Ali Ahmed Difa is the Head of the Department of Plant Science and Biotechnology at the University of Jos. With a solid foundation in plant science, Prof. Ali has been pivotal in enhancing the department’s academic and research standards. He is particularly passionate about incorporating advanced biotechnology tools into the curriculum and creating a research-driven environment that tackles real-world challenges in plant science.

Prof. Ali earned his Ph.D. in Applied Ecology from Abubakar Tafawa-Balewa University in 2013. His academic background also includes an HND in Horticulture and Landscape Technology from the Federal College of Forestry, Jos (2000), an M.Sc. in Applied Microbiology and Plant Pathology from the University of Jos (1995), and a B.Sc. (Hons.) in Botany from the same university (1988).

Professionally, Prof. Ali has served as the Head of Department since 2020. He became a professor in 2019, following roles as Associate Professor (2016-2019) and Senior Lecturer (2013-2016) at the University of Jos. He also served as a visiting senior lecturer at Plateau State University from 2013 to 2016. Additionally, he coordinated M.Sc. programs in Ecology and Conservation at Taraba State University and Applied Microbiology and Pathology at the University of Jos.

His research focuses on algal ecology, biodiversity, and the conservation of lower plants, particularly in Northern Nigeria. He has conducted studies on the algal flora of abandoned mine lakes in Jos and explored pesticide formulations from Nigerian bioresources between 2019 and 2021.

Prof. Ali has received several scholarships, including a Federal Republic of Nigeria Postgraduate Scholarship for his M.Sc. and a Bauchi State Scholarship for his B.Sc. He is affiliated with multiple professional societies, such as the Phycological Society of Nigeria, the International Society for Diatom Research, and the Botanical Society of Nigeria.

He has also contributed to several research grants and projects. Notably, he was Co-Principal Investigator in a Botanical Garden Conservation International (BGCI) project on the ex-situ conservation of endangered native trees and led another project on sourcing water for irrigation in the Botanical Garden at the University of Jos. He also worked on developing pesticide formulations from Nigerian bioresources under a TETFUND National Research Fund Grant.

Prof. Ali’s research interests lie in plant ecology, phycology, aquatic macrophyte ecology, and lower plant biodiversity. His leadership in the department aims to create an innovative research environment that addresses critical challenges in plant biology, biotechnology, agriculture, and food security.