The Nigerian government is expected to sign an agreement with UNESCO at the 36th session of the General Conference of UNESCO, which begins next month, for an international biotechnology center that will focus on strengthening food safety, tropical disease research and the conservation of bio-resources across Africa, SciDev.Net reports, adding that “UNESCO’s executive board approved the establishment of the center earlier this year.”

The International Centre for Biotechnology will be funded by the Nigerian government, “a commitment that includes $2 million a year to cover research and training programs, as well as providing office space, equipment and facilities,” and it is expected to begin operations in 2012, according to the news service. The center, “whose buildings are already near completion, is to be hosted by the University of Nigeria, Nsukka,” SciDev.Net adds (Johnkingsley, 9/20).