IITA) and the University of Greenwich, contributing to research supporting resilient and productive cropping systems.

Olaide is a long-standing member of the JR Biotek Foundation network. She first joined us in 2018 as one of 17 African PhD scholars sponsored through our programme to participate in the Plant Molecular Biology Laboratory Training Programme at the University of Cambridge. In 2019, she returned to support our Plant Molecular Biology Laboratory Training for African Plant Breeders in Benin Republic.

In 2024, Olaide joined the JR Biotek Foundation team, supporting the Foundation’s administrative and operational activities and subsequently helping to coordinate the development and deployment of AGRIIP in Nigeria. She currently provides country operations and coordination support for AGRIIP, helping to connect teams, partners and programme activities.

Beyond her research and programme work, Olaide is passionate about science communication and community engagement. As a STEM Ambassador with STEM Learning UK, she is committed to making science accessible and inspiring the next generation of scientists.

Igyuve Terngu Moses

Igyuve Terngu Moses is a plant breeder and agricultural researcher with expertise in crop improvement, seed systems and climate-resilient agriculture. He holds a B.Agric. and MSc in Plant Breeding, Seed Science and Genetics from the Federal University of Agriculture, Makurdi, and is currently pursuing a PhD in Plant Breeding at Ahmadu Bello University, Nigeria.

With more than a decade of professional experience, Moses has contributed to the development of climate-smart crop varieties, including four resilient maize hybrids, and is working with the International Rice Research Institute (IRRI) on drought-tolerant, high-yielding rice hybrids. He has also led and supported large-scale agricultural initiatives focused on regenerative agriculture, improved seed systems, farmer training and access to quality seed.

As a member of our AGRIIP Nigeria Country Operations and Field Coordination Team, Moses has been instrumental in successfully leading the deployment of AGRIIP in Kano State. Drawing on his extensive field experience and relationships with farming communities and agricultural stakeholders, he has helped coordinate farmer engagement, local partnerships and the implementation of AGRIIP activities on the ground.

Moses is passionate about bridging scientific research and field implementation to ensure agricultural innovation responds to farmers’ realities and contributes to stronger livelihoods, food security and climate-resilient food systems across Africa.

Dr Binta Sani Ibrahim

Dr Binta Sani Ibrahim is a plant biotechnologist, educator and farmer with over two decades of experience spanning biochemistry, microbiology, plant biotechnology and science education. She is a Principal Lecturer at Sa’adatu Rimi College of Education, Kano, Nigeria, and holds a PhD in Plant Biotechnology from Universiti Putra Malaysia. Her doctoral research investigated the PAL gene family in banana in response to Fusarium oxysporum f. sp. cubense Tropical Race 4 (TR4), contributing to efforts to understand plant disease resistance and strengthen crop resilience.

Binta is one of JR Biotek Foundation’s pioneer alumni. In 2017, she participated in our very first specialised Plant Molecular Biotechnology Laboratory Training Programme at the University of Cambridge, joining a cohort of African scientists brought together for intensive practical training and scientific exchange. A few years later, she joined the JR Biotek Foundation team, bringing her scientific expertise, networks and deep understanding of the Nigerian agricultural context to our programmes.

As a member of our AGRIIP Nigeria Country Team, Binta has been particularly instrumental in helping to establish and deploy AGRIIP activities in Kano, including strengthening local partnerships and engagement with farming communities.

As both a scientist and farmer, she is passionate about bridging laboratory research with farmers’ realities and translating science into practical solutions that strengthen food security, climate resilience and rural livelihoods across Africa.

Faith Mohammed

Faith Mohammed is a plant pathologist and microbiologist with research interests spanning plant disease management, biological control, plant-microbe interactions and agricultural biotechnology. She is passionate about applying science and innovation to strengthen plant health, crop resilience and sustainable agriculture.

Her experience includes laboratory-based and multidisciplinary research focused on understanding plant diseases and developing more sustainable approaches to crop protection. Her work reflects a particular interest in translating scientific knowledge into practical solutions that respond to agricultural challenges.

As a member of our AGRIIP team, Faith contributes to our work connecting scientists, farmers, industry and other partners to develop practical, science-backed solutions for African agriculture. She is particularly passionate about strengthening the links between research and farming communities to advance food security, climate resilience and sustainable agricultural development across Africa.

Nwogwugwu Precious Amarachi

Nwogwugwu Precious Amarachi is a plant breeder and PhD researcher at the Federal University of Agriculture, Abeokuta (FUNAAB), and a Research Fellow at the International Institute of Tropical Agriculture (IITA). Her research focuses on indigenous and underutilized crops, particularly African yam bean (Sphenostylis stenocarpa), and their potential to contribute to food and nutrition security.

Her PhD research evaluates African yam bean accessions to identify superior genotypes with desirable agronomic and nutritional traits. As part of this work, she conducted research at the University of Reading, United Kingdom, using RNA sequencing and gene expression analysis to investigate the molecular mechanisms associated with drought tolerance in African yam bean. Her expertise spans conventional plant breeding, molecular biology, genomics and bioinformatics.

Precious is passionate about translating science into practical solutions that improve lives and strengthen communities. As a member of our team, she contributes her expertise in crop improvement and indigenous crops to JR Biotek Foundation’s work at the intersection of scientific research, capacity building and sustainable agricultural development across Africa.

Dr Flora Adachi Asibe

Dr Flora Adachi Asibe is an agriculture and biotechnology expert with over 12 years of experience spanning agricultural research, agribusiness development, rural transformation and STEM education. She holds a BSc in Crop Science and Biotechnology, an M.Agric. in Crop Protection and a PhD in Plant Pathology, alongside professional training in project management and agribusiness.

Flora began her career at the International Institute of Tropical Agriculture (IITA), contributing to Gates Foundation-funded research on aflatoxin management in maize and the AfricaYam programme. Her experience has since expanded across regenerative agriculture, carbon farming, agribusiness and rural development. She currently works as a Business Development Advisor at GIZ, supporting agrifood enterprises through value addition, climate-smart practices and inclusive business models.

Flora is also a long-standing member of the JR Biotek Foundation network. In 2018, she was selected as one of 17 African PhD scholars sponsored through our programme to participate in the Plant Molecular Biology Laboratory Training Programme at the University of Cambridge. She subsequently joined our team and, in 2021, helped plan and facilitate our hands-on Plant Molecular Biology training programme delivered in collaboration with the Centre for Dryland Agriculture at Bayero University Kano.

Today, as a member of our AGRIIP Nigeria Country Team, Flora’s leadership has been instrumental in making the deployment of AGRIIP in Kano State possible. She brings together scientific expertise, agribusiness experience, strong local networks and a deep passion for farmer-centred innovation to build partnerships, engage farming communities and translate AGRIIP’s vision into action on the ground
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Flora is passionate about empowering farmers, scientists and entrepreneurs and developing the next generation of leaders who will help build more resilient and prosperous African food systems.

Dr Carol N. Ibe

Dr Velma Okaron is a plant breeder and agricultural scientist with expertise in crop improvement, plant genetics and genomics. She holds a PhD in Plant Breeding from Makerere University, Uganda, an MSc in Plant Genetics and a BSc in Botany from the University of Eldoret, Kenya.

Her research focuses on developing resilient and disease-resistant crop varieties to address agricultural challenges in sub-Saharan Africa. Her work has included the use of genomic tools to improve groundnut varieties and research identifying indigenous rhizobia that enhance nitrogen fixation in groundnuts and other legumes grown in phosphorus-deficient soils. She has also worked with the International Crops Research Institute for the Semi-Arid Tropics (ICRISAT) and contributed to projects with Innovations for Poverty Action (IPA) supporting smallholder farmers.

A valued JR Biotek Foundation alumna, Velma played a key role in developing the JR Biotek–Plant Cell Atlas African PhD Scholars Mentoring Programme, supporting the development of early-career African scientists.

As a member of our Education & Scientific Capacity team, Velma brings her scientific expertise and mentoring experience to our work developing Africa’s next generation of scientists, innovators and translational agricultural leaders.

Dr Carol N. Ibe

Dr Ekemini Edet Obok is an Associate Professor of Crop Improvement at the University of Calabar, Nigeria, with expertise in plant breeding, genetics, biotechnology and crop improvement. He holds a PhD in Agriculture (Crop Sciences & Molecular Biology) from the University of Reading, an MSc in Agronomy (Crop Science) from the University of Ibadan, and a Bachelor of Agriculture in Crop Science, with First Class Honours, from the University of Calabar.

He has extensive teaching, research and leadership experience and has held research positions in the United Kingdom and Japan. His research focuses on molecular plant breeding, genetic resistance to biotic and abiotic stresses, crop improvement and biofortification for improved food and nutrition security. He has led and contributed to research projects supported by institutions in Nigeria, the UK, US and Japan, and has supervised numerous MSc and PhD researchers.

Passionate about developing the next generation of African scientists and supporting smallholder farmers, Ekemini is actively involved in scientific training, mentorship and agricultural outreach.

As a member of our team, he brings his scientific and academic expertise to JR Biotek Foundation’s work strengthening research capacity and advancing science-driven solutions for sustainable agriculture across Africa.

Harun Ali Kellu

Harun Ali Kellu is a biotechnology researcher, academic and agricultural scientist, currently serving as an Assistant Lecturer in the Department of Biotechnology at the University of Maiduguri, Nigeria. He holds an MSc in Biotechnology and a Bachelor of Agriculture in Soil Science from the University of Maiduguri.

His research interests span agricultural and microbial biotechnology, molecular biology, bioinformatics, soil microbiology, biofertilizer development and sustainable agriculture. Prior to joining academia, Harun worked as a Research Officer at the National Biotechnology Research and Development Agency (NABRDA), contributing to research and development activities in seed trials, bioresources, organic fertilizers, biofertilizers, biopesticides and animal feed formulation.

Harun has authored and co-authored peer-reviewed research across microbial biotechnology, soil and plant health, molecular characterization and crop biotechnology. He has also undertaken professional training in molecular biology, bioinformatics, research commercialization, project management and entrepreneurship.

He is passionate about applying biotechnology and scientific innovation to strengthen sustainable agriculture, food security and livelihoods in Nigeria and across Africa.

Dr Carol N. Ibe

Founder & Executive Director

Mujeeb Adaraloye is a PhD researcher in Plant Sciences (Genetics) at the University of Cambridge. He previously completed an MPhil in Biological Sciences (Crop Science) at Cambridge with distinction and holds a first-class degree in Plant Breeding and Seed Technology from the Federal University of Agriculture, Abeokuta, Nigeria, where he graduated as the best student in his department.

His research explores how plants naturally reshuffle genetic material during reproduction and how these processes can be harnessed to improve crop breeding. Combining genetics, genomics and computational approaches, his work aims to contribute to the development of more resilient crops and strengthen food security and sustainable agriculture.

Mujeeb was a Mastercard Foundation Scholar during his MPhil and is currently an African Changemakers Scholar for his PhD. He is passionate about mentoring young scientists and expanding access to high-quality biotechnology education and training.

In 2026, Mujeeb joined our team as a facilitator for JR Biotek Foundation’s Plant Molecular Biology & Biotechnology Laboratory Training in Nigeria, helping to equip early-career scientists with practical molecular bioscience skills and their applications in agricultural research.