There are three programmes run under the auspice of ACENTDFB which are domiciled in Department of Biochemistry i.e. PGD Forensic Biotechnology, M.Sc Biotechnology and Ph.D Biotechnology

Note that Research emphases for both M.Sc and Ph.D Biotechnology are on neglected tropical diseases, specifically Trypanosomiasis, Lymphatic Filiariasis, Onchocerciasis, Rabies, Dengue, and Trachoma.

The Minimum duration for M.Sc Biotechnology is 2 years (4 semesters), where the first two semesters involve rigorous taught courses which are examined and the remaining two semesters are dedicated to research work. In a situation where a student is unable to complete his programme within the minimum duration, the university gives a maximum grace of another 18 months where a student must complete his programme.

For Ph.D Biotechnology Student, a minimum duration of 3 years i.e 6 semesters; where depending on student’s transcripts, some taught courses can be prescribed in the first two semesters which are examined before the commencement of the research work which is expected to last for 2 years. Similarly, extension can be sought based on the progress of the research work and the university can grant a maximum duration of additional 2 years.

In case of PGD Forensic Biotechnology, it is a professional diploma programme that includes an examinable course work and research project with maximum duration of 18 months.

Each of the following programmes has its own requirements as follows:

PGD Forensic Biotechnology:

i. Applicants must have five (5) credit passes in SSCE including English language, Mathematics, Biology, Chemistry and Physics.

ii. A first degree in Biotechnology, Biochemistry and other life sciences, Agriculture, Veterinary, Medical and Pharmaceutical Sciences with at least a third-class honor of Ahmadu Bello University or HND with upper credit or an equivalent degree from another University recognized by Ahmadu Bello University.

iii. At least two favorable letters of recommendation, one of which must be from the applicant’s previous academic advisor.

iv. Preference of up to Forty percent (40%) of the admission quota will be given to female applicants.

M.Sc. Biotechnology:

i. Applicants must have five (5) credit passes in SSCE including English language, Mathematics, Biology, Chemistry and Physics.

ii. A first degree in Biotechnology, Biochemistry, any other life sciences, Agriculture or Human and Veterinary Medicine, or Pharmaceutical Sciences of Ahmadu Bello University with at least a second-class honor, or an equivalent degree from another University recognized by Ahmadu Bello University Council.

iii. At least two favorable letters of recommendation, one of which must be from the applicant’s previous academic adviser.

iv. Depending on the number of applicants (for local students only), a screening examination may be conducted as part of the selection process

Ph.D Biotechnology

i. Applicants must have five (5) credit passes in SSCE including English language, Mathematics, Biology, Chemistry and Physics.

ii. An applicant who already holds the M.Sc. degree in Biotechnology may be considered for admission into the PhD programme or if the applicant’s M.Sc degree is in relevant/related area and is considered equivalent to that of Ahmadu Bello University. Ph.D candidates with their MSc from Ahmadu Bello University and other Universities should have:

a. Scored a minimum average of ‘B’ or have a CGPA of ≥ 3.50/5.00 in M.Sc. exams.

b. Candidate with equivalent degree with an average of ≥ 60% shall be required to take the core M.Sc courses in Biotechnology that they have not taken or passed previously.

i. For local students only, an interactive session with prospective supervisors may be arranged as part of the selection process

All applicants are required to make the following documents available during the application process:

i. Birth Certificate/Declaration of Age

ii. All academic certificates (Primary School leaving Certificates, Senior School Certificate Examination Results, A/L Certificate(where applicable), B.Sc Degree Cerificate and its transcript, M.Sc Degree Certificate and its transcript (for Ph.D applicants))

iii. Any professional certificates relevant to the application (an added advantage)

iv. A relevant proposal related to the thematic areas of ACENTDFB for Ph.D applicants

v. Recommendation/Reference Letter

To apply into any of our programmes, you need to visit School of Postgraduate Studies, Ahmadu Bello University Zaria website via https://spgs.abu.edu.ng/forms/. From the webpage by the right, there is “create account” where you are expected to input your valid email address and a password of your choice. A confirmation will be sent to mail and then you can login to fill the application form accordingly by providing all the needed information related to your personal and academic background.

Yes, there is application processing fee of payable to School of Postgraduate Studies, Ahmadu Bello University Zaria via Remita at any commercial bank in Nigeria. The prospective applicants outside the country tends to have challenges regarding the payment of processing fee (though Remita is now available in some countries e.g. Ghana), where the local currency payment of #10,000 (equivalent to 30 USD) can be made. The university is currently working on this, to ensure that regional/international applicants can pay their processing fee without any difficulty. Based on this, applicants with such challenges can liaise with ACENTDFB so that any issues regarding the processing fee can be handled effectively.

Once you complete your application form, you will be prompted to generate the transaction ID for payment of processing fee. After generating the transaction ID then there are two ways that application processing fee can be paid; the first involves the use of Remita in any commercial banks that have that window/platform as it is available in some ECOWAS countries and the second one may require anyone within the country to make payment on your behalf using local currency (#10,000 which is equivalent to 30 USD) in Nigerian commercial bank via Remita. Note that for payment to be made on your behalf; your username and password need to be made known to that person.

Yes, Ahmadu Bello University is one of the most culturally diverse learning environment in Nigeria and ACENTDFB can provide English language support courses for Francophone students based on the need either before the start or during the course of their programmes.

Once you obtain an admission into our programme, if you are not from any of the ECOWAS countries then you are required to secure a valid visa before entering Nigeria; this can be obtained in Nigerian High Commission/Embassy of your respective countries. In case of regional applicants that are already in Nigeria, ACENTDFB can help facilitate their registration with Nigerian Immigration Services.

For regional Students, ACENTDFB scholarship covers the following:

i. Tuition and Sundry Charges and fees payable to the University Management for three academic sessions for Ph.D and two academic sessions for M.Sc students

ii. Monthly stipends of 150 USD payable in equivalent Nigerian currency for the entire duration of the programme of study i.e. sufficient to cover for the living expenses.

iii. Cost of reagents, consumables, bench space and use of equipment required in the research work

iv. Provisional accommodation throughout the period of your programme

v. Sponsorship to Conferences and workshops

vi. Timely thesis submission and graduation fee

In case of local students, ACENTDFB takes care of cost of reagents, consumables, bench space and use of equipment required in the research work as well as their sponsorship to conferences and workshops

The programmes provide skilled manpower in the diagnosis, management and prevention of neglected tropical diseases that are currently impeding the social, agricultural and economic advancement of the West African sub-region.

The graduates of the programmes are among the highly sought scientists in Nigerian research institutes (such as Nigerian Institute of Trypanosomiasis, Onchocerchiasis Research, National Research Institute for Chemical Technology, Nigerian Institute of Leather and Science Technology, National Veterinary Research Institute, National Biotechnology Development Agency, etc.) and many private and international laboratories.

Similarly, public, private and state-owned universities consider the graduates of the programme for employment based on their relevant expertise. Regional graduates will stand a chance for similar employment in different parts of the world.