An accomplished Scientist, Teacher, Administrator & Specialist in Quantitative Genetics and Animal Breeding, Professor Baba Yusuf Abubakar holds the Bachelor’s degree from Ahmadu Bello University, Zaria and M.Sc. & Ph.D. from Cornell University, Ithaca, New York, USA. Given his extensive resume, our Celebrant has gone through an enriching working experience to date. He joined the services of the National Animal Production Research Institute [NAPRI], Shika-Zaria in 1978 as a Graduate Assistant – attaining the rank of Professor of Animal Science 17 years later.
Meanwhile, he led the team of researchers that developed the Shika-Brown Poultry Layer Parent Stock- the first of its kind in Nigeria.
For three years, Professor Baba Abubakar also served as Director [Finance & Supply], Family Economic Advancement Programme; Director [Public Service Office], Office of the Head of Civil Service of the Federation; and Director [Policy Implementation & Monitoring], Office of the Secretary to the Government of the Federation.
An appreciative Government appointed him pioneer Executive Secretary/CEO, Agricultural Research Council of Nigeria [ARCN in 2012.
Among other developments, his two terms witnessed the reform of the agency culminating in the more effective ARCN (Amendment) Act, 2021; re-integration of Nigeria into the global International Agricultural Research System; initiation & co-ordination of the establishment of a National Centre for Crop and Animal Improvement; professional capacity-building for best practices; and introduction of a world-class periodical, Journal of Applied Agricultural Research.
There have been several other assignments for our Celebrant – locally and internationally. These include: Consultancies and Committee tasks at the Federal and State levels. He has also served in the Consultative Group on International Agricultural Research Council representing Sub-Saharan Africa; as Chairman, Governing Board of the West & Central African Council for Agricultural Research and Development, Liaison officer, Centre for Agricultural Biosciences International as well as Member — Governing Board of the Forum for Agricultural Research in Africa and Expert Panel on the Development of Science Agenda for Agriculture in Africa.
Professor Baba Abubakar’s current schedules include: Visiting Professor at University of Abuja, Abuja & Chairman of the institution’s Research Council as well as Advisory Board Member for the Nigeria Liquefied Natural Gas Science Prize. He is also the incumbent & First African to chair the Board of Trustees, International Centre for Living Aquatic Resources Management.
Our Celebrant’s professional affiliations speak volumes: Fellow — Agricultural Society of Nigeria, Nigerian Institute of Animal Science, Horticultural Society of Nigeria, and Institute of Public Administration. His roles in these bodies include:
President of the Nigerian Institute of Animal Science, Advisory Board Member for the Nigeria Liquified Natural Gas Science Prize, and Member, Consultative Group on International Agricultural Research [CGIAR] Council representing Sub-Saharan Africa.
With several publications in international and national journals to his credit. Professor Baba Abubakar has been honoured at home and abroad for his value-added contributions to societal development. The recognitions include: Officer of the Order of the Federal Republic [OFR] and CORAF/WECARD Award for invaluable contribution to Agricultural Research and Development in West and Central Africa.
He is happily married with children.
Ladies & Gentlemen, we joyfully Professor Baba Yusuf Abubakar to receive the Hallmarks of Labour Role Model Award of Excellence for the Outstanding Contributions to Research, Innovation and Value Chain Development Towards Food Security.
Congratulations, Sir!