Department of Biochemistry

The Department of Biochemistry was carved out from the Department of Chemistry in October 1978.  It was nurtured as a discipline in the Department of Chemistry in the 1977/78 academic session, before it became a full-fledged department. The impetus to establish the Department was derived from the need to train students in the application of biochemical principles/techniques to solving problems of medical, pharmaceutical, industrial and agricultural importance.  It was also informed by the rapid explosion in biochemical researches in Europe and America during the first half of the 20th Century.  It was therefore concluded that a country like Nigeria poised for technological break-through could not afford to be unconcerned about these developments.

Under the leadership of Dr. A.A. Odutuga (now a Professor and retired from University of Ilorin) the first batch of six students were admitted in October 1977 and graduated in 1980.  From this humble beginning, the Department has witnessed rapid expansion in its programme, student population, physical and teaching facilities and staff strength.

Today, the Department of Biochemistry is one of those at the forefront of providing exemplary leadership in teaching and research in the Faculty of Science, with bounteous research potentials for both the basic and the applied researches.  Graduates of the department have been securing paramount positions in the medical sector, industries, research institutes, and universities and other tertiary institutions.

Cross Section of Some Biochemistry Students during Biochemistry Practical session

Teaching Activities
Teaching activities in the department are aimed at

1. Training students in the application of biochemical principles and techniques to solving problems relating to medical, pharmaceutical, industrial and agricultural importance.
2. Inculcating into students, the spirit of industry and to freely develop their cognitive abilities and their potentials for practical approaches to life problems.
3. Contributing towards providing adequate manpower requirements of the Nation in establishments and institutions where they are needed, whether public or private.
4. Making the students poised and relevant for technical and scientific breakthroughs.

To this end, the Department mounts the following programmes:

1. B.Sc. Biochemistry;
2. M.Sc. Biochemistry and
3. PhD   Biochemistry,

In addition, the department teaches basic biochemistry to medical students to prepare them for further clinical training.

Tutorial sessions are also organized at the convenience of both staff and students.