ATBU VC urges biochemists to challenge outdated scientific assumptions

The Vice-Chancellor of Abubakar Tafawa Balewa University, Bauchi, Prof Ibrahim Garba, has urged newly inducted biochemists to challenge outdated scientific assumptions, question inefficient systems and deploy their knowledge to address societal challenges.

Garba gave the charge at the second induction and oath-taking ceremony of the Department of Biochemistry, where 230 graduates were inducted as graduate members of the Nigerian Society of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology.

He urged the inductees to become catalysts for positive change in their respective fields, including healthcare, industry, agriculture, technology and entrepreneurship.

He said, “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.

“Remember that catalysts do not force reactions; they make them happen. Challenge inefficient systems, question outdated assumptions and lower the activation energy required for positive change.”

The Vice-Chancellor also urged the graduates to cultivate resilience, collaboration, professional integrity and continuous learning, stressing that scientific breakthroughs could not be achieved in isolation.

“No biological system functions in isolation, and no transformational breakthrough is achieved alone. Build strong interdisciplinary bridges, cross-sectoral partnerships and enduring professional and personal bonds,” he added.

He further advised them to uphold scientific integrity, accuracy and honesty, noting that their professional reputation would remain more valuable than any achievement obtained through unethical practices.

In his keynote address, titled, “The Genomic Future of Africa: How African Biochemists Transform Disease Research, Drug Discovery and Global Health,” Prof Ishaya Yohana challenged the inductees to identify societal problems within their areas of specialisation and develop practical solutions.

Yohana explained that genomics, which studies the genetic material and makeup of organisms, had become critical to understanding diseases, developing effective treatments and improving global healthcare.

He said understanding the genetic makeup of individuals could help scientists determine how diseases developed and how patients responded to treatment.

According to him, understanding the genomes of disease-causing organisms could also assist researchers in developing more effective drugs.

He said, “Biochemists have been contributing to this because genomics began with biochemistry and molecular biology. Biochemists are pioneers in this field.

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“We isolate genomes, sequence them, study them, understand the markers and pathways, and are able to mitigate whatever challenges pathogens may present.”

The keynote speaker urged the newly inducted graduates to apply the principles of biochemistry beyond laboratories and academic environments, saying the discipline offered opportunities to address challenges affecting different aspects of human life.

“I encourage these inductees and others to look out for problems worthy of their training and find solutions to them because biochemistry studies life, the very foundation of life.

“They should go out there and be the change agents they call themselves in society,” he added.

Earlier, the National President of the Nigerian Society of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, O. M. Wegwu, represented by his Vice-President, Mohammed Adamu Milala, commended ATBU for sustaining the induction programme.

He disclosed that the society was making efforts to establish an Institute of Biochemistry in Nigeria, adding that the proposal had passed through the National Assembly and was awaiting presidential assent.

Wegwu also said the society had secured a plot of land on the outskirts of Abuja for the construction of a N15m complex to promote research, innovation and professional activities.

He encouraged the inductees to remain committed to professional excellence and contribute to advancing biochemistry in Nigeria and beyond.

Speaking on behalf of the inductees, the ATBU branch President of the Nigerian Society of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Shittu Salih, expressed appreciation to the university’s management and lecturers for their contributions to the students’ academic journey.

He described their training as demanding but rewarding, noting that the graduates had overcome several academic challenges to emerge stronger and better prepared for professional responsibilities.

Salih said, “We did not merely survive the journey; we grew through each challenge. We have emerged stronger, more knowledgeable, more resilient and determined to leave our footprints in the sands of our department’s history.”

He also acknowledged the efforts of their lecturers in helping them discover the value and practical relevance of biochemistry.