Draft:Abdullahi Mustapha

Background

Professor Abdullahi Mustapha is the present Director General of the National Biotechnology Research and Development (NBRDA), a parastatal under the auspices of the Federal Ministry of Innovation, Science, and Technology. He was born on the 1st of January, 1973, in Dambatta, Dambatta Local Government Area of Kano State.

He was born into a royal family. His father is a revered traditional ruler. His people-empowering leadership style contributed to the development of Dambatta, which covers about 732 km (Townsville, 2024) and has a population of approximately 207,968 based on the 2006 census (Wikipedia, 2024). Similarly, Mustapha’s mother was a famed member of the northern religious elite. Her father was the imam of Dambata.

Dambatta is an agrarian community known for producing crops such as millet, sorghum, onions, and groundnuts, alongside local crafts like pottery and leatherwork (Everything Explained, 2024). Therefore, it is not surprising that his father had large farms and was reputed for his diligence and truth-telling nature.

Mustapha's early environment, which hosts institutions such as Audu Bako College of Agriculture and a midwifery school, was imbued with a cultural reverence for knowledge, moral purity, and Islamic scholarship. The first seeds of academic curiosity were sown in him amidst the rhythm of Hausa speech and the solemn cadence of prayer.

Educational background

Mustapha attended Barde Primary School in Dambatta from 1978 to 1983. Between 1984 and 1989, he attended Government Secondary School, Kazure, Jigawa State. From his earliest days in school, Mustapha displayed qualities that indicated he was destined for scholarly distinction. His fascination with the sciences spurred him to study chemistry in the hallowed halls of Bayero University Kano (BUK) from 1994 to 1998, where he earned a Bachelor of Science degree. The rigour of scientific inquiry instilled in him at BUK, one of Nigeria's premier institutions, shaped the trajectory of his lifelong engagement with intellectual exploration.

After his first degree, his insatiable quest for knowledge led him back to BUK for a Master of Science degree in Chemistry from 2001 to 2004. During this period, he honed his research proficiencies and examined the subfields of bioinorganic and coordination chemistry.

However, he attained the zenith of his academic pursuits when he undertook a doctorate in Chemistry at the prestigious University of Strathclyde in Glasgow, United Kingdom. From 2005 to 2008, in the intellectually charged atmosphere of one of Europe's leading research universities, Mustapha immersed himself in advanced scientific investigation. At Strathclyde, he deepened his epistemic depth and refined the analytical skills that define his scientific career. In 2012, in recognition of the increasingly digital nature of academic and administrative engagement, Prof. Mustapha undertook advanced training through the Advanced Digital Appreciation Programme for Tertiary Institutions (ADAPTI). This experience further fortified his versatility. It also ensured he is well-equipped to excel in the modern world of scientific research and public administration.

Career

Professor Mustapha is a distinguished academic, seasoned administrator, and the current Director General of the National Biotechnology Research and Development Agency (NBRDA), Abuja.  He started his professional journey as a Chemistry teacher in 2000 under the Kano State Ministry of Education and was posted to the Government Girls Arabic Secondary School, Dambatta. It was there that he first demonstrated his stellar pedagogical flair and passion to disseminate knowledge. This ingrained passion has earned him a place among Nigeria's most respected chemists and academic leaders.

In 2001, his academic career gained firm footing. That year, he joined the Department of Chemistry at Kano University of Science and Technology (KUST), Wudil, as an academic staff member. Over the ensuing years, he distinguished himself through his scholarly contributions and as a dynamic administrator. In 2003, he became Head of Department of Chemistry, a role that marked the beginning of his illustrious rise in university administration. Between 2003 and 2005, he served as Deputy Dean of the Faculty of Science. His altruistic contributions to various strategic committees, including the University Board of Research, the Security Committee, and the Accreditation Committee, among others, are well-documented in the annals of the university. 2006 to 2008 was an epoch-making chapter in his academic development as he served as a First-Year Demonstrator at the University of Strathclyde, Glasgow, in the United Kingdom. While immersed in the world of cutting-edge research and global scientific dialogue, his scholarly perspective and patriotic commitment to raising Nigeria’s scientific standards were renewed. Returning home with renewed vigour and ethical vision, Mustapha became a driver of institutional development at KUST. His leadership as Dean of the Faculty of Science and Science Education between 2009 and 2010 and Chairman of the KUST Staff School Governing Board offered him opportunities to actualise his holistic vision of education that spanned from basic to advanced learning. Also, his work with the University Management Tenders Committee and the International Linkages Development Committee showcased his foresight in integrating local academic excellence with global best practices. In 2012, Mustapha took his intellectual stewardship to a new frontier by joining the Federal University Dutse (FUD) in Jigawa State as a full Professor of Chemistry. His decade-long tenure at FUD (2012–2020) was marked by robust contributions to both academic excellence, ethical prudence, and institutional governance. As Head of the Department of Chemistry, he led curriculum innovation and faculty development. Simultaneously, his influence was felt throughout the university system as he chaired the Senate Committee on Examination Misconduct, served on the Appointment and Promotions Committee, and played key roles in project monitoring and budget implementation. Perhaps, most telling of his multidisciplinary expertise and leadership acumen was his directorship of FUD Consultancy Services (FUDCONS) between 2016 and 2020. Under his avant-garde stewardship, the consultancy linked academia and industry, thereby fostering innovation and applied research across the northern region of Nigeria.

Director General, NBRDA

Since his initial appointment in 2020 and reappointment by President Bola Tinubu in November 2024 for a second five-year term, Prof. Mustapha has piloted the affairs of the NBRDA with the prescience of a visionary leader, ethics of a thoroughbred scientist, and tenderness of an astute human resource manager. As DG, he presides over national strategies in biotechnology, championing innovations in agriculture, medicine, energy, and environmental sustainability for the greater good of Nigerians.

His tenure has been marked by a resolute dedication to harnessing the transformative power of biotechnology to confront some of Nigeria’s most intractable challenges. He motivates the management and staff of the agency to embark on people-empowering research that will confine food insecurity, unemployment, climate change debacle, and public health issues to our historical past. Under his result-oriented leadership, the NBRDA has become a leading research institution and a fulcrum for sustainable development. The agency is now widely reputed as a dynamic hub of consummate scholars and pragmatic innovators who utilise cutting-edge biotechnological tools to forge solutions with tangible socio-economic impact.

Central to his agenda is the promotion of bio-agriculture as a sustainable response to Nigeria’s burgeoning population and the consequent food security concerns. Hence, NBRDA, in partnership with the Institute of Agricultural Research (IAR) and African Agricultural Technology Foundation (AATF), has facilitated the development of high-yielding, disease-resistant crop varieties, thereby enhancing agricultural productivity and ensuring food security. Nigeria’s transgenic cowpea, which is the world’s first genetically modified Pod Borer Resistant (PBR) cowpea, is revolutionising the nation’s food production. This innovation has reduced the reliance on pesticides, resulting in cost savings for farmers and environmental benefits (HSENations, 2024; Vanguard, 2023). Similarly, the commercialisation of Biotech Cotton (Bt cotton) is transforming the nation’s cotton industry. Jobs are being created, wealth generated, the ginneries reactivated, and Nigeria will be able to export cotton to other countries of the world as well as become a global trade player. The newly released transgenic insect-resistant and drought-tolerant maize varieties known as TELA Maize will lead to a substantial reduction in pesticide use, benefiting humans, livestock, and the environment. It will also improve crop yield and boost food security in Nigeria. (Daily Trust, 2023; Science Nigeria, 2023).

Mustapha’s successful advocacy for bioenergy projects using anaerobic digestion technology, designed to generate sustainable biogas and create over 10,000 jobs, is a glowing tribute to his future-savvy leadership in NBRDA. The bioenergy initiative addresses energy deficits, drives economic diversification, and accentuates NBRDA’s role in Nigeria’s broader industrial and environmental objectives. In May 2025, at a landmark Agricultural Technology Forum co-hosted by NBRDA and the African Agricultural Technology Foundation (AATF), Prof. Mustapha underscored the government’s prioritisation of biotechnology to tackle climate change and pandemics, reflecting his forward-thinking approach that situates biotechnology at the heart of Nigeria’s resilience strategies. Beyond his administrative and scientific achievements, Prof. Abdullahi Mustapha is recognised for his eloquence and thought leadership, frequently engaging with national and international media to articulate the indispensability of biotechnology for Nigeria’s socio-economic transformation. His call for increased investment in science, engineering, and biotechnology resonates widely among policymakers, stakeholders, and the scientific community. Mustapha’s service ethics as NBRDA’s Director General epitomise a rare synthesis of intellectual excellence, pragmatic innovation, ethical vision, and patriotic zest. Consequently, biotechnology is no longer a marginal scientific endeavour in Nigeria; it is a potent catalyst for sustainable development, economic growth, and food security.

Facilitation of the NBRDA Establishment Act 2022

The NBRDA Establishment Act 2022, formally signed into law in April 2022 and gazetted as No. 69 Vol. 109, elevated the National Biotechnology Research and Development Agency (NBRDA) from a promotional body to a fully statutory research institute with perpetual corporate existence and expanded mandates (Independent News). Under the Act, NBRDA now possesses legal authority to coordinate, facilitate, deploy, domesticate, and conduct research across the full spectrum of biotechnology, including green (agriculture), red (medical), blue (aquatic), and white (industrial) technologies, aimed at boosting food security, vaccine and drug production, environmental sustainability, industry innovation, and job creation (ThisDayLive). Mustapha’s optimism that the legal framework provided by the Act will “crash the high cost of vaccine and medicine importation”, stimulate local drug manufacturing (thus strengthening the Naira), enhance product quality, and serve as a catalyst for rapid commercialisation of R&D outputs in agriculture, health, and energy sectors (ThisDayLive) was instrumental to its passage. The Act also mandates robust public–private partnerships, seminars, advocacy, and international collaboration, positioning Nigeria as a regional leader in biotechnology research and commercialisation (ThisDayLive). Mustapha’s leadership was pivotal in shepherding the Act successfully through both chambers of the National Assembly. He engaged in consistent advocacy, raising awareness among lawmakers, stakeholders, and the media. His framing of biotechnology as essential to national priorities, food security, healthcare access, industrialisation, currency stability, and economic diversification helped build the necessary consensus and legislative momentum. His regular presentation of the clear socioeconomic benefits and urgent policy relevance of the bill demonstrated both foresight and political dexterity, as well as ensured the bill’s smooth passage and eventual presidential assent. By granting NBRDA statutory authority, enabling multi-stakeholder cooperation, and empowering local innovation, the law provides the institutional backbone for long-term growth and a sustainable future for Nigeria’s biotechnology sector.

The Young Researchers Forum (YRF)

Prof. Mustapha envisioned an agency where bureaucratic hierarchical structures do not stifle innovation. Hence, he established the Young Researchers Forum (YRF) at thethe NBRDA. YRF, which is a structured incubator for early-career biotechnologists, has been firmly integrated into the agency’s core mechanism (extraordinairepeople.com).

YRF’s operational mechanisms entail peer-to-peer collaboration, pairing young scientists with senior mentors, enabling cost-effective hands-on capacity building, affording access to modern laboratories, channeling funds into high-impact projects, and facilitating commercialisation of research innovation and products.  This strategic vision aspires to achieve the lofty objectives of the NBRDA Establishment Act 2022, which grants the agency autonomy and governance legitimacy (extraordinairepeople.com).

Since its inception, the YRF has fostered significant collaboration. Workshop and seminar participation has surged among the researchers, who are now co-leading projects in biotechnology. These efforts are delivering measurable outcomes: participants are publishing findings in the newly established NBRDA Journal of Biotechnology Research, which itself was launched under Mustapha’s direction (Science Nigeria). The Forum also serves as a space for peer learning and critical dialogue on scientific challenges, supported by regular seminars and technical sessions.

The influence of the YRF is increasingly visible. Graduates have moved into research leadership roles within NBRDA, and it is strengthening Nigeria’s biotechnology human capital. This development lends credence to Mustapha’s outspoken support for translating biotechnology into practical solutions, such as enhancing food security through biofortification and genetically modified crops, addressing malnutrition, and improving farmers’ incomes (Independent News). The YRF presents Mustapha as a torchbearer of Nigeria’s biotechnology revolution.

NBRDA Journal of Biotechnology As a thoroughbred scholar who cherishes knowledge accretion and enhanced collective intellectual capital, Mustapha launched the “NBRDA Journal of Biotechnology.” Its launch was seen as a practical and timely step toward strengthening scientific communication within Nigeria’s biotechnology sector and beyond. As the first journal introduced since the creation of the NBRDA, it fills a long-standing gap by offering a dedicated, peer-reviewed outlet for original research, case studies, and technical advancements.

This journal provides researchers with a structured and credible space to share findings that address real-world challenges in agriculture, healthcare, environmental management, and industrial development. Beyond publication, it encourages thoughtful exchange and critique among scientists. Beyond all reasonable doubts, the journal is helping to raise the standard of local research, increasing the visibility of Nigerian biotechnology work, and creating new opportunities for collaboration with regional and international institutions.

Mustapha’s role in initiating the journal attests to his focused commitment to building institutional capacity for research and knowledge sharing. Rather than relying solely on external journals or forums, Nigerian scientists now have a homegrown platform aligned with national priorities and scientific standards. This development is strengthening the agency’s research ecosystem and contributing to the broader scientific community.

Workplace Reforms

The workplace reforms and restructuring initiatives introduced by Mustapha in NARBDA aims at strengthening the agency’s institutional capacity and operational effectiveness. By prioritizing human capacity development, the reforms equip staff with the necessary skills and knowledge to meet evolving scientific and administrative challenges. This has improved the overall productivity and innovation of the agency. A key element of his initiated reforms is the recalibration of NARBDA’s organogram. The re-articulated organogram was designed to streamline workflow, eliminate bureaucratic bottlenecks, and ensure a more efficient deployment of resources. This restructuring creates clearer pathways for unimpeded career advancement. It enables high-performing officers to rise through the ranks based on merit and competence, particularly Deputy Directors who used to be stagnated under the guise of “no vacancy.” Furthermore, his emphasis on enhanced staff welfare and development has created a more supportive and inclusive work environment. Improved working conditions, access to training, and employee support systems, which have boost morale and retention. It is anticipated that these innovative reforms will soon make NARBDA an employer of choice within the public sector. The reforms have deepened NARBDA foundation for sustainable growth and institutional excellence.

Local and International Collaboration

Mustapha has significantly expanded NBRDA’s partnerships with local and international institutions, thereby advancing Nigeria’s push for scientific innovation and biotechnology development. These partnerships have focused on agricultural productivity, environmental sustainability, and health innovation. Internationally, NABDA’s collaboration with the African Agricultural Technology Foundation (AATF) has been central to advancing genetically modified (GM) crops such as TELA maize and pod-borer resistant (PBR) cowpea, which are tailored to address drought and pest challenges in Nigeria’s agricultural sector (Science Nigeria, 2023). NBRDA has formed partnerships with institutions in South Africa and Japan. The Japan International Cooperation Agency (JICA) has supported capacity building through equipment donations and research collaboration in industrial, environmental, and medical biotechnology (NBRDA, 2023). Furthermore, Mustapha has emphasised leveraging Nigeria’s diaspora for knowledge exchange and expertise, and has strengthened ties with global organisations such as the World Health Organisation (WHO), Cuba’s biotechnology institutions, and Michigan State University to support vaccine research and technology transfer (Leadership, 2023). Domestically, NBRDA has engaged in extensive outreach and cooperation. It has exchanged ideas with the Institute for Strategic and Development Communication (ISDEVCOM) on training scientists and journalists to communicate biotechnology more effectively to the public (Vanguard, 2023). Another key collaboration is with the Nigerian Medical Association (NMA), aimed at increasing GMO awareness among medical professionals (Independent, 2023). NBRDA also works closely with the National Board for Technology Incubation (NBTI) to commercialise research outputs through initiatives like BIOCROPS Nigeria Ltd (Science Nigeria, 2023). It is essential to note that, NBRDA signed a tripartite agreement with the Nigerian National Petroleum Company (NNPC) and Rahad Industries to use biotechnology for oil spill cleanup and crude recovery (NBRDA, 2023). These are few examples of collaborative efforts aimed at an integrated approach to national development, innovation, and sustainability.

Media Advocacy and Stakeholders' Engagement

Professor Mustapha has become a leading voice in media advocacy and stakeholder engagement aimed at promoting biotechnology in Nigeria. Through strategic outreach and informed science communication, he has made biotechnology more accessible and better understood across the public, media, and policy spheres.

Central to his media advocacy strategy is the emphasis on factual, evidence-based science reporting. At a science communication workshop in Abuja in May 2024, organised in partnership with the African Agricultural Technology Foundation (AATF) and the Open Forum on Agricultural Biotechnology (OFAB), he urged journalists to “prioritise objectivity and factual accuracy in their coverage of scientific issues,” noting that science is a methodology rooted in empirical evidence (Science Nigeria, 2024a). He emphasised the importance of framing biotechnology stories around pressing national concerns like food insecurity and population growth, urging the media to communicate the real-life implications of scientific innovation. Prof. Mustapha often commends journalists for their professionalism in agricultural biotechnology coverage. During a 2023 end-of-year media engagement, he praised the role of the media in correcting misinformation around genetically modified organisms (GMOs) and in promoting public confidence in biotech solutions (Science Nigeria, 2023). Beyond media engagement, Prof. Mustapha has led wide-ranging stakeholder outreach efforts. In 2025, he initiated targeted sensitisation sessions with healthcare professionals, highlighting their pivotal role in public education on biotechnology and GMO safety (Daily Trust, 2025). He has also convened workshops involving policymakers and regulators, including a national genome-editing conference in October 2024, where he stressed the need for an informed regulatory framework for emerging technologies (Science Nigeria, 2024b). Recognising the importance of global collaboration, Prof. Mustapha announced plans for a biotechnology diaspora summit, aimed at attracting expertise and investment to boost local vaccine research and development (Leadership, 2024). Furthermore, through platforms such as OFAB Nigeria, he has strengthened institutional engagement with farmers, traditional rulers, religious leaders, and civil society, ensuring that biotechnology discourse is inclusive and grounded in local realities (Guardian Nigeria, 2023). Through this multi-pronged approach, Prof. Mustapha has transformed NBRDA into a national leader in science communication and stakeholder collaboration. His efforts are shaping public perception, multi-stakeholders' engagement, and policy actualisation.

Publications

Mustapha’s extensive research portfolio, which demonstrates his abiding commitment to understanding the synthesis, characterisation, and biological applications of metal complexes, has distinguished him in contemporary chemical sciences. He is a prolific author who has authored over 50 peer-reviewed journal articles and a seminal book titled Multidentate Ligands in the Synthesis of Multi-metallic Compounds: The Synthetic Approach (Mustapha, 2012). The book offers an authoritative examination of ligand design and metal coordination strategies. His research centres on the synthesis and characterisation of multi-metallic complexes, employing Schiff-base and β-diketonate ligands to explore structural diversity and bioactivity, particularly antimicrobial and antioxidant properties (Mustapha et al., 2014; Mustapha et al., 2015). Through collaboration with globally recognised chemists such as John Reglinski and Alan R. Kennedy, he has published in high-impact international journals including Polyhedron and Inorganic Chemistry, where he contributed to the understanding of multi-metallic motifs like Cu₄OH planar complexes (Mustapha et al., 2010). His joint publications illustrate an ongoing pursuit of novel architectures in transition metal coordination and organometallic frameworks. Mustapha’s scientific inquiry also spans environmental applications, such as the utilisation of agricultural by-products like groundnut husk and sugarcane bagasse for textile effluent treatment (Yakasai et al., 2015), reflecting a commitment to sustainable development. His interdisciplinary work in biotechnology, recently presented at conferences like the 4th International Conference on Recent Advances in Biotechnology (Trinity University, 2024), highlights his active engagement in science-policy dialogue and public innovation. He has contributed to academia through numerous conference papers and presentations, exploring themes from artificial metallo-nucleases to economic growth through biotechnology (Mustapha & Reglinski, 2011; Mustapha, 2024). Mustapha’s intellectual life exemplifies sustained scholarly excellence, deep-rooted scientific curiosity, and an enduring commitment to societal advancement through research. It is essential to note that his legacy continues to shape the frontiers of inorganic chemistry and biotechnology across academia and applied science.

Professional Membership

Mustapha’s membership in esteemed professional organisations such as the Nigerian Institute of Chartered Chemists (MICCON), the Royal Society of Chemistry (MRSC), and his Fellowship in the Chemical Society of Nigeria (FCSN) underscores his top-notch pedigree and commitment to excellence in the chemical sciences. These affiliations affirm his active engagement in advancing research, ethical standards, and scientific development both locally and internationally. It is essential to note that his role as Governor and Liaison Officer for Nigeria at the International Centre for Genetic Engineering and Biotechnology (ICGEB) highlights his leadership in promoting global scientific collaboration, capacity building, and innovative biotechnological solutions for national and regional development.

Awards

On May 26, 2023, Professor Mustapha received the National Productivity Order of Merit (NPOM) Award from President Muhammadu Buhari, GCFR. The award was a formal recognition of his sustained output and the depth of his contributions to national development through research, education, and institutional service. This national honour is one among several awards that mark key points in his professional journey. The Society for Conservation of Phytofuel and Allied Sciences acknowledged his work with an Award of Honour for his involvement in areas of environmental relevance and alternative energy. His efforts in the field of biotechnology earned him a Distinguished Service Award specifically for research and development. He has received many recognitions from prominent professional bodies. For example, the American Chemical Society, Nigeria International Chemical Sciences. The Chemical Society of Nigeria has honoured him with two Awards of Excellence through its Jigawa State and Abuja Chapters. His work in biotechnology innovation and public communication was also noted by The Nigerian News, which named him a Safety Icon and Patriot, pointing to his engagement with science as it intersects with public interest. The Nigerian Society of Nematologists added to this growing record with its Award of Excellence, as did the Coalition of Civil Society and Human Rights Organisations in Nigeria, which issued an Excellence Performance Award in acknowledgement of his broader societal impact. These honours form a record of work defined by substance, measured by the standards of peer communities, professional institutions, and national bodies that evaluate both integrity and impact.