President Bola Tinubu has officially approved the reappointment of Professor Abdullahi Mustapha as Director General of the National Biotechnology Research and Development Agency (NBRDA), granting him a second five-year term.
Gists9ja reports that this extension underscores the administration’s confidence in his capacity to advance Nigeria’s biotechnology initiatives.
The announcement, made through a letter signed by the Secretary to the Government of the Federation (SGF), Senator George Akume, commends Prof. Mustapha’s significant contributions and progress during his previous term. This reappointment, effective from October 31, 2024, aligns with the provisions outlined in Sections 10 (1) and (3) of the National Biotechnology Development Agency (Establishment) Act, 2022.
Experts in biotechnology and national development have praised this decision, viewing it as a strategic move by President Tinubu to harness and sustain Prof. Mustapha’s leadership in driving technological innovation. With his reappointment, Prof. Mustapha is expected to continue efforts to boost Nigeria’s food security, advance the pharmaceutical sector, and position the country to benefit from the Fourth Industrial Revolution. His leadership is anticipated to steer the nation toward breakthroughs that will address local challenges, create sustainable development, and elevate Nigeria’s global standing in biotechnology.
Hailing from Dambatta Local Government Area in Kano State, Prof. Mustapha is a respected academic in the field of bioinorganic chemistry, combining years of scholarly and practical experience.
His reappointment is expected to further reinforce ethical and impactful biotechnology practices within Nigeria. His expertise will play a pivotal role in shaping policies and innovations that leverage biotechnology for economic growth, public health, and environmental sustainability, positioning Nigeria at the forefront of scientific progress in Africa.
