Draft:Professor Abdullahi Mustapha is

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 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 (Townsvillages, 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. 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

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.

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. Between 2003 and 2005, he served as Deputy Dean of the Faculty of Science.

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.

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. As Head of the Department of Chemistry, he led curriculum innovation and faculty development. 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.

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.

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 enhanced agricultural productivity and ensured 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). The newly released transgenic insect-resistant and drought-tolerant maize varieties known as TELA Maize will improve crop yield and food security in Nigeria. (Daily Trust, 2023; Science Nigeria, 2023).

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.

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).

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 the 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).

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.