A total of 230 biochemistry graduates from Abubakar Tafawa Balewa University, Bauchi, have officially joined the Nigerian Society of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology as graduate members during the department's second induction ceremony.
What are the core details of the ATBU biochemistry induction?
The event took place at the university campus, focusing on the theme: "The Fate Inheritance Research in Africa: The Contribution of Biochemistry in Diseases, Medicine Development and Public Health in the World." Key figures in attendance included the university vice-chancellor, the national leadership of the professional body, and graduating students who celebrated the successful completion of their rigorous academic programmes.
During the ceremony, ATBU Vice-Chancellor Prof. Ibrahim Garba challenged the newly inducted professionals to deploy their academic training to resolve pressing societal issues and question redundant frameworks within their respective workplaces.
Garba urged the alumni to act as agents of progress across multiple domains, including public health, manufacturing, agriculture, emerging technologies, and enterprise.
"As you step into the wider scientific world, hold fast to these enduring principles. Be the catalyst in every domain you enter, whether healthcare, industry, technology, agriculture, public policy or entrepreneurship," the vice-chancellor stated. He further advised them to cultivate resilience, professional ethics, teamwork, and a lifelong commitment to learning.
Delivering the keynote lecture titled "The Genomic Future of Africa: How African Biochemists Transform Disease Research, Drug Discovery and Global Health," Prof. Ishaya Yohana highlighted the growing relevance of genomics in modern medicine. He noted that understanding genetic structures enables researchers to map out disease progression and formulate targeted therapies.
"Biochemists have been contributing to this because genomics began with biochemistry and molecular biology. Biochemists are pioneers in this field," Yohana remarked, encouraging the inductees to translate laboratory knowledge into practical innovations that benefit humanity.
Representing the national president of the society, O. M. Wegwu, the Vice- President Mohammed Adamu Milala praised the university administration for maintaining the induction tradition. Milala revealed that legislative efforts to establish a national Institute of Biochemistry are currently underway, awaiting presidential assent following successful passage through the National Assembly. He also mentioned that the association has acquired land near Abuja for a proposed multimillion-naira administrative and research complex.
Speaking on behalf of his peers, the outgoing president of the student branch, Shittu Salih, expressed gratitude to the academic faculty for their mentorship and unwavering support throughout their studies.