Dr Agbugba honoured with Merit Award at 25th Nigerian British Awards, London

Stanley Ihedigbo

Pioneer of the Brain Re-engineering Initiative, Dr Ikechi Agbugba, was honoured with the Merit Award during the 25th edition of the Nigerian British Awards (NBA) at De Vere Grand Connaught, London.

The milestone event marked a quarter-century of celebrating outstanding Nigerian contributions in science, arts, humanities, and national development.

Dr Agbugba, renowned for conceptualising Brain Re-engineering as a strategy to actualise the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), has adapted the framework for early-career academics in food systems research.

His initiative has become a model for rebranding agriculture, promoting youth engagement, and driving economic growth across Nigeria.

Additionally, he has leveraged the strategy to advance youth participation in disaster risk management and heritage conservation.

The Nigerian British Awards, widely recognised as a pinnacle of intellectual and academic honour, celebrate innovation, brainpower, and dedication that contributes to Nigeria’s development on both national and international fronts.

Recipients earn the right to use the NBA postnominal title and enjoy privileges akin to high national honours, highlighting the distinction of intellectual excellence over conventional awards.

Dr Agbugba is a globally respected expert in food and agricultural sciences, with extensive experience spanning agricultural systems, project management, sustainability, technology, and entrepreneurship.

As a thought leader, he bridges global north-south development initiatives, engaging young scholars, farmers, and stakeholders in transformative programs.

He is the co-founder of the Africa Organisation of Technology in Agriculture and serves as Chairperson of the International Conference on Business Models in Agriculture.

Dr Agbugba has participated in multiple high-profile grant opportunities, including UKRI, NUFFIC, ARC, WRC, and NRF, and conducted a postdoctoral collaborative study benefiting three South African universities.

Twice consulting for the United Nations under the International Organisation for Migration’s “Connecting Diaspora for Development” project, he has facilitated international training programs at the Food Crop Production Technology Transfer Station in The Hague.

Currently, Dr Agbugba is an Associate Professor of Agricultural Marketing and an Honorary Associate Professor of Food Chain Security at the University of Birmingham.

He has also served as an external moderator for numerous universities and delivered keynote presentations at global forums in countries such as Malaysia, USA, India, South Africa, and the UK.

He played a pivotal role in the Rivers State Chapter Michigan State University Collaboration Research Workshop with World Bank, USAID, FAO, and Worldfish, examining the impact of COVID-19 on Nigerian farmers’ incomes and food systems.

In recognition of his contributions, Dr Agbugba has previously received accolades such as Agro-Economist of the Year by the Pan African Agricultural Journalists (PAAJ), Global Mentor of Change, and Global Emerging Leader Awards by the Global Council for the Promotion of International Trade (GCPIT), and an Award of Excellence from the Pan African Organisation for Peace and Conflict Resolution (OPPRC).
Expressing gratitude for his recognition,

Dr Agbugba extended thanks to Prince Afolabi Andu, host and convener of the Nigerian Achievers Awards Institute (NAAI), and the Nigerian British Awards committee for the honour, which cements his standing as a global Nigerian icon in the fields of science, agriculture, and youth empowerment.