DEPARTMENT OF BIOLOGICAL SCIENCES
Professor Emmanuel Hala Kwon-Ndung hails from Riyom LGA of Plateau State, Nigeria. His major area of specialization is Plant Genetics and Breeding. He has visited many countries for various academic researches. He holds membership of various organizations which include: Genetics Society of Nigeria, Agricultural Society of Nigeria, Botanical Society of Nigeria, Biotechnology Society of Nigeria, African Crop Science Society, Nigerian Environmental Society and Fellow, Chinese Academy of Sciences. He has being consulting for many states of federation in the last decades and had contributed to the growth of the country in his area of specialization. He has authored over 60 publications in local and international journals and conference proceedings. His research has led to the release of three Indigenous smut resistant industrial sugarcane varieties for cultivation in Nigeria. The varieties are namely NCS 003, NCS 006 and NCS 007 released from the National Cereals Research Institute Badeggi, Nigeria by the National Variety Release Committee, Moor Plantation, Ibadan, Nigeria between 1998 and 2000. While variety NCS 003 was through bi-parental cross, varieties NCS 006 and NCS007 were through gamma irradiation technology. The record is available online at: http://www.nsdc.gov.ng/docs/pdf/nsdcsv1.pdf
CONTACT DETAILS
Department of Biological Sciences,
Faculty of Natural & Applied Sciences,
Nasarawa State University,
P.M.B. 1022, Keffi,
Nasarawa State, Nigeria.
Email: kwon_ndung@yahoo.com
Phone No: 08036488345
HISTORY OF THE DEPARTMENT
The Department of Biological Sciences was established in the 2001/2002 academic session but the initial takeoff of academic activities was in March 2002. The foundation staff was S.D. Gyar, J.K. Makpo. G.A. Amuga and M.D. Makut and the first intake of students were eleven (11) in number all admitted into the Department of Biological Sciences and later streamlined into Botany, Microbiology and Zoology degree programmes at the end of 200 Level.
The Departmental administration was initially headed by a Coordinator of Biological Sciences, Mr. S.D. Gyar until in 2004 when Coordinators for the three Units were appointed. Mr. A.O. Ogaraku (now Dr. A.O. Ogaraku) was coordinator of Botany, Mr. S.D Gyar Microbiology and Mr. J.K. Makpo Zoology. Mr. S.D. Gyar still served as coordinator of the entire Department.
The first Head of Department, Professor H.O.A. Oluma was appointed in November 2005 while on sabbatical leave in the Department. He hosted the first NUC accreditation team of the Department and the Botany and Zoology programmes were successful into full accreditation status with the NUC while the Microbiology programme obtained an interim accreditation status. Professor Oluma completed his sabbatical in January 2007 and Professor E.H. Kwon-Ndung was appointed as the Head of Department from February 2007.
The Department has grown in strength in both academic activities and research linkages. The Department is currently collaborating with several institutions on research and development such as National Sugar Development Council, Abuja (NSDC) through the NSDC/NSUK Sugarcane varietal development and breeding project, National Biotechnology Development Agency Abuja (NABDA), The National Centre for Remote Sensing Jos, National Root Crops Research Institute Umudike, Sheda Science and Technology Complex Abuja among others.
The Department has successfully hosted the 3rd Annual Conference of the Zoological Society of Nigeria (2006), Microbiology Society of Nigeria (2006) and the 34th Annual Conference of the Nigerian Society for Plant Protection (2007).
Currently, the Department runs three degree programmes, namely, Microbiology, Plant Science and Biotechnology and Zoology. Students are admitted into these programmes at the beginning of the 100 Level. The Department has three functional laboratories with one laboratory dedicated to each of the degree programmes and a General Biology Laboratory. New laboratory spaces have recently been allocated to the Microbiology and Plant Science and Biotechnology programmes. Requests for benching, piping and furniture is being considered by Management. A Research and Experimental Garden is presently in existence with various indigenous and exotic species of diverse species of plants. The plot is intended to be developed into a standard Botanical Garden. A functional fish pond stocked with assorted species of fishes is available and an animal house and Insectory are planned for construction.
All the three degree programmes presently have full accreditation status with the National Universities Commission.
ADMISSION REQUIREMENTS:
The minimum requirement for undergraduate admission in accordance with the minimum academic standards of the NUC is the WASC, SSCE, NECO, GCE and any other approved equivalent qualification with credit passes in at least five (5) subjects. The subjects must include ENGLISH LANGUAGE, MATHEMATICS, BIOLOGY, CHEMISTRY AND PHYSICS. Admission will be through JAMB (UME), in English language, Physics, Chemistry and Biology. Qualified candidates from the University’s School of Preliminary Studies will also be admitted. Similarly, candidates with principal pass graded (A-E) at the Advanced level in BIOLOGY and any ONE of the major subjects (Chemistry, Geography, Mathematics and Physics) may be considered for Direct Entry Admission and undertake the three-year degree programme from 200 level. Such candidates must however possess the relevant O level requirements. The normal duration of B.Sc. degree programme is four years (eight semesters) for students admitted into the 100-level and three years (six semesters) for students admitted into 200-level. The maximum period of study permissible is six years (twelve semesters) for the four-year degree programme and five years (ten semesters) for the three-year programme. Students for the Bachelor’s degree may be admitted either by:
i. Passing the Joint Admission and Matriculation Examination (University Matriculation Examination, UME) or
ii. Direct Entry to the three-year programme in addition to the relevant O’level requirements
LIST OF ACADEMIC STAFF AND QUALIFICATIONS
1. Professor E. H. Kwon-Ndung, B.Sc. (ABU, 1988), M.Sc. (Jos, 1991), PhD (Jos, 1999); Professor, Plant Genetics and Breeding and Head of Department of Biological Sciences.
2. Professor A.J. Ajayi (Contract).
3. Professor G. I. Anyanwu(Contract)
4. Professor S.J. Oniye (Visiting). B.Sc (ABU, 1979), M.Sc (ABU, 1982), PhD(ABU, 1999).
5. Professor O. Amali (Visiting Lecturer, Parasitology)
6. Professor S.P. Bako (Visiting Lecturer, Plant Physiology)
7. Dr. Y.B. Ngwai (Associate Professor and Coordinator Microbiology)
8. Dr. I. G. Ameh. B.Sc (Jos, 198), M.Sc (Jos, 1994), PhD (, Jos). Associate Professor, Sabbatical
9. Dr. Mrs, R.A. Obande. B.Sc (ABU), M.Sc (Jos), PhD (UniLag, 2006). Senior Lecturer Sabbatical, Fisheries and Hydrobiology
10. Dr. M. Raji, DVM, (1991) ABU, M.Sc ABU, 1999), PhD Tanzania, 2005)
11. Dr. R.A. Anyam, B.Sc (ABU, 1970), M.Sc (ABU, 1980), PhD (Wales, UK. 1984). Senior Lecturer, Visiting
12. Dr. (Mrs.) G. R. I. Pennap, B.Sc (ABU, 1981), M.Sc (ABU, 1985); PhD (ABU, 2002), Senior Lecturer, Virology
13. Dr. A. O. Ogaraku, B.Sc (Lagos, 1990); M.Sc (Jos, 1996). PhD, Jos (2006) Senior Lecturer, Applied Microbiology and Plant Pathology
14. Mr. S. D. Gyar, B.Sc, (ABU, 1984); M.Sc (Jos, 1991), Senior Lecturer, Industrial Microbiology
15. Shobbha Channgani, B.Sc (Jodhpur (India) 1971, M.Sc (Jodhpur (India)1974. Senior Lecturer, Horticulture
16. Dr. J. C. Onovoh, B.Sc (Jos, 1995), M.Sc. (Lagos, 2000), PhD(Lagos, 2010). Lecturer I
17. Mr. J. K. Makpo, B.Sc (Jos, 1985); M.Sc (Jos, 1993), Lecturer I
18. Mr. G. A. Amuga, B.Sc (ABU, 1988); M.Sc (Jos, 1995), Lecturer I and Unit Coordinator Zoology
19. Mr. M. D. Makut, B.Sc(Ed) (Jos, 1995); M.Sc (Jos, 2001), Lecturer I
20. Mr. J.C. Tongjura B.Sc (ABU, 1990), M.Sc (Jos, 1995). Lecturer II
21. Mr. H. A. Banyigyi, B.Sc (ABU, 1993), M.Sc (ABU, 1998). Lecturer II
22. Mrs. R. J. Ombugadu, B.Sc (ABU, 1984); M.Sc (Jos, 1995), Lecturer II
23. Mr. A.B. Yako, B.Sc (Jos, 1995), M.Sc (Jos, 2000). Lecturer II
24. Mr. D. Ishaleku, B.Sc (Jos, 1991.) M.Sc (Makurdi, 2006). Lecturer II
25. Mr. J.A. Allahnana. B.Sc (Abuja, 1998), M.Sc (Abuja, 2008). Assistant
26. Mr. M.P. Adoga, B.Sc (Jos, 2003), M.Sc(Jos, 2009). Assistant Lecturer
LIST OF NON - ACADEMIC STAFF
1. Mr. Usman Dodo, H.ND 1995, Chief Technologist.
2. Mr. Samuel A. Aboh, ISLT (ABU, 1983.) Chief technologist
3. Mr. Sunday Corosi Madaki, HND, 1993. Senior Technologist
4. Miss Mercy Ubimago, HND, 2001.Technologist II
5. Mrs. Naomi Ngadda, HND, 2007. Technologist II
6. Mr. Abdullahi Omale, HND, 2006. Technologist II
7. Mrs. Larai Hassan, OND, 2006. Assistant Technologist
7. Mr. Gyangzu Audu Boyi, Laboratory Supervisor
8. Mr. Sunday Dickson, Laboratory Attendant
9. Miss Ladi Ekpo, Cleaner
10. Mrs. Tina Alu, Cleaner
11. Mr. Jonathan Ashakata, Gardener
12. Mr. D.O. Akpa, (N.C.E). Computer Operator and Departmental Secretary
COURSES OFFERED
1. MICROBIOLOGY DEGREE PROGRAMME
The Microbiology degree programme of the Biological Sciences Department started with the inception of the University. The first sets of students into the programme were admitted for 2001/2002 session. The Department offers courses to students of Microbiology to prepare them not only to be knowledgeable in the science of Microbiology, but also to be useful in the upliftment of the social and economic well being of all Nigerians.
Courses offered cover all areas of basic and applied microbiology and these prepare students for a Bachelor of Science (Honours) degree in Microbiology.
The degree is a four-year full time programme, within which a six months Industrial Training is incorporated. The programme is not only a specialist programme, but it is also designed to be relevant to the social and economic needs of the nation.
The programme is based on the National Universities Commission (NUC) approved minimum standard (1990) for all Nigerian Universities. In reflection to the specialized nature of the programme, emphasis is given to practicals and acquisition of practical skills.
The Philosophy and Objectives of the Programme
Since inception, the Programme has been involved in teaching Basic and Applied Microbiology as well as making findings on local problems of Microbiology interest. The vision of the programme is therefore, to produce graduates who are not only knowledgeable in the science of Microbiology, but who can make significant contributions to the development of Nigeria and the human society at large. The programme is aimed at training graduate students who would have adequate background knowledge and practical skills for application in postgraduate research, teaching, industrial production, medicine, environmental management and biotechnology.
The specific objectives of the programme are:
(i) To equip the undergraduate students with a sound knowledge of the fundamental principles involved in the study of microbiology.
(ii) To produce graduates that would make impact in the diverse fields of human endeavour considering the ubiquitous nature of microorganism and the wide–ranging applications of the knowledge of microbiology.
(iii) To provide focus for a career in various fields of Applied Science including Medicine, Pharmacy, Mining, Biotechnology, Industrial Production, Environmental Management, Agriculture and even the computer industry.
2. PLANT SCIENCE AND BIOTECHNOLOGY DEGREE PROGRAMME
In line with the mission of the University which is to encourage and enable individuals to develop their full potentials by providing qualitative and stimulating learning environment encompassing a wide range of relevant educational activities for efficient, dedicated and selfless service to the state, nation and the world at large, the Plant Science and Biotechnology degree programme of the Department of Biological Sciences offer courses in Plant Science and Biotechnology to prepare students not only to be knowledgeable in the science of Plant Science and Biotechnology but also to be useful in the struggle to uplift the social and economic well being of all Nigerians. The courses are tailored in such a way as to prepare the students in the pure and applied aspects of Plant Science and Biotechnology with a commitment that is predicated on the philosophical belief of this University in constructive thinking, positive action and freedom of conscience. The degree programme is based on the National Universities’ Commission benchmark for the minimum academic standard for the Sciences.
The Philosophy of the programme therefore is aimed at producing graduates who will acquire knowledge in Plant Science and Biotechnology and will use it to contribute to national development in agriculture, science and technology, environment, industry, health and other related applications of Plant Science and Biotechnology
The specific Aims and Objectives include:
1. To expose the students to the fundamental principles of Plant Science and
Biotechnology so as to inculcate in them the role of plants in human development.
2. To expose the students to practical applications of Plant Science and Biotechnology and introduce them to using plants in agriculture, health, environment and industry. Hence, a six – months industrial training and field experience is incorporated as part of the four year degree programme.
3. To provide students with knowledge and skill base for postgraduate studies and independent research studies in Plant Science and Biotechnology
The B.Sc Degree in Plant Science and Biotechnology replaced the former B.Sc degree in Botany which was offered in the University from inception to 2006/2007 academic session. The curriculum is essentially the same but it has some minor changes which specifically reflect how biotechnology can be applied in enhanced and result-oriented or demand-driven plant science research and development. It is very significant to note that current and projected variation in the universal application of science and technology for man’s use is dynamic. Hence it is vital to explore innovative advances and decisions for science and technology to solve problems in plant science and associated disciplines. Conventional science is no longer realistic in meeting up with these challenges, and thus the incorporation of biotechnology in the studies of plant science is not only overdue but also very relevant for enhanced application of the derived capacity in agriculture, environment, medicine and allied industries.
3. ZOOLOGY DEGREE PROGRAMME.
The Zoology Programme offers courses to students of Zoology to prepare them not only to be knowledgeable in the science of zoology but also to be relevant and useful in the struggle to uplift the social, moral and economic well-being of the country. Courses are offered to prepare the students for a B.Sc. degree in Pure and Applied Zoology. A six months industrial training period is incorporated into the four-year degree programme
The Bachelor’s degree programme is not only a specialist programme but it is also tailored to suit the needs of the nation as much as possible. The programme is based on the National University Commission’s Benchmark Minimum Academic Standard for Sciences.
PHILOSOPHY, MAJOR AIMS AND OBJECTIVES OF THE PROGRAMME
The programme aims at producing zoologists who are visionary, determined and resolute in their pursuit of knowledge and excellence that will leave their footprints on the sand of time. Students in the programme are exposed to a wide area of human, animal and ecological organization and distribution, as well as being good citizens.
Graduates in the programme will be useful in:
I. Research Institutions and Universities.
II. Hospitals, Agriculture and Forestry establishments.
III. Oil companies, Ministries and Foreign Services.
IV. Post-primary and Tertiary Institutions
V. Libraries as Science Reference Librarians.
VI. Banking Services; VII) FAO, WHO and VIII) Self Employment
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