Gene: The Engine That Drives Plant Breeding:- Prof. Peter Iwuno Okocha

ABSTRACT

I thank the Almighty God for the gift of life and the opportunity to present the 32ndinaugural lecture ofthis great University. I understand that an inaugural lecture is an opportunity for a newly appointed or promoted professor to tell the members ofthe University Community and the general public about his or her research output. It therefore gives me immense pleasure to welcome you all to my inaugural lecture nine years and six months after my elevation to the rank of Professor. It also gives me pleasure to deliver this lecture at the Anyim Pius Anyim auditorium, which is situated on my former rain-fed upland rice field. The stripe ofland from the road before the First Bank Nig. Pic building to the path at the end ofthis auditorium was my rice farm from 1995 to 2001.