ABU’s Microbiology Department Organise 1st Annual Conference

The Department of Microbiology, Ahmadu Bello University, Zaria, in collaboration with the American Society for Microbiology (ASM) has held its first annual Microbiology Conference with the theme “Advancing knowledge and leveraging on relevant skill sets”. 

The conference was convened by Mr. Yusuf A. Tajudeen, the current ASM Young Ambassador for Nigeria and moderated by Dr. Habiba I. Atta of the Department of Microbiology, Ahmadu Bello University, Zaria. It held on Friday, 16th August, 2024 at the Assembly Hall, Main Campus Samaru, Zaria.

The Special Guest of Honour, Vice-Chancellor Prof. Kabiru Bala, represented by the Deputy Vice Chancellor, Academic, Prof. Raymond Bako, encouraged students of the Department to develop researches that will help towards addressing a number of health concerns and for the advancement of knowledge.

The ASM Young Ambassador emphasized the importance of students’ activities in networking opportunities and also on the benefits of mentorship. Dr. Habiba I. Atta encouraged the students to register their membership with the American Society for Microbiology to have access to free resources.

Earlier in a welcome address, the Dean, Faculty of Life Sciences, Prof. Maryam Aminu said the conference was designed to foster in-depth discussions and stimulate innovative thinking across various aspects of Microbiology while also exploring and advancing the frontiers of Microbiological Research. 

The event had an array of paper presentations by scholars from within and outside the University, including “Computational Tools in Genomic Surveillance and Infectious Disease Epidemiology” by Prof. A.B. Suleiman, “Microbial Biotechnology and the Roles of Microbes in Industrial Applications” by Dr. Bishir Musa, and “Preparing Future Microbiologists for Emerging Trends and Technologies” by Dr. Fatima M. Musa from Kaduna State University. 

The Executive President of the National Association of Microbiology Students, Abdurrazak Shuaibu who played a key role in the organisation of the conference expressed his joy at the conduct of the students and thanked the NAMS officials in attendance from Kaduna state University, Bayero University, Kano and Federal University, Dutse and also the President of National Union of Zamfara State Students (NUZAMSS).

In a closing remark, the Head of Department of Microbiology, Professor M.B. Tijjani, thanked the Vice Chancellor and all attendees while encouraging students to always take part in such knowledge packed gatherings. 

Highlights of the event were debate by students of the Department of Microbiology and drama presentation by undergraduate students of the Department of Theatre and Performing Arts, Ahmadu Bello University, Zaria.

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Public Affairs Directorate, 

Office of the Vice-Chancellor, 

Ahmadu Bello University, Zaria 

Wednesday, 21st August, 2024