About the Centre

Biotechnology is a vital scientific field that studies and manipulates living organisms and biological systems to develop innovative solutions in medicine, agriculture, industry, and environmental management. It contributes to advances such as drug and vaccine development, genetically modified crops, biofertilizers, bioremediation, biofuels, and bioinformatics—making it central to global health, food security, and sustainable development.
Recognizing its importance, Bayero University Kano established the Centre for Biotechnology Research (CBR-BUK) in 2012. The initiative began under Prof. M. Y. Bello (former DVC Academics) and was completed under Prof. Hafiz Abubakar, MFR, who became the pioneer Director following Senate and Council approval. In 2013, the Vice-Chancellor, Prof. Abubakar A. Rasheed, Mni, MFR, constituted a Technical Committee chaired by Prof. Hafiz Abubakar to guide the Centre’s development and research agenda.
The Centre now operates from a fully equipped facility with six laboratories — General/Instrumentation, Molecular, Cell & Tissue Culture, Microbiology, Biochemistry, and a Cold Room. Three laboratories are currently active, managed by seven technologists and one laboratory assistant.
CBR-BUK will commence short certificate courses in 2025, including programs in Bioinformatics, Genetic Engineering, Molecular Diagnostics, Cell and Molecular Biology, AI in Teaching and Research, and Nano-biotechnology.
Active research groups include Anti-Cancer Research, Head & Neck Cancer Research, Food Security Research, Metabolic Diseases Research, and the Kano Genome Project.
Past and Present Directors:
Prof. Hafiz Abubakar, MFR (2014–2015)
Prof. Muhammad Auwal Arzai (2015–2018)
Prof. Muhammad Yalwa Gwarzo (2018–2024)
Prof. Anas Ibrahim Yahaya (2024–Date)