About Us
The Department of Microbiology was formally carved out of the Department of Biological Sciences on the 6th of May, 2013. We are committed to exploring the fascinating world of microorganisms and their impact on humanity and the environment.
Beginning with just eleven undergraduate students and an initial staff capacity of comprising five teaching staff, two administrative staff, and four laboratory scientists, the Department presently boast a dynamic team of twenty teaching staff, three administrative staff, and thirteen laboratory scientists, with over 1,000 undergraduates currently undertaking the B.Sc. Microbiology program. Our Department now thrives as a hub of academic excellence and scientific inquiry!
In a landmark achievement, the Department initiated the Master of Science (M.Sc.) and Doctor of Philosophy (Ph.D.) programs in Medical Microbiology during the first semester of the 2016/2017 academic session. Since then, we have proudly graduated 56 M.Scs. and 5 Ph.Ds. The Department of Microbiology was the first to graduate Ph.D. students in the entire University after the commencement of the University’s postgraduate school. Currently, we are privileged to be mentoring over 28 M.Sc. and 15 Ph.D. students in our postgraduate programs, nurturing the next generation of scientific leaders.
Throughout our journey, the Department has been led by distinguished Heads of Department, each contributing their expertise and vision to our academic community. Our pioneer HoD, Prof. Clement Ibi Mboto (2013 – 2014), laid the foundation for excellence, followed by the stewardship of Prof. Aleruchi Chuku (2014-2016 and 2019 – 2022), and Dr. Joseph Nfongeh (2016 – 2019). Currently, Dr. Godwin Attah Obande (May 2022 to date) leads the Department with unwavering dedication and a commitment to innovation.
Our goals
The objectives of the programme are to:
1. Broadly train students for positions in the industry, health sector, research institutes and other relevant establishments
2. Prepare them for graduate and professional studies in applied areas of Microbiology; and
3. Develop their business skills in various aspects of Applied Microbiology.
Programmes
List and description of programs
B.Sc. Microbiology
The programme is designed to provide a sound understanding of the concepts of Microbiology in relation to mankind and the environment. The programme elaborates the importance of microorganisms and their products in industry (alcoholic beverages, petroleum and petrochemicals), health, food, agriculture, pharmacy and environmental sectors of the society. The Microbiology programme also emphasizes the linkage between microbiology and biotechnology.
B.Sc. Microbiology
The programme is designed to provide a sound understanding of the concepts of Microbiology in relation to mankind and the environment. The programme elaborates the importance of microorganisms and their products in industry (alcoholic beverages, petroleum and petrochemicals), health, food, agriculture, pharmacy and environmental sectors of the society. The Microbiology programme also emphasizes the linkage between microbiology and biotechnology.
Staff of the department
HOD's profile
Godwin Attah Obande joined the service of the Federal University of Lafia as a Graduate Assistant in 2012, and currently heads the Department of Microbiology. He was the pioneer Head of Data Management Unit, Directorate of Academic Planning. Dr. Obande obtained a B.Sc. in Microbiology and M.Sc. in Medical Microbiology from the Joseph Sawuan Tarka University (formerly University of Agriculture) Makurdi. He holds a Ph.D. in Medical Microbiology from the Universiti Sains Malaysia. He has published over 30 journal articles and presented several conference papers locally and internationally, on a range of topics in Microbiology. His research interests cover Medical Microbiology, Antimicrobial Resistance, development of diagnostics for infectious diseases, and Public Health. He serves as a reviewer for some local and international journals. He has received some academic awards, and is a member of academic and scientific bodies, including the Nigerian Society for Microbiology (NSM), the American Society for Microbiology (ASM), the International Society for Infectious Diseases (ISID) and the British Society for Antimicrobial Chemotherapy among others.
Besides academics, Dr. Obande engages in a range of community service and advocacy in both the circular and religious circles.
He is on the board of some non-governmental organizations and religious organizations.
Scopus Identifier: 57214911957
Google Scholar: https://scholar.google.com/citations?hl=en&user=1gxbRT4AAAAJ
Research Gate: https://www.researchgate.net/profile/Godwin_Obande
ORCID: https://orcid.org/0000-0002-3974-9196
Besides academics, Dr. Obande engages in a range of community service and advocacy in both the circular and religious circles.
He is on the board of some non-governmental organizations and religious organizations.
Scopus Identifier: 57214911957
Google Scholar: https://scholar.google.com/citations?hl=en&user=1gxbRT4AAAAJ
Research Gate: https://www.researchgate.net/profile/Godwin_Obande
ORCID: https://orcid.org/0000-0002-3974-9196
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Admission Requirements
O’level and UTME requirements
Admission into the B.Sc. Microbiology programme requires at least credit level passes in five subjects including English Language, Mathematics, Biology, Chemistry, and Physics at the Senior Secondary Certificate Examination (SSCE; WAEC or NECO) or its equivalent. In addition, an acceptable pass in the Unified Tertiary Matriculation Examination (UTME) as set by the University, is required for admission into 100 level.
Direct entry
Candidates with at least two A level passes in GCE, IJMB or JUPEB in two relevant subjects (Biology, Botany, Chemistry, Mathematics and Physics) may be admitted into 200 level, provided they satisfy the ‘O’ Level requirement. Candidates with upper credit or its equivalent at NCE, ND or HND can be considered for admission into 200 level.
Welcome Address
Welcome to the Department of Microbiology, one of the foremost, thriving Departments in FULAFIA!
Here, we are committed to exploring the intricate world of Microbiology, and facilitating a meeting point between science and meaningful societal impact. With a diverse range of courses taught by experienced Faculty members and hands-on laboratory experiences, studying in our Department avails you the chance to uncover the fascinating complexities of the microbial world and how they influence various fields, from healthcare to environmental science, oil and gas, etc.
At the heart of our Department lies a commitment to fostering a vibrant learning environment that feeds your curiosity, nurtures your ideas, and drives innovation. Whether you are seeking to begin your academic journey as an undergraduate, or to expand your expertise at the postgraduate level, we’re here to support you every step of the way.
Feel free to explore our website and learn more about our vibrant pool of Lecturers and staff, research activities, and academic programs. You can reach out to us with any questions or schedule a visit to the Department located on the permanent site campus of FULAFIA. We look forward to welcoming you to the exciting world of Microbiology and together, we can embark on a journey of exploration and enlightenment!