Prof. Yasutoshi Kido of Osaka Metropolitan University Visits ABU, Strengthens Research Collaboration
Prof. Yasutoshi Kido of Osaka Metropolitan University, Japan, visited Ahmadu Bello University (ABU), Zaria, to strengthen ongoing research collaborations with the Department of Biochemistry and the Africa Centre of Excellence on Neglected Tropical Diseases and Forensic Biotechnology (ACENTDFB).
Chris Oyeoku Okafor 
Ahmadu Bello University (ABU), Zaria, recently hosted Prof. Yasutoshi Kido of Osaka Metropolitan University, Japan, as part of ongoing international collaborations in research and academic development. During his visit, Prof. Kido met with the Vice-Chancellor, Prof. Kabiru Bala, to discuss the progress of his research partnership with the Department of Biochemistry and the Africa Centre of Excellence on Neglected Tropical Diseases and Forensic Biotechnology (ACENTDFB).
Prof. Kido, who has been actively collaborating with Prof. Emmanuel Balogun of the Department of Biochemistry, revealed that their joint efforts have resulted in over 20 research publications. He extended an invitation to the Vice-Chancellor for an upcoming international conference in Japan, emphasizing the importance of cross-border academic exchanges.
As a testament to the impact of the partnership, two postgraduate students from ABU’s Department of Biochemistry, currently completing their M.Sc. degrees, are set to travel to Japan for their Ph.D. programs, fully sponsored by the Japanese Government.
Expressing appreciation for the warm reception at ABU, Prof. Kido described the hospitality as exceptional and reaffirmed his commitment to sustaining the collaboration.
Representing the Vice-Chancellor, the Deputy Vice-Chancellor (Advancement, Research, and Innovation), Prof. Sanusi Aliyu Rafindadi, welcomed Prof. Kido and acknowledged the significance of international academic collaborations. He reiterated that ABU prioritizes research and innovation, with many patented discoveries attributed to such partnerships.
Prof. Bala expressed gratitude for the invitation to Japan and emphasized the university’s dedication to fostering global research alliances. He assured that ABU remains committed to enhancing knowledge exchange through strategic partnerships.
Key university officials present at the event included the Acting Registrar, Dr. Aliyu D. Kankia; Representative of the Bursar, Malam Shehu Garba; Acting University Librarian, Dr. Abubakar Abdullahi Mohammed; and Director, Directorate of Research and Innovation, Prof. J.J. Maina. Others were the Director of Advancement and International Education, Prof. Sani Abba Aliyu, mni; Dean of Students Affairs, Prof. Sahalu Junaidu; Deputy Director of Research and Innovation, Dr. Auwal Ibrahim; Coordinator of the Intellectual Property Unit, Prof. Emmanuel Balogun; and Special Assistant to the Vice-Chancellor, Malam Auwal Yusuf Mohammed.
This visit marks another milestone in ABU’s commitment to fostering international research collaborations and expanding opportunities for students and faculty members alike.
