By Mahdi Waziri Isa
Ahmadu Bello University would remain committed to supporting initiatives that promote research and academic excellence, the Vice-Chancellor, Prof. Adamu Ahmed, has said.
The Vice-Chancellor, who spoke when members of the Executive Council of the Nigerian Society of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology (NSBMB) called on him today (Monday, 12th May, 2025), pledged his administration’s commitment to inclusive collaboration across all regions and disciplines.
ABU is currently hosting a national training workshop on recombinant DNA technology and bioinformatics organized by NSBMB’s North-West zone in collaboration with ABU Centre for Biotechnology Research and Training (CBRT).
Prof. Ahmed reiterated ABU’s historical status as Nigeria’s most cosmopolitan university, as frequently recognized by the Joint Admissions and Matriculation Board (JAMB).
The Vice-Chancellor expressed deep appreciation for the society’s visit and commendation on ABU’s environment, saying that the University would nurture the partnership with NSBMB for the mutual benefit of all.
Earlier briefing the Vice-Chancellor on the training workshop, the Chairman of the Local Organising Committee for the event, Prof. I.A. Umar, briefed the Vice-Chancellor on the programme, saying that the workshop attracted over 55 scientists from across Nigeria.
According to him, the initiative was part of the Society’s efforts to bridge the technological gap in research and industry by equipping scientists with practical skills in advanced biotechnological techniques.
He said that ABU was a natural choice for the training as its vast facilities, highly skilled academic staff, and long standing commitment to research excellence made it ideal for hosting such a forward-looking event.
Also speaking, the NSBMB President, Prof. M.O. Wegwu, emphasized the urgency of keeping Nigeria’s estimated 10,000 biochemists and molecular biologists up to speed with evolving technologies.
He noted that the capacity to understand and address complex health and environmental challenges lies in the hands of scientists trained with the latest tools and knowledge.
While congratulating Prof. Adamu Ahmed on his appointment as the Vice-Chancellor, Prof. Wegwu praised the peaceful and well-maintained academic environment at ABU, describing it as a testament to consistent and visionary leadership.
He further explained how advances in biotechnology are critical to understanding the origins of diseases, improving diagnostics, and formulating solutions to public health challenges.
The Head, Department of Biochemistry, Prof. A. Salihu and Director, Centre for Biotechnology Research and Training, Prof. Balarabe M. Jahun accompanied the President of the Nigerian Society of Biotechnology and Molecular Biology (NSBMB) on the courtesy visit to the Vice-Chancellor.
Acting Registrar, Dr. Dalha Kankia; Acting University Librarian, Dr. Abubakar Abdullahi Mohammed; Provost, College of Postgraduate Studies, Prof. Nasiru Shuaibu; and Director of the Directorate of Academic Planning and Monitoring, Prof. Bello Muktar assisted the Vice-Chancellor in receiving the guests.