Department of
Biochemistry
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Welcome to Department of Biochemistry
Welcome to the Department of Biochemistry, University of Lagos
The Department of Biochemistry at the University of Lagos is a hub for academic excellence, innovative research, and cutting-edge training in biochemistry. Our department is dedicated to producing highly skilled graduates who are equipped to excel in various fields, including academia, industry, healthcare, and research.
Our Values
- Academic Excellence: We prioritize rigorous academic training and research.
- Innovation: We encourage innovative thinking and problem-solving.
- Collaboration: We foster a spirit of teamwork and collaboration among students, faculty, alumni and industry partners.
Our Programs
We offer undergraduate and postgraduate programs in biochemistry, designed to provide students with a comprehensive understanding of the principles and applications of biochemistry.
Research and Opportunities
Our faculty members are engaged in innovative research in various areas of biochemistry, providing opportunities for students to engage in research projects and gain hands-on experience.
We invite you to explore our department and discover the exciting opportunities available to you.
Contact Us
For more information about our department, programs, and research opportunities, please visit our website or contact us directly by email: biochemistrydept@unilag.edu.ng.
Prof. Wahab Oluwanisola Okunowo
Head of Department (HOD)
Our Vision
To be a top-class department for the pursuit of excellence in knowledge through learning and research as well as in character and service to humanity
Our Mission
To provide a conducive teaching, learning, research and development environment where staff and students can interact and compete effectively with their counterparts both nationally and internationally in terms of intellectual competence and the zeal to add value to our world
About the Department of Biochemistry
The Objectives of our Biochemistry Programme are;
- To provide students with robust training in the principles and sound knowledge of scientific methods of Biochemistry.
- To educate and train biochemists, who can think fundamentally about their discipline and who can acquire as graduates, a meaningful picture of the Biochemical industry.
- To inculcate in students appropriate employable skills and abilities to manage and administer technological operations within the field of Biochemistry as well as allied disciplines.
- To prepare the students for professional participation in the biochemical industry. It is intended that graduates of this programme will be able to adapt themselves to jobs that are problem-solving or results-oriented in the chemical, petrochemical, biochemical and allied technological fields viz; food, agriculture, biotechnology, environment, textiles, polymer, research & development, pharmaceutical, e.t.c.
- To arouse a sense of curiosity, to encourage and develop creative thinking and research aptitudes.
- To generate in students an awareness of the enormous resources in their immediate environment thereby providing solutions to the challenges of our time in a march towards nation-building.
Research Focus:
The department is actively engaged in cutting-edge research in various areas of biochemistry, including but not limited to:
- Biotechnology: Applying biochemical principles to develop innovative solutions.
- Molecular Biology: Exploring the molecular basis of life processes.
- Nutritional Biochemistry: Investigating the biochemical aspects of nutrition.
- Pharmaceutical Biochemistry: Developing new therapeutic approaches.
Faculty and Facilities:
Our faculty members are renowned experts in their fields, with a strong commitment to teaching, research, and mentorship. The department is equipped with state-of-the-art facilities, including laboratories, research centers, and libraries.
Impact and Achievements:
The Department has made significant contributions to the scientific community, with our graduates and faculty members publishing research papers, presenting at conferences, and collaborating with international partners.
Community Engagement:
We engage with the local community through outreach programs, workshops, and seminars, promoting scientific literacy and awareness.The Department is poised to continue its legacy of excellence, driving innovation and advancing knowledge in biochemistry.
Biography of the Department of Biochemistry
The Department of Biochemistry has a rich history, dating back to 1974. From 1964 to 1973, Biochemistry was grouped with Microbiology, Pharmacology and Physiology constituting the Department of Physiological Sciences. Professor F.O. Dosekun was the Head of Department at that time. A department of Biochemistry was created in 1973 from the complex Department of Physiological Sciences with Dr. S.A. Olaitan at that time, an Associate Professor as the Acting Head. Professor E.O. Akinrinmisi became the Head of Department in 1974.
Up till 1974, the Department was involved mainly with the teaching of Medical, Dental and some paramedical students. The Department from 1974 took up the additional responsibility of teaching courses in Biochemistry that lead to B.Sc. (Hons) and Postgraduate degrees in Biochemistry and as course requirement for other various B.Sc (Hons) degree in the College of Medicine and the Faculty of Science
The Department is located at the College of Medicine and it is equipped to teach and carry-out research in Biochemistry.
Over the years, the department has grown in stature, expanding its academic programs, research focus, and infrastructure to meet the demands of a rapidly changing world.
The academic staff strength of the Department reached a peak of 15 in the early 80’s. This was due to the drive of Professor E.O. Akinrinmisi who was Head of Department from 1974 to 1980. There has since been a dispersal of staff with some of them managing the Biochemistry Department of the other Nigerian Universities.
- Dr. G.E. Anekwe was Acting Head from 1980 to 1981.
- Dr. R.O. Okotore was Acting Head from 1981 to 1983 and as Professor and Head of Department from 1987 to 1989.
- Dr. A.I. Akinwande, an Associate Professor of Biochemistry took over as Acting Head of Department from Professor R.O. Okotore who became the Deputy Provost, in November 1989 to 1991 and 1998 to 2001 and Professor and Head of Department 2004 – June 2007.
- Dr. (Mrs.) A.M. Abaelu, as Associate Professor was acting Head of Department from 1991 – 1994.
- Dr. G.O. Gbenle, as Associate Professor was Acting Head of Department from 1994 to 1996 and 2002 to 2004.
- Dr. (Mrs.) O.A. Magbagbeola as Associate Professor was Acting Head of Department from 1996 to 1998.
- Dr. (Mrs.) V.I. Okochi as Associate Professor was Acting Head of Department from 2001 to 2003.
- Prof. (Mrs.) O.A. Magbagbeola as the Professor and Head of Department from 2007 to 2010.
- Prof. G. O. Gbenle was Prof. and Head of Department from 2010 to 2011
- Prof. O. A. T. Ebuehi was Prof. and Head of Department from 2011 to 2014.
- Prof. (Mrs.) O.A. Magbagbeola became the Head of Department from 2014 to 2017.
- Dr. A.A. Osuntoki as Associate Professor was Acting Head of Department from 2017 to 2018.
- Dr. I.S. Akande was Acting HOD from 2018 to 2020.
- Dr. W.O. Okunowo served as the Acting Head of Department from 1st August, 2020 to 2022.
- Dr. T.A. Samuel served as the Acting Head of Department between 2022 and 2023.
- Prof. A.A. Osuntoki was the Head of Department with effect from 1st August, 2023
- Currently, Prof. W.O. Okunowo is the Head of Department with effect from 1st August, 2024.
There are fifteen (15) academic members of staff and eleven (11) non-academic s
Programmes
Take a significant step in your career journey by investing in your professional development through our faculty’s specialized certificate programs, designed to provide you with in-depth knowledge and practical skills in a focused area of study.
Undergraduate Programmes
Postgraduate Programmes
Student Opportunities
Discover the exciting opportunities awaiting students within this department. Here, you can explore pathways for intellectual growth, engage in stimulating learning experiences, and lay the foundation for future academic and professional success in a specific field of study.
