BIOTECHNOLOGY

About the Department

The Department of Biotechnology at the Federal University of Technology, Minna, was established in September 2025.  The department was established to meet the growing demand for skilled Biotechnology expert, and aims to provide rigorous training, innovative research and practical experience in the field of Biotechnology. The Department is committed to creating a new generation of professionals equipped with the scientific knowledge, ethical standard and technical skills needed to apply biological systems and modern technologies responsibly in solving problems related to health, agriculture, industry, and the environment through research, innovation, and professional collaboration across Nigeria and beyond.

The entire programme is flexibly structured to accommodate students with science-oriented background who are interested in the programme. The structures and courses of the degree are based on NUC requirement of core Curriculum and minimum academic standards (CCMAS).

Brief History of the Department

The Department of Biotechnology was established in September 2025 by the current Vice Chancellor, Professor Faruk Adamu Kuta after resource verification and approval by the Nigeria Universities Commission (NUC). Three academic staff from the Department of Plant Biology and Biochemistry were redeployed to the Department with the appointment of Dr A. A. Gado as the Pioneer Head of Department. One board room and two laboratories were allocated to the Department by management, indicating the commitment of university management to the progress and development of the new department.

Vision

To be a leading centre of excellence in biotechnology education, research, and innovation, recognized for producing competent graduates and impactful research that advance scientific knowledge and contribute to sustainable development and improved quality of life. 

Mission

Provide high-quality teaching and training in biotechnology grounded in sound biological and technological principles. Produce skilled, innovative, and ethically responsible graduates capable of meeting the needs of industry, research institutions, and society. Encourage innovation, entrepreneurship, and the application of biotechnology for sustainable economic and environmental development.

 

Plant Genetics

Plant Genetics is the scientific study of genes, genetic variation, and heredity in plants. It explores how traits are passed from one generation to another and how DNA sequences influence plant growth, development, yield, and resistance to stresses. This field forms the foundation for understanding plant genomes, gene functions, and mutations. Modern plant genetics uses advanced tools like genome sequencing, CRISPR gene editing, and marker-assisted selection to accelerate crop improvement

Plant Breeding

Plant Breeding is the art and science of improving the genetic makeup of plants to develop new varieties with desirable traits such as higher yield, better quality, disease resistance, and environmental adaptability. Traditional plant breeding involves selective crossing and selection over many generations, while modern approaches integrate biotechnology and genomics. It has been crucial in the Green Revolution and continues to be essential for developing climate-resilient crops.

Dr. Aishatu Adamu Gado

HOD, Biotechnology

EMAIL: biotech@futminna.edu.ng

Phone Number: +234 803 621 8125

Head of Department

Programmes Offered

PROGRAMMES OFFERED

   (i)   Undergraduate: Bachelor of Technology (B. Tech), in Biotechnology
   (ii)  Postgraduate: Not Applicable

(iii) Accreditation status: Approved by NUC after resource verification

Students Statistics

LEVELS

FEMALE

MALE

TOTAL

100

10

5

15

 

 

 

 
  1. News and Events

Minimum: NIL.

Research Outputs

(i) Total publications: 40

(ii) Citation count: 1619

(iii) Research areas

Plant Genetics, Plant Breeding, Molecular Biology, Plant Biotechnology, Bio nanotechnology etc.

(iv) International co-authorship percentage (h-index: 33, and i10-index: 42)

(v) Grants (6), Patents (NIL), Commercialization (NIL)

(vi) Journal hosted / published by the school

International Journal of Applied Biological Research (IJABR)

(vii) Collaborations: (International NIL), (Local 4)

(viii) Awards (If available); NIL

Journal hosted / published by the School

S/N

 

 

NAME OF STAFF

QUALIFICATION, DATES OBTAINED AND SPECIALIZATION, MEMBERSHIP OF PROFESSIONAL ASSOCIATION

PUBLICATIONS

RESEARCH GRANTS

1

Dr. O. A. Y. Daudu

B.Sc. (2006), M.Tech. (2011), Ph.D (2015) Botany (Plant Breeding & Genetics

1. Audu, M.A.I., Falusi, O.A., Muhammad, M.L., Daudu, O.A.Y., and Abubakar, A. (2021). Pollen Viability and Germinability of Gamma Irradiated M4 Lines of Sesame. Badeggi Journal of Agricultural Research and Environment, 2021, 03(02), 11–18. DOI: https://doi.org/10.35849/BJARE202102002. http://repository.futminna.edu.ng:8080/jspui/handle/123456789/5920.

2. Abubakar, A., Falusi, A. O., Daudu, O. A. Y., Kolo, J. T., Salaudeen, J. A. and Chikwendu, C. S. (2022). Study of Molecular Diversity in Celosia argentea Cristata (L.) Mutants using RAPD Markers. Badeggi Journal of Agricultural Research and Environment, 04(02), 01 – 09.

3. Daudu O.A.Y., Falusi O.A., Adebola M.O., Abubakar A., Dangana M.C., Abdulsalami H., Thomas, T, and Ibrahim T.A. (2022). Survey and Botanical Description of some Common Ornamental Plants in Federal University of Technology Minna, Bosso Campus. Nigerian Journal of Horticultural Science, Vol. 26 (4), 28-36. ISSN 1118-2733.

4. Aishatu A. Gado, Ibrahim A. Salihu, Muhammad A.I. Audu, Alhaji L. Abubakar, Yusuf O.A. Daudu and Muhammad A. Salihu. (2023). Studies on soil physico-chemical properties and biochemical composition of selected vegetables collected from locally irrigated farmland with municipal wastewater in Minna, Niger State, Nigeria. Israel Journal of Plant Sciences, 1-10. doi: 10.1163/22238980-bja10082.

5. Aremu, M. B., Adebola, M. O., Salaudeen, M. T., Egwim, C. E., Gbadeyan, S. T., & Daudu, O. A. Y. (2023). Antifungal Efficacy of Chitosan against Blast Pathogenic Fungi (Magnaporthe oryzae) on Rice (Oryza sativa) Field. Badeggi Journal of Agricultural Research and Environment, 5(1), 89–96. https://doi.org/10.35849/BJARE202301/91/009.

6. Yusuf O.A. DAUDU, Olamide A. FALUSI, Abdulhakeem ABUBAKAR, Ibrahim A. SALIHU, Shaibu O. OTARU, Muflihah A. UMAR (2021). Aqueous seed extracts of Jimson weed (Datura stramonium L.) stimulate morpho-agronomic attributes in selected soybean [Glycine max (L.) Merr.] Varieties. Notulae Scientia Biologicae 13(1):10876. DOI:10.15835/nsb13110876. http://repository.futminna.edu.ng:8080/jspui/handle/123456789/460 

7. Kolo Josephine Teni, Falusi Olamide Ahmed, Daudu Oladipupo Abdulazeez Yusuf, Adebola Matthew Omoniyi, Abubakar Abdulhakeem, Gado Aishatu Adamu (2021). Evaluation of Agro-morphological and Pollen Parameters of M2 Generation of Capsicum annuum Exposed to Fast Neutron Irradiation (FNI). American Journal of Plant Biology.  6(2): 34-38. http://www.sciencepublishinggroup.com/j/ajpb. doi: 10.11648/j.ajpb.20210602.13. ISSN: 2578-8329 (Print); ISSN: 2578-8337 (Online). http://repository.futminna.edu.ng:8080/jspui/handle/123456789/461.

8. Tanko Thomas, Olamide Ahmed Falusi, Oladipupo Abdulazeez Yusuf Daudu, Matthew Omoniyi Adebola, Abdulhakeem Abubakar (2021). Phenotypic Variability in Germplasm Collection of African Yam (Dioscorea spp) in North Central Nigeria. Journal of Plant Sciences, 9 (6), 303-308. doi: 10.11648/j.jps.20210906.14. 

9. Daudu, O.A.Y., Falusi, O.A., Abubakar, A., Azuh, V.O., Gado, A.A. and Ahiwe, A.U. (2022). Pollen Parameters Estimates and Molecular Characterisation of Selected Varieties of Soybean [Glycine max (L.) Merril]. Biotechnology, 21, 22-29. DOI: 10.3923/biotech.2022.22.29.

10. Yahaya, S.A., Enaberue, L.O., Falusi, O.A., Daudu, O.A.Y., Koloche, I.M., Gado, A.A. and Hamza, A.M. (2022). Morphological Marker for Gender Identification in Date Palm (Phoenix dactylifera L.) at the Seedling Stage Using RAPD-PCR Analysis. SAJ Biotechnology, 8 (1), 101. ISSN: 2375-6713.

11. Daudu Oladipupo Abdulazeez Yusuf, Falusi Olamide Ahmed, Abubakar Abdulhakeem, Gado Aishatu Adamu, Abdulsalami Halima and Suleiman Halima Moja. (2022) Biochemical Characterisation of Fruits for Establishing Phylogenetic Relationship among Members of Arecaceae (Palmae) in North-Central Nigeria. Research Journal of Botany, 17 (1): 1-10. https://doi.org/10.17311/rjb.2022.1.10.

12. Aremu, M. B., Adebola, M. O., Salaudeen, M. T., Egwim, C. E., Gbadeyan, S. T., & Daudu, O. A. Y. (2023). Antifungal Efficacy of Chitosan against Blast Pathogenic Fungi (Magnaporthe oryzae) on Rice (Oryza sativa) Field. Badeggi Journal of Agricultural Research and Environment, 5(1), 89–96. https://doi.org/10.35849/BJARE202301/91/009.

13. Daudu, O. A. Y., Falusi, O. A., Abubakar, A., Bello, I. M., Abdulsalami, H. and Otaru, S. O. (2023). Gamma Irradiation Doses reduce Cooking time and Improve Nutritional Profile of selected Pigeon pea [Cajanus cajan (L.) Millsp] Genotypes in Nigeria. Badeggi Journal of Agricultural Research and Environment, 5(3), 83–94. DOI: https://doi.org/10.35849/BJARE202303/138/011.

14. Daudu,O. A. Y., Falusi, O. A., Abubakar, A., Gado, A. A., Dangana, M. C., Audu M. A. I, and Adebimpe Y. A. (2023). Yield Attributes and Biochemical Compositions of Elites and Landraces of Pigeon Pea [Cajanus cajan (L.) Millsp]. Badeggi Journal of Agricultural Research and Environment, 5(3), 95-109   DOI: https://doi.org/10.35849/BJARE202303/139/012.                                                                                                                                                     

15. Daudu, O.A.Y., Abubakar, A., Bello, I. M., Gado, A.A., Otaru, S.O. and Nwosu, D.J. (2025). Gamma-irradiation and synthesized silver nanoparticles from neem seeds stimulate leaf morphometric traits and nutritional profiles of Pigeon pea [Cajanus cajan (L.) Millsp]. International Journal of Applied Biological Research, 16 (2): 148 – 159 (2025).

 

Africa Centre of Excellence for Mycotoxin and Food Safety.  NUC/ES/507/VOL.1/304

 

 

Germplasm Characterisation and Screening for Early-Maturing and Fall Armyworm Tolerant Maize Accessions in North-Central Nigeria. TETFund INSTITUTION BASED RESEARCH (IBR), 2025.

 

2

Dr. Gado, A. A

B.Sc. Ed (Biology) (2000), M.Tech. (2014), Ph.D (2018), Applied Plant Genetics & Breeding

1. Aishatu A. Gado, Ibrahim A. Salihu, Muhammad A.I. Audu, Alhaji L. Abubakar, Yusuf O.A. Daudu and Muhammad A. Salihu. (2023). Studies on soil physico-chemical properties and biochemical composition of selected vegetables collected from locally irrigated farmland with municipal wastewater in Minna, Niger State, Nigeria. Israel Journal of Plant Sciences, 1-10. doi: 10.1163/22238980-bja10082.

2. Kolo Josephine Teni, Falusi Olamide Ahmed, Daudu Oladipupo Abdulazeez Yusuf, Adebola Matthew Omoniyi, Abubakar Abdulhakeem, Gado Aishatu Adamu (2021). Evaluation of Agro-morphological and Pollen Parameters of M2 Generation of Capsicum annuum Exposed to Fast Neutron Irradiation (FNI). American Journal of Plant Biology.  6(2): 34-38. http://www.sciencepublishinggroup.com/j/ajpb. doi: 10.11648/j.ajpb.20210602.13. ISSN: 2578-8329 (Print); ISSN: 2578-8337 (Online). http://repository.futminna.edu.ng:8080/jspui/handle/123456789/461.

3. Daudu, O.A.Y., Falusi, O.A., Abubakar, A., Azuh, V.O., Gado, A.A. and Ahiwe, A.U. (2022). Pollen Parameters Estimates and Molecular Characterisation of Selected Varieties of Soybean [Glycine max (L.) Merril]. Biotechnology, 21, 22-29. DOI: 10.3923/biotech.2022.22.29.

4. Yahaya, S.A., Enaberue, L.O., Falusi, O.A., Daudu, O.A.Y., Koloche, I.M., Gado, A.A. and Hamza, A.M. (2022). Morphological Marker for Gender Identification in Date Palm (Phoenix dactylifera L.) at the Seedling Stage Using RAPD-PCR Analysis. SAJ Biotechnology, 8 (1), 101. ISSN: 2375-6713.

5. Daudu Oladipupo Abdulazeez Yusuf, Falusi Olamide Ahmed, Abubakar Abdulhakeem, Gado Aishatu Adamu, Abdulsalami Halima and Suleiman Halima Moja. (2022). Biochemical Characterisation of Fruits for Establishing Phylogenetic Relationship among Members of Arecaceae (Palmae) in North-Central Nigeria. Research Journal of Botany, 17 (1): 1-10. https://doi.org/10.17311/rjb.2022.1.10.

6. Ibrahim Alhassan Salihu , Abubakar Alhaji Liman , Muhammad Liman Muhammad  , Aishatu Adamu Gado , Mohammed Alhassan Salihu, Adamu Saba Mohammed (2022) Accumulation of heavy metals and minerals in soil rhizosphere and organs of Parkia biglobosa and Butryospermum paradoxum growing at the lead polluted site in Niger State, Nigeria. Botanica, 28(1), 67–74

7. Haruna,H.B., Falusi, O.A., Daudu, O.A.Y., Gado, A.A. (2024). Effect of Gamma Irradiation on submergence Tolerance of some Lowland Rice (Oriza sativa L.) Mutant lines. Bioscene 21(4), 480-493.

8. Daudu,O. A. Y., Falusi, O. A., Abubakar, A., Gado, A. A., Dangana, M. C., Audu M. A. I, and Adebimpe Y. A. (2023). Yield Attributes and Biochemical Compositions of Elites and Landraces of Pigeon Pea [Cajanus cajan (L.) Millsp]. Badeggi Journal of Agricultural Research and Environment, 5(3), 95-109   DOI: https://doi.org/10.35849/BJARE202303/139/012.

9. Dangana, M. C; Falusi, O. A; Daudu, O.A.Y; Abubakar, A; Audu,Mai;Gado, A. A (2025). Nutritional Composition, Fatty Acid Profile, and Biochemical Characteristics of SixVarieties of Cotton (Gossypium hirsutum L) Seed, and Cottonseed Oil Cultivated in Northern Nigeria J. Appl.Sci. Environ. Manage. 29 (9) 2884-2891

 

10.  Momoh, E. B., Gado, A. A., Dagana M. C., Bello, I. M., Daudu, O.A.Y., Ibrahim, K.K.,Adeniran, A.E (2025). Proximate and mineral composition of induced mutants of eggplant (Solanum melongena and Solanum aethiopicum) resistant to Fusarium wilt. International journal of Applied Biological research 16 (2), 59-72

 

11. Dangana, M.C., Daudu, O.A.Y., Gado, A. A., Abdulsalami, H., Abubakar, A., Muhammad, F.A.& Musa, M.L. (2025). Further observations on Enhancing Soybean Performance with Green-Synthesised Silver Nanoparticles from Neem Leaves: Effects on Physicochemical Properties, and Nutritional Composition International journal of Applied Biological research 16 (2), 315 – 327

 

12.  Haruna, H.B., Falusi,O. A. ,Daudu,O. A. Y. Gado, A. A. (2024) Effects of Gamma Irradiation on Submergence Tolerance of Some Lowland Rice (Oryzasativa L.) Mutant Lines. Bioscene.  21 (04) 479-493

 

 

    

 

 

Somatic Embryogenesis and Plantlet Reneration from Shea Tree. Tetfund INSTITUTION BASED RESEARCH (IBR), 2020.

 

Characterization of anti-inflammatory immunomodulatory compounds from selected mushrooms for the treatment of viral infections TETFund INSTITUTION BASED RESEARCH (IBR), 2024.

 

Germplasm Characterisation and Screening for Early-Maturing and Fall Armyworm Tolerant Maize Accessions in North-Central Nigeria. TETFund INSTITUTION BASED RESEARCH (IBR), 2025.

 

3

Dr. Daniel, A. I

B.Tech. (2014), M.Tech. (2019), Ph.D (2024) Biotechnology

1. Khawula, S., Daniel, A. I., Nyawo, N., Ndlazi, K., Sibiya, S., Ntshalintshali, S., … &Nkomo, M. (2025). Optimizing plant resilience with growth-promoting Rhizobacteria under abiotic and biotic stress conditions. Plant Stress, 100949.

2. . Smith, E., Daniel, A. I., Smith, C., Fisher, S., Nkomo, M., Keyster, M., & Klein, A.(2025). Exploring Paenibacillus terrae B6a as a sustainable biocontrol agent for Fusarium proliferatum. Frontiers in Microbiology, 16, 1547571.

3.  Al-Hashimi, A., Daniel, A. I., Aina, O., Du Plessis, M., Keyster, M., & Klein, A. (2025). Survey and Identification of Fusarium Head Blight Pathogens of Wheat in the Western Cape Region of South Africa. Pathogens, 14(1), 80.

4.  Al-Hashimi, A., Aina, O., Daniel, A. I., Du Plessis, M., Keyster, M., & Klein, A. (2025). Critical review on characterization, management, and challenges of fusarium head blight disease in wheat. Physiological and Molecular Plant Pathology, 102557.

5. Daniel, A. I., Onogwu, S. U., Gara, T. Y., Oladunni, A., Tijani, J. O., Oselusi, S. O.,Hussein, S., Garba, H.M., Salaudeen, A.O., Ameh, A.E., Keyster, M. & Klein, A. (2025). Green-synthesis of MgO and ZrO2 nanocomposites: physicochemicalproperties and antiplasmodial activity in a mouse model. Discover Applied Sciences, 7(5), 382.

6. Mabaso, J., Henema, N., Niekerk, L. A., Holman, D. E., Keyster, M., Klein, A., Nkomo,M., Daniel, A.I., & Gokul, A. (2025). Enhancing Fusarium oxysporum tolerance in Phaseolus vulgaris: Isolation and characterization of bacterialendophytes. Physiological and Molecular Plant Pathology, 138, 102688.107.

7. Tijani, J. O., Daniel, A. I., Onogwu, S. U., Abdulkareem, A. S., Aminu, U. A., Keyster,M., & Klein, A. (2025). Effects of ZnO nanoparticles concentration on the morphologyand textural properties of ZnO/NiFe2O4 nanocomposite. MethodsX, 14, 103199.

8.  Daniel, A. I., Basson, G., Keyster, M., Klein, A., & Gokul, A. (2024). Molecularmechanism of oxalic acid synthesis as virulence factor of Sclerotiniasclerotiorum. Physiological and Molecular Plant Pathology, 134, 102412.

9. Ginikanwa, E. G., Kanu, A. E., Fadayomi, M., Sadiq, F. U., Daniel, A. I., & Klein, A.(2024). Food Safety and Waste-to-Wealth Through Blue Economy. In Marine Bioprospecting for Sustainable Blue-bioeconomy (pp. 41-55). Cham: Springer NatureSwitzerland.

10.  Daniel, A. I., Hüsselmann, L., Shittu, O. K., Gokul, A., Keyster, M., & Klein, A.(2024). Application of nanotechnology and proteomic tools in crop development owards sustainable agriculture. Journal of Crop Science and Biotechnology, 27(3),359-379.

11. Daniel, A. I., Smith, E., Al-Hashimi, A., Gokul, A., Keyster, M., & Klein, A. (2024).Mechanistic insight into the anti-alternaria activity of bimetallic zinc oxide and silver/zinc oxide nanoparticles. Heliyon, 10(10).

12. Daniel, A. I., Al-Hashimi, A., Keyster, M., & Klein, A. (2023). Phyto-synthesis and characterization of silver nanoparticles using box-behnken design and its anti-alternaria activity. Clean Technologies, 5(4), 1381-1401.

13. Daniel, A. I., Keyster, M., & Klein, A. (2023). Biogenic zinc oxide nanoparticles: A viable agricultural tool to control plant pathogenic fungi and its potential effects on soil and plants. Science of the Total Environment, 897, 165483.

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Laboratory/Facilities

(i) Equipment list: Not yet available

(ii) Laboratories/Studios/Workshops: Two laboratories (Science Lab I &II)

  1.  Community Services: Nil
  2.  Alumni & Industry Linkages

(i) Notable alumni achievements: NIL

(ii) Industry partners: NIL

(iii) Internship placement partners: NIL

  1. Student Resources

(i) Timetable:

Lecture Timetable

Continuous Assessment Timetable

Examination Timetable

(ii) Project guidelines: Not Applicable

(iii) Seminar schedule: Not Applicable

(iv) Students’ statistics (Programmes and levels)