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Department of Plant Science and Technology

Academics

Department of Plant Science and Technology

Prof. Ahmed Ali Difa

Prof. Ahmed Ali Difa

Head of Department

I extend a warm welcome to you on behalf of the department and staff of the Department of Plant Science and Biotechnology, University of Jos, Nigeria. Whether you are a prospective student, a current student, a collaborating researcher, or someone with a keen interest in plants and their applications in biotechnology, we are glad you are here.

The Department of Plant Science and Biotechnology is a dynamic and forward-thinking department dedicated to excellence in teaching, research, and community outreach. Our department offers a rigorous curriculum that equips students with the knowledge and skills necessary to succeed in the ever-growing field of plant science and biotechnology. Our research program is focused on addressing some of the most pressing challenges facing our planet today, such as food security, climate change, and sustainable agriculture. We are committed to developing innovative solutions that will help to ensure a brighter future for all.

We run the undergraduate B. Sc. (Hons) Plant Science and Biotechnology Programme in addition to ten new postgraduate programs in various fields.

With a strong history of research and teaching, the department has produced graduates who are successful players in both domestic and international markets. Its focus on addressing Nigeria's challenges, coupled with a newly revised postgraduate program, positions it as a key player in driving sustainable development.

The Department currently has many research grants focusing on plant ecology. Other research themes and teams are evolving to include many more staff and students of the Faculty.

We encourage you to explore our website and learn more about our department, our programs, and our services. We also invite you to visit us in person (or virtually) to get a feel of our vibrant and supportive community.

Vision

To be a leading department in plant science and biotechnology, recognized for excellence in teaching, research, and community engagement. We envision a future where our contributions lead to improved food security, sustainable agricultural practices, and environmental resilience on the Jos Plateau and across Africa.

 

 

Mission

To cultivate a thriving center for education, research, and outreach in plant science and biotechnology, addressing the critical agricultural challenges of the Jos Plateau region and beyond. We aim to empower students with the knowledge and skills to become the next generation of agricultural leaders and innovators.Mission

To cultivate a thriving center for education, research, and outreach in plant science and biotechnology, addressing the critical agricultural challenges of the Jos Plateau region and beyond. We aim to empower students with the knowledge and skills to become the next generation of agricultural leaders and innovators.

Core values/Philosophy

Education: We believe in providing a rigorous and relevant curriculum that equips students with the scientific foundation and practical skills necessary to excel in plant science and biotechnology careers.

  • Research: We are committed to conducting impactful research that addresses the specific challenges faced by Jos Plateau agriculture, such as drought tolerance, soil fertility, and pest resistance.
  • Outreach: We believe in fostering collaboration with local farmers, policymakers, and stakeholders to ensure our research translates into tangible solutions for the Jos Plateau community.
  • Sustainability: We emphasize sustainable agricultural practices that promote food security, environmental health, and economic prosperity for future generations.
  • Social Responsibility: We strive to contribute to the social and economic development of the Jos Plateau region by creating job opportunities, promoting innovation, and fostering a culture of scientific inquiry.

AIM AND OBJECTIVES

The Aims of the programme are to:

  1. Equip the undergraduate students with a sound knowledge of the fundamental principles and modern biotechnological methods involved in the study of plants and plant products
  2. Equip our graduates for gainful employment in the diverse fields of plant biology and biotechnology such as, Agriculture, Plant Breeding, Genetic engineering, Forestry, Horticulture, Pharmacology, Pharmacy, Medicine, Microbiology, Criminology, Environmental Management, Geology, Information Technology and even Statistics.
  3. Equip our students with entrepreneurial skills for productive safe employment, research and nation building in areas plant resource utilization and biotechnology. 

The specific objectives of the course are to:

i.                     Provide foundation training in the basic knowledge and skills in plant Biology and plant bio-resource utilization.

ii.                   Teach the application of good and modern scientific techniques and methods applicable to the fields of biotechnology

iii.                 To inculcate through teaching and research an indebt knowledge of the unique crops characteristic of the Jos Plateau such as acha (Digitaria exilis L.), Irish Potato (Solanum tubersum L.), Mangu bean (Phaseolus vulgaris L.), and Rizga  (Plectranthus esculentus N.E.Br.), etc.

iv.                 Produce graduates with skills and techniques that will make them potential managers of nature resources.

 

v.                   To train students who will contribute to the economy of Nigeria through the knowledge of plant biology and biotechnology.

A. Undergraduate programmes

B. Sc. (Hons) Plant Science and Biotechnology

B. Postgraduate programmes (MSc)

Masters in the following areas

  1.                     Phycology and Aquatic Plants
  2.                    Plant Physiology
  3.                    Plant Anatomy
  4.                     Plant Ecology
  5.                    Plant Pathology
  6.                      Plant Taxonomy and Systematics
  7.                     Medicinal Botany
  8.                     Cytogenetics and Plant Breeding
  9.                    Applied Microbiology
  10.                     Plant Biotechnology

 

C. Postgraduate programmes (M.Phil/PhD)

M.Phil/PhD Programmes in the following areas

         i.            Phycology and Aquatic Plants

       ii.            Plant Physiology

     iii.            Plant Anatomy

     iv.            Plant Ecology

       v.            Plant Pathology

     vi.            Plant Taxonomy and Systematics

    vii.            Medicinal Botany

  viii.            Cytogenetics and Plant Breeding

     ix.            Applied Microbiology

 Plant Biotechnology

 

 BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE POSTGRADUATE PROGRAMME

The Department’s postgraduate programmes are designed to encourage and promote the training of students in all aspects of Plant Science and Biotechnology. The students are expected, at the end of their programme to become conscious of their environment and appreciate the delicate balance between plant life and the existence of the Earth. They are expected to become highly knowledgeable in the new frontiers of biotechnology as it relates to plants, the primary producers in the universe. Above all, it is the core goal of the department to produce graduates who can relate to the needs of the society through their knowledge and application of the amazing facts of plant life and products, and biotechnology.

 

The postgraduate program aims to equip students with comprehensive knowledge and research skills in various aspects of plant science. It offers both Master’s and Ph.D. degrees, allowing students to specialize in areas such as plant genetics, plant physiology, plant pathology, plant ecology, and biotechnology.

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