By Abubakar Baba Ahmad.
The 2025 Biochemistry graduands of Abubakar Tafawa Balewa University (ATBU) Bauchi have become the first set of students to be officially inducted by the Nigerian Society of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology (NSBMB), a historic milestone for the students, institution and the society nationwide.
Similarly, the Vice Chancellor of Nigerian Army University Biu, Professor Lawal Bala Buratai, has urged the graduands to leverage the practical and theoretical knowledge acquired during their studies to provide scientific solutions to present-day societal challenges.
He made the call at the first-ever induction ceremony of over 100 Biochemistry graduands organised by ATBU’s Biochemistry Department in collaboration with NSBMB.
Radio Nigeria Correspondent Abubakar Baba Ahmad reports that the induction marks a significant step for the university and the professional body.
Delivering a keynote address on the theme “Biochemistry in the Digital Era,” Professor Buratai who said the field of biochemistry has no limitations, especially in research breakthroughs in medicine, agriculture and manufacturing, challenged the graduands to explore innovative solutions to problems in their immediate environment.
“Developing nations must therefore prioritise investments in biochemical infrastructure, research funding, international collaboration, technology transfer, innovation grants, and public-private partnerships. So as biochemists , you should be able to look at this widely so that at least you can look at innovations, you can come up with solutions to all problems. The World is in a dynamic flux and therefore professionals must remain alive and responsive to the challenges they find themselves in”, Professor Buratai explains.
He highlighted landmark advancements in the field to include molecular cloning and imaging, enzyme engineering, insulin and vaccine development, gene therapy, as well as bio-fertilisers, pest control and the production of genetically modified organisms.
On the growing impact of Artificial Intelligence in the field, he noted that molecular docking—an AI-powered simulation technique—has become a key tool in modern drug discovery.
“The continuous advancement of biochemical techniques such as molecular cloning, enzyme engineering, proteomics, and bioinformatics has accelerated the pace of technological growth worldwide for developing nations, including those in Africa investing in biochemical research.”
“So biochemistry drives national development by providing molecular knowledge to innovation in medicine, in agriculture, and industries. The nation that actually survives biochemically or through biochemical research strengthens its economy and enhances public health, builds a foundation for a sustainable future”, the Professor of Biochemistry highlights.
Inducting the students, President of NSBMB, Professor Matthew Wegwu, described biochemistry as a lens through which other life science disciplines such as medicine, agriculture and pharmacy are viewed.
He urged the graduands to uphold the character of resilience, integrity, discipline and intellectual courage in their pursuit of knowledge and future discoveries.
“As you are inducted today, always remember that biochemistry is not just a discipline, rather it is indeed a responsibility. I, Professor Wegwu, hereby welcome you to a community of scientists whose work influences drug discovery and development, public health, agriculture, biotechnology, pharmaceuticals, environmental conservation, and numerous sectors.”
” My dear inductees, please note that your skills will be required to solve problems the world is yet to imagine”, NSBMB President says.
In his remarks, the Vice Chancellor, ATBU Professor Ibrahim Hassan Garba, said the global landscape of science is becoming increasingly complex and evolving, hence the need for the graduands to pursue knowledge with passion and a commitment to uplift humanity, ensuring their innovations are grounded in thorough inquiry, collaboration and mentorship.
The Dean, Faculty of Science, Professor Yusuf Haruna—represented by the Deputy Dean Dr Auwal Mahmud—and the Acting Head of Biochemistry Department, Malama Raihanatu Baba, commended the university management for supporting the faculty in curriculum development and infrastructural growth, urging the graduands to remain worthy ambassadors of the institution.
Speaking on behalf of the inductees, the Class Representative Abubakar Abdulaziz appreciated all stakeholders for contributing towards their collective success.
Two graduands, Ruqayyah Zakari Ibrahim and Abubakar Sadiq Umar, were honoured for finishing with outstanding CGPAs of 4.61 and 4.73 respectively.
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