Biochemistry
HISTORY/DESCRIPTION
The Biochemistry programme started in the 2007/2008 academic session. It was initially domiciled in the
Department of Chemistry but obtained the full status of Department in 2009/2010, with Prof. T. A. Gbodi
being the pioneer Head of Department.
Prof. T. A. Gbodi handed the reins of the Department to Prof. Amanabo Musa, who served between 2011
and 2015 as the Head of Department. He then handed over to Prof. Mohammed Aliyu Paiko, who was the
Head of Department between 2015 and 2017. Prof. M.A. Paiko handed over the Department to Prof.
Dickson Achimugu Musa who served between 2018 to 2020. Prof. Dickson A. Musa initiated the creation of
a Section of Biotechnology under the Department of Biochemistry. The current Head of Department, Dr.
Ndatsu Yakubu was appointed by the Vice Chancellor in November 2020 to run the affairs of the
Department after the appointment of Prof. Dickson A. Musa as the Director, Trans-Saharan Disease
Research. Centre. With the support of outgoing Head of the Department and all staff of the Department, the
Resource Verification by National Universities Commission (NUC) for Biotechnology Department under
Biochemistry Department was conducted and successful in November 2020. This achievement recorded,
changes the name of the Department to Department of Biochemistry and Biotechnology.
DR. Matthew Tsepav
Head of Department
Philosophy
Biochemistry being a most vital life science for the elucidation of existence, thus the Department would
endeavor to provide an enabling environment that will stimulate the articulation and development of
inquisitive, imaginative students’ minds that would use their acquired skills for the development and general
enrichment of quality of life for Nigerians and all mankind.
Aims And Objective
The objective of the B.Sc. programme in Biochemistry is to:
i. Train students to fully understand the principles and theories of Biochemistry so as to appreciate the inherent
potentials of Biochemistry in the elucidation of life (i.e existence) starting from the unicellular prokaryotic
and eukaryotic organisms to the more complex multicellular organisms such as human beings.
ii. Inculcate in the students the spirit of discipline and sensitivity and ability to observe, analyze and draw
meaningful conclusions from Biochemical data.
iii. Develop the students to be proficient and highly innovative in the use and operation of laboratory and
research instruments and equipment.
iv. Be a catalyst in the development of the students’ intellectual and creative capabilities and to equip towards
contributing to the technological development of Nigeria in the area of scientific research and skilled
manpower for the manufacturing industries such as food and beverages; biotechnology; research institutes
and government ministries and parastatals like NAFDAC and SON.
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