The PhD degree programme has its main objective as the production of manpower with skills in various aspects of biotechnology to solve relevant societal problems.
To be considered for admission into the M.Sc. progammes, the applicant must satisfy the following requirements:
1. Applicants must have five (5) credit passes including English language, Mathematics, Biology, Chemistry and Physics.
2. An applicant who already holds the M.Sc. degree in Biochemistry or any of the Natural Sciences or MSc in Biotechnology, may be considered for direct admission into the Ph.D. Biotechnology programme if the applicant’s M.Sc. is considered equivalent to that of Ahmadu Bello University’s department of Biochemistry and must have scored a minimum CGPA of 4.0/5.0 and Thesis score not less than 60% (B). Candidates that meet these requirements but have not passed any of the core courses in the M.Sc. programme in this department shall be required to register and pass at ‘B’ grade such courses.
3. Candidates in the following categories will be required to enroll for the M. Phil. programme and may be allowed to proceed for the Ph.D. programme after successful completion of the M. Phil. programme:
a. A candidate who’s CGPA at the Master degree level is less than 4.0/5.0 but not lower than 3.5/5.
b. A candidate who’s Master degree programme did not include a thesis component.
c. A candidate who has a Master degree not in Biochemistry but a closely related field.
At least two favorable letters of recommendation, one of which must be from the applicant’s previous academic advisor.
NOTE: A candidate who does not meet the requirement for upgrading of M. Phil programme to a Ph.D. shall be advised to withdraw.
The progarmme shall run for a minimum of SIX (6) semesters and a maximum of NINE (9) semesters.
1. Course work:
a. A Ph.D. candidate is expected to register and pass a minimum of 45CU, but not exceeding 60CU (including Seminar and Dissertation). A ‘B’ grade shall be considered a pass for Ph.D. candidates.
b. A Ph.D. candidate shall present at least three (3) Seminars.
c. Ph.D. candidates unable to conclude their study within the stipulated time but have earned a minimum of 40CU of course work (excluding Seminar and Research credits) and have conducted enough research work for a Project/Thesis.
2. Research: Candidate must demonstrate orally complete mastery of basic theoretical biochemistry as well as successfully defend his/her research dissertation before a panel of internal and external examiners.