History of the Department of Microbiology
The Department was initially known as the Department of Applied Microbiology when it was established along with the Department of Biochemistry in 1984. In 1987, the Department was merged as Department of Botany and Applied Microbiology (since there were few senior hands on ground) for administrative purpose. It once again regained her autonomy as a separate Department in October, 1989. Academic staff of the Department in the late 80s included Prof. S.K. Ogundana, Dr. M.A. Faluyi, Dr. J.A. Akinyanju, Dr. O.A. Akande, Dr. O. Famurewa, Dr. J.B.I. Aderiye, Dr. W.M. Kpikpi, Mrs. E.Y. Aderibigbe, Mrs. T. Onifade, Mr. J.K. Oloke, MrJ. Kayode and Mr. J.O. Oyagade. The Department has grown tremendously over the years in students’ enrolment and staffing position. The current Acting Head of Department is Dr. T. R. Omodara.
Philosophy
Microbiology has had a long, rich history, initially centered on the causes of infectious diseases but now includes practical applications of the science. Many individuals have made significant contributions to the development of microbiology. Modern microbiology reaches into many fields of human endeavour, including the development of pharmaceutical products, the use of quality-control methods in food and dairy product production, the control of disease-causing microorganisms in consumable water, and the industrial applications of microorganisms in Biotechnology and Nanotechnology.
The degree programme in Microbiology encourages independence and self-confidence. The students will be trained to acquire academic and technical skills, to enable them make meaningful contributions in whatever professional activity they may become engaged in eventually. It combines theoretical principles with a realistic approach to the problems and needs of a developing country, such as Nigeria. It also prepares and equips the promising graduate undertake postgraduate work in Applied Microbiology and related disciplines such as Biotechnology and Nanotechnology.
THE OBJECTIVES OF THE DEPARTMENT
- To produce graduates who will be able to satisfy the manpower needs of Food and Pharmaceutical industries, Research institutes, the Academia and Hospitals.
- To equip our graduates with good knowledge of microbiological theories, concepts and principles which will enable them to undertake postgraduate work in Microbiology and related disciplines in Pure and Applied sciences.
- To train undergraduates who will internationally become self-reliant through application of the practical knowledge of economic importance of microbes.
- Enhance the understanding of our undergraduate students in creating wealth in the area of recycling organic wastes to biofertilizers and biofuel/biogas generation as well as production of single cell protein for national economic development.
- To train the students in water treatment and sanitation for public supply as well as becoming quality control officers in water industries and waste treatment plants.
The Mission Statement of the Department:
The Department concentrates on the teaching and research works in various fields of Microbiology- Medical, Industrial, Environmental, Food and Biotechnology. The academic programme is devoted to studying the fundamentals, basic and applied principles of Microbiology and other scientific applications.