Professor Muhammad Yalwa Gwarzo

Professor Muhammad Yalwa Gwarzo is a distinguished medical biochemist, medical laboratory scientist, and molecular diagnostics expert whose career spans over four decades of teaching, research, and leadership in laboratory medicine. His professional journey reflects an unwavering commitment to advancing molecular biology, innovative therapeutics, and diagnostic sciences in Nigeria and beyond.

He began his academic career with a Bachelor’s degree in Biochemistry from Ahmadu Bello University, Zaria, in 1982, where he cultivated a strong interest in nutritional and clinical biochemistry. Upon graduation, he joined the Pathology Department of Murtala Muhammad Hospital, Kano, where his passion for laboratory medicine deepened. Recognizing the need for professional regulation in medical laboratory practice, he completed a bridging programme at Ahmadu Bello University Teaching Hospital (ABUTH), accredited by the Medical Laboratory Science Council of Nigeria (MLSCN). With the establishment of the Faculty of Medicine at Bayero University Kano, he transitioned in 1986 to the Department of Medical Biochemistry as a Medical Laboratory Scientist, contributing to the department’s foundational growth.

In pursuit of deeper expertise, Prof. Gwarzo obtained a Master’s degree in Medical Biochemistry from Brunel University, West London, in 1990, sponsored by the European Economic Community. There, he was introduced to immunology and molecular pathology, which broadened his scientific horizons and sharpened his research interests. Returning to Nigeria, his research centered on oxidative stress-related diseases, particularly diabetes mellitus, marking the beginning of his significant contributions to translational biochemistry.

He has held numerous pioneering leadership roles, including:

• Founding Member, Department of Medical Biochemistry
• Founding Member and Head, Department of Medical Laboratory Science
• Pioneer Dean, Faculty of Allied Health Sciences
• Deputy Provost (Academic), College of Health Sciences
• Director, Centre for Biotechnology Research

At the national level, Prof. Gwarzo served as Chairman of the Governing Board of the Medical Laboratory Science Council of Nigeria (2019–2022), where he provided strategic direction for professional regulation and capacity development. He is also a Foundational Fellow of the West African Postgraduate College of Medical Laboratory Science, underscoring his influence across the region.

At KANO2025, Prof. Gwarzo will deliver the Keynote Speech titled: “From Import Dependency to Indigenous Solutions: Strengthening Nigeria’s Diagnostic Sovereignty.” Drawing on his extensive academic, research, and leadership experience, he will highlight the urgent need to reduce reliance on imported diagnostic solutions and champion indigenous innovation as a pathway to true diagnostic independence.

Dr. Donald Ibe Ofili

With over 25 years of strategic and operational leadership in laboratory strengthening and disease control, Dr. Donald Ibe Ofili stands as a distinguished figure in Nigeria’s medical laboratory science landscape. Holding a Ph.D. in Haematology from Igbinedion University, Okada, Nigeria, he brings a robust academic foundation to his regulatory and quality assurance roles.

A celebrated practitioner and thought leader, Dr. Ofili is a Fellow of both the Medical Laboratory Science Council of Nigeria (FMLSCN) and the West African Postgraduate College of Medical Laboratory Science (FWAPCMLS). Before his recent elevation, he served as Deputy Registrar and Director of the MLSCN Accreditation Service, overseeing key initiatives in laboratory accreditation and quality systems.

Dr. Ofili’s technical certifications reflect his depth of expertise: he is a WHO-AFRO–certified SLMTA Trainer, a CLSI Certified Laboratory Quality Assessor, an ASLM-certified SLIPTA Auditor, an ISO 15189 Lead Accreditation Assessor, an ISO 17025 Accreditation Assessor, and an IFBA-certified Biorisk Management Professional. These credentials underscore his comprehensive grasp of international laboratory standards and best practices.

A seasoned leader in policy development, Dr. Ofili chairs the Nigeria National Laboratory Technical Working Group (NLTWG) Committee on Laboratory Quality Management Systems, Biosafety/Biosecurity, and Laboratory Information Management, and also heads Nigeria’s National Technical Committee on Standards for Medical and Medical-Related Services under the Standards Organization of Nigeria (SON). At the regional level, he leads the West Africa Regional Technical Working Group on Biosafety and Biosecurity under the Africa CDC, and serves as Vice-Chair of the WHO Technical Advisory Group on the Responsible Use of the Life Sciences and Dual-Use Research (TAG-RULS-DUR).

Dr. Ofili has also contributed significantly to national health policy—among his notable engagements was serving as Contributing Author to Nigeria’s National Essential Diagnostics List (NNEDL). Beyond his regulatory roles, he remains committed to education and capacity building as a Visiting Senior Lecturer at Bingham University, Karu, Nasarawa State.

KANO 2025 Talk

Regulation as an Enabler: Strengthening the Policy and Legal Landscape for Indigenous Diagnostics

Dr. Ofili will explore how thoughtful, forward-looking regulatory frameworks can catalyze the development, adoption, and commercialization of indigenous diagnostic tools. Drawing on his extensive experience in accreditation, standards development, and policy advocacy, he will:

• Highlight the pivotal role of regulation in ensuring quality, safety, and market entry for locally produced diagnostics.
• Discuss lessons from Nigeria’s regulatory landscape and how policy reforms can reduce barriers for innovators.
• Present strategies for aligning national legal structures with international standards to encourage investment and trust.
• Chart a roadmap for building a regulatory ecosystem that fosters indigenous innovation while safeguarding public health.

DProfessor James Garba Damen

Professor James Garba Damen, mni, is a distinguished academic, visionary leader, and policy advocate whose career epitomizes the transformative power of professional associations in advancing healthcare systems. Hailing from Chip, Pankshin Local Government Area of Plateau State, Nigeria, Prof. Damen has steadily risen through the ranks of medical laboratory science, demonstrating resilience, brilliance, and a lifelong commitment to national development.

From his early beginnings as a Primary School Teacher and Junior Laboratory Worker at Jos University Teaching Hospital, Prof. Damen’s exceptional performance earned him recognition and opportunities for continuous advancement. He obtained his Medical Laboratory Technician certificate in 1995, became an Associate of the Medical Laboratory Science Council of Nigeria (AMLSCN) in 1998, and advanced to the Fellowship of the MLSCN in 2000. His academic journey further includes a Master’s degree in Medical Microbiology (2007) from the University of Jos, a Ph.D. in Medical Microbiology (2013) from Abubakar Tafawa Balewa University, Bauchi, and a Postgraduate Diploma in Education (2015) from the National Teachers Institute, Kaduna. In 2020, he was admitted as a Fellow of the West African Postgraduate College of Medical Laboratory Science.

Prof. Damen is the first Medical Laboratory Scientist to attain the prestigious Member of the National Institute (mni) following his participation in the Senior Executive Course 46 at NIPSS, Kuru in 2024. This achievement positioned him as a trailblazer, bridging medical laboratory science and national policy.

At the University of Jos, he rose to the rank of Professor of Medical Microbiology in 2018, serving as Head of Department of Medical Laboratory Science (2016–2020), Dean of the Faculty of Health Sciences and Technology, and member of the Senate since 2016. He has supervised numerous undergraduate and postgraduate students and published over 50 scholarly papers in reputable journals, earning recognition as a trusted examiner, external assessor, and journal reviewer both nationally and internationally.

Prof. Damen’s leadership extends beyond academia into professional associations. He has served the Association of Medical Laboratory Scientists of Nigeria (AMLSN) in various capacities, including National Secretary (2017–2020) and ultimately National President (2020–2023). Under his stewardship, AMLSN enhanced visibility, professional advocacy, and policy engagement, shaping the laboratory profession as a driver of healthcare transformation. He was also conferred the award of Best Performing Branch Chairman in 2015, reflecting his dynamic leadership at every stage.

At KANO2025, Prof. Damen will speak on “Professional Associations as Engines of Change: Leveraging GMLD and AMLSN to Drive Diagnostic Sovereignty.” Drawing from decades of experience, he will explore how organized professional bodies can accelerate diagnostic independence, strengthen policy engagement, and ensure sustainable laboratory systems across Nigeria and Africa.

Mr. Manason Garkuwa Rubainu

Mr. Manason Garkuwa Rubainu is a trailblazing figure in Nigeria’s diagnostic landscape, with a pioneering career spanning over three decades in laboratory science, policy leadership, and professional governance. Born on 14 August 1957 in Kumo, Gombe State, he earned his Chemistry degree from Ahmadu Bello University, Zaria, and became an Associate of the Institute of Medical Laboratory Science (AIMLS) in Chemical Pathology after training at ABUTH.

He began his distinguished career as a Medical Laboratory Scientist-in-Training under the Bauchi State government before rising through the ranks at the University of Abuja Teaching Hospital (UATH), Gwagwalada, eventually leading the Department of Medical Laboratory Services (DMLS). He enhanced his expertise through comprehensive in-service training in QMS, biosafety, auditing, medical lab instrumentation, and test methods.

Mr. Rubainu is renowned for several groundbreaking firsts in Nigeria’s diagnostic history: he was the first scientist in Nigeria trained in assisted reproductive technologies (IUI, IVF), tissue banking, and the first to implement CD4 counting, HIV p24 antigen assays, and advanced viral monitoring before PCR became widespread.

He chaired the Medical Laboratory Equipment Standardization and Harmonization Committee (2010–date) and continues to lead the National HIV Laboratory Task Team under the Federal Ministry of Health. Before retiring in 2017, he served as Director of the MLSCN Invitro Diagnostics Technical Committee and chaired the Technical Committee on Medical Laboratory Accreditation, while also serving on boards such as MLSCN, University of Port Harcourt Teaching Hospital, and Federal Medical Center Makurdi.

A respected leader of professional bodies, he has served as President of the Association of Medical Laboratory Scientists of Nigeria (AMLSN) and rose through the ranks of the Association of Professional Bodies of Nigeria (APBN)—first as Second Deputy President (2018–2020), then First Deputy (2020–2022), before becoming President and Chairman-in-Council in September 2022.

As APBN President, Mr. Rubainu has passionately urged that professionals become agents of good governance and ethical leadership—emphasizing that “We are not mere spectators; we are architects of society” and calling for stronger involvement of professionals in policy and reform.

At KANO2025, Mr. Rubainu will deliver a keynote titled: “Understanding the Protocol for Indigenous Diagnostics Development: From Concept to Commercialization.” Drawing on his rich history of innovation, regulatory leadership, and capacity building, he will outline the essential steps—from idea inception, regulatory standards, quality systems, to scaling and local market entry—needed to bring Made-in-Nigeria diagnostic tools from lab benches to national and regional markets.

Professor Faruk Sarkinfada

Professor Faruk Sarkinfada is an internationally respected scholar, medical microbiologist, and public health laboratory expert with over 30 years of teaching, research, and professional service in Nigeria, the United Kingdom, and the United Arab Emirates. He currently serves as Professor of Medical Laboratory Sciences and Dean of the School of Basic Medical Sciences at Skyline University Nigeria.

Prof. Sarkinfada obtained his Ph.D. from the Liverpool School of Tropical Medicine, University of Liverpool, UK, building on earlier training in medical microbiology and laboratory sciences. His academic career has focused on diagnostic microbiology systems, quality assurance, infectious diseases, and antimicrobial resistance (AMR) surveillance. Over the years, he has designed and implemented postgraduate programs leading to master’s and doctoral degrees in medical laboratory sciences, medical microbiology, and allied health sciences.

A prolific researcher, Prof. Sarkinfada has published extensively in high-impact peer-reviewed journals and serves as a reviewer for leading outlets including the Journal of Infections in Developing Countries, Malaria Journal, and the Journal of Global Infectious Diseases. He has also been Editor-in-Chief of the Annals of Medical Laboratory Scientist, West African Postgraduate College of Medical Laboratory Sciences, shaping scholarship across the continent.

In academia, he has held senior positions such as Deputy Dean, Faculty of Clinical Sciences, Head of the Department of Medical Microbiology and Parasitology, and Postgraduate Coordinator, College of Health Sciences, Bayero University Kano. Internationally, he served as Head of Research and Entrepreneurship at Khawarizmi International College (now LIWA University), Abu Dhabi, contributing to innovation and institutional growth.

His professional fellowships include Fellow of the West African Postgraduate College of Medical Laboratory Science (2020), Fellow of the International Ford Foundation Fellowship Program (2007), and Elected Fellow of the Royal Society of Tropical Medicine and Hygiene (2007). He is also a member of global networks such as the BactiVac Network, University of Birmingham (2023).

His consultancy portfolio includes projects with DAI Global (USA) under the Fleming Fund, the Federal Ministry of Health (Nigeria), Pfizer in partnership with the Kano State Government, and the Liverpool School of Tropical Medicine, where he supported AMR surveillance capacity building.

Prof. Sarkinfada’s research interests encompass the use of biomarkers in bacterial and viral diagnostics, determinants of antimicrobial resistance across One Health interfaces, and community-based studies on sepsis, malaria, tuberculosis, diabetes, and hypertension.

At KANO2025, Professor Sarkinfada will deliver a landmark keynote titled: “Smart Diagnostics: Harnessing AI and Digital Platforms to Scale Indigenous Solutions.” Drawing on his deep expertise in laboratory systems, quality assurance, and AMR, he will explore how artificial intelligence and digital health platforms can revolutionize Nigeria’s diagnostic sector. His presentation will highlight pathways to scaling local innovations, integrating AI-driven tools for efficiency, and positioning Nigeria at the forefront of diagnostic sovereignty in Africa.

Alhaji Mustapha Husain Falaki

Alhaji Mustapha Husain Falaki is a seasoned entrepreneur, business leader, and healthcare innovator whose career spans more than three decades of service to Northern Nigeria and beyond. Born and raised in Kano State in the 1970s, he completed his early education in Kano before proceeding to Sokoto State for his secondary education in the 1980s. He later advanced to Ahmadu Bello University, Zaria, where he obtained a Bachelor’s degree in Islamic Studies (B.Ed.), laying the foundation for his lifelong commitment to knowledge, leadership, and service.

Alh. Falaki’s professional journey reflects his extraordinary ability to bridge entrepreneurship with social impact. Over the past 30 years, he has established and successfully managed multiple businesses across healthcare, food processing, and agriculture. His ventures are distinguished not only by commercial success but also by their contributions to health system strengthening, job creation, and community development.

At the heart of his business empire is Minjirya Health Services Limited, where he serves as Founder and Chief Executive Officer/Managing Director. Through this company, he has pioneered access to high-quality healthcare solutions, diagnostic services, and medical technologies that address critical needs across Northern Nigeria. His work has placed him at the forefront of the region’s evolving healthcare ecosystem.

Alh. Falaki also serves as Chairman of Optimum Diagnostics Centre, Kano, a state-of-the-art facility that has enhanced the availability of modern diagnostic services for patients and clinicians alike. His leadership extends to several other companies, including Pyramid Global Products Limited, Lifecare Technology Limited, Librate Global Links Limited, Dato Farms & Agro-Allied Limited, and Dato Foods Limited, each contributing to health, technology, agriculture, and food security. Beyond business, he is also Chairman of the Ihsan Foundation, a philanthropic initiative dedicated to social welfare and humanitarian service.

As part of his contribution to the healthcare industry, Alh. Falaki plays a vital advocacy role through his position as Board Chairman of the Association of Healthcare Equipment and Allied Products Providers of Nigeria (HEPAN). Under his leadership, HEPAN has strengthened its engagement with policymakers, healthcare professionals, and private sector players to promote the availability, quality, and regulation of medical equipment and allied products in Nigeria. His robust relationships with healthcare professional bodies have made him a trusted voice in policy dialogues and industry reforms.

His entrepreneurial vision extends into agriculture and food production, with his companies contributing to improved food systems, nutrition, and sustainable livelihoods. This multi-sectoral approach demonstrates his belief in building integrated solutions that address both economic and social challenges.

At KANO2025, Alh. Falaki will deliver an insightful paper titled: “Positioning Nigeria as West Africa’s Diagnostic Export Powerhouse under AfCFTA.” In this paper, he will explore how Nigeria can leverage its entrepreneurial capacity, private sector innovation, and regional trade agreements to expand diagnostic manufacturing and services beyond national borders. His contribution will highlight the strategic role of healthcare entrepreneurs in turning Nigeria into a hub for diagnostic solutions under the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA).

Dr. Aminu Suleiman, PhD, FMLSCN, MPH

Dr. Aminu Suleiman is a highly respected Medical Laboratory Scientist, Quality Management System (QMS) Specialist, and public health professional with over 30 years of experience spanning hospital systems, military health services, and international public health programs. His career reflects a rare blend of technical expertise, leadership in laboratory accreditation, and strategic contributions to Nigeria’s health security.

Dr. Suleiman began his professional journey with the Nigerian Air Force (1999–2008), where he rose to the position of Officer Commanding Laboratory Services at multiple military hospitals and retired with the rank of Squadron Leader. His early years shaped his dedication to discipline, service, and laboratory leadership. Concurrently, he led operations at the Infectious Diseases Hospital Laboratory, Kano, overseeing diagnostics in microbiology, clinical chemistry, and hematology while mentoring junior scientists.

Between 2014 and 2016, Dr. Suleiman served as PEPFAR Laboratory Manager with HJF/MRI, providing technical guidance, designing work plans, and driving system improvements across Nigerian military laboratories. His outstanding leadership prepared him for his current role with the Walter Reed Army Institute of Research Africa (WRAIR-A), Abuja, where he has served since 2016 as Laboratory Team Lead and Associate Director for Medical Laboratory Services. In this capacity, he provides strategic direction to PEPFAR-supported laboratories, leads budgeting and quality initiatives, and serves as Principal Investigator on antimicrobial resistance surveillance among military and civilian populations.

Academically, Dr. Suleiman holds a Ph.D. in Public Health (2019) from the University of Central Nicaragua, an MPH in Epidemiology (2012) from the University of Liverpool, UK, an M.Sc. in Immunology (2006), and multiple postgraduate qualifications in supply chain management and laboratory science. He is a Fellow of the Medical Laboratory Science Council of Nigeria (FMLSCN, Virology) and a Fellow of the West African Postgraduate College of Medical Laboratory Science (2022), underscoring his stature as a regional leader in laboratory medicine.

Dr. Suleiman’s technical expertise covers QMS implementation, laboratory accreditation, surveillance systems, antimicrobial resistance, and outbreak response. He has conducted numerous national and international audits, including as Lead Auditor for the African Society for Laboratory Medicine (ASLM) in Uganda and Ghana, and as a national auditor for Nigerian hospitals seeking accreditation.

His contributions have been recognized with awards such as the U.S. Department of Defense Outstanding Performance Award (2010), a Certificate of Recognition for Early Infant Diagnosis strategies (2018), and multiple commendations for strengthening HIV/AIDS and TB diagnostic systems. He has published widely on HIV, TB, COVID-19, and laboratory diagnostics in international journals and has presented research at ASLM and global conferences.

At KANO2025, Dr. Aminu Suleiman will present on “Assuring Excellence: Strategies to Guarantee Quality and Accreditation of Made-in-Nigeria Diagnostic Kits.” Drawing from his extensive experience in laboratory quality management and accreditation systems, he will outline pathways for ensuring that locally manufactured diagnostic kits meet international standards. His presentation will highlight strategies to build trust, guarantee reliability, and position Nigeria’s diagnostic industry as globally competitive.

Mr. Umar Jika

Mr. Umar Jika is a dynamic professional whose career spans more than 20 years of leadership experience in the financial sector, public service, consulting, and healthcare investment. Since January 2021, he has served as General Manager of MedServe Kano Diagnostic Centre (MKDC), where he oversees operations, strategic growth, and service delivery at one of Kano’s foremost diagnostic facilities. His role reflects a unique combination of financial acumen, policy insight, and healthcare management expertise.

Mr. Jika’s career began in Nigeria’s financial sector, where he held key positions at Guaranty Trust Bank (GTBank) and Keystone Bank. These formative years enabled him to sharpen his skills in banking operations, strategy, and financial management, laying a strong foundation for his future roles in public administration and healthcare enterprise.

He later transitioned into public service, serving as Technical Assistant to the Honourable Minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT). In this role, he contributed to policy design, administrative planning, and the execution of government initiatives in Abuja. His exposure to high-level governance and administrative structures deepened his appreciation for public sector reforms and their intersections with private enterprise.

Before assuming his current role at MKDC, Mr. Jika worked as Lead Consultant for Capacity Building at Ahmed Bawa and Co. (Chartered Accountants). There, he designed and facilitated training programs focused on organizational efficiency, workforce development, and strategic management, supporting businesses and institutions to achieve measurable growth and sustainability.

At MedServe Kano Diagnostic Centre, Mr. Jika has brought this wealth of cross-sectoral experience to bear in driving the Centre’s mission of providing reliable, affordable, and high-quality diagnostic services. Under his leadership, MKDC has prioritized innovation, customer-centered care, and partnerships that strengthen healthcare access in Kano and Northern Nigeria.

An accomplished scholar, Mr. Jika holds a Bachelor’s degree in Economics from Bayero University, Kano, an MBA in Business Administration, and an M.Sc. in Economics from Modibbo Adama University, Yola, Adamawa State. His strong academic foundation complements his professional achievements, equipping him with analytical and managerial skills critical to leading complex organizations.

Mr. Jika is also a member of the Institute of Chartered Economists of Nigeria (ICEN), underscoring his professional commitment to advancing sound economic and business practices. His professional philosophy is rooted in innovation, efficiency, and impact, values he has consistently demonstrated in his career trajectory.

At KANO2025, Mr. Umar Jika will deliver a keynote on “Financing the Future: Unlocking Capital for Diagnostic Startups, SMEs, and Research Institutions.” Drawing on his diverse background in banking, governance, consulting, and healthcare management, he will explore practical strategies for mobilizing sustainable financing in the diagnostic sector. His presentation will focus on how Nigeria can build investment-ready diagnostic enterprises, foster partnerships between private capital and public institutions, and unlock resources for startups, small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs), and research organizations.

Olarewaju O. Barnabas (Ola Barnabas)

Olarewaju O. Barnabas, popularly known as Ola Barnabas, is an accomplished corporate trainer, management consultant, and workforce development strategist with over 15 years of experience designing and delivering high-impact interventions across Nigeria’s public, private, and nonprofit sectors. His career reflects a deep commitment to organizational transformation, entrepreneurship development, and human capital strengthening—qualities that position him as a key voice in the ongoing discourse on diagnostic workforce innovation and self-reliance in Nigeria.

Ola Barnabas currently serves as Principal Consultant at Ola Barnabas Consulting (since 2020), where he has led the incubation of more than 80 start-ups and innovative ventures across the country. He has trained early-stage entrepreneurs and staff in healthcare, education, hospitality, and nonprofit organizations, helping them build resilience and sustainability. His firm has facilitated onsite and virtual training sessions that consistently deliver measurable outcomes, often resulting in more than 60% improvement in productivity for client organizations.

In addition to his entrepreneurial practice, he is a seasoned management consultant and faculty with the Nigerian Institute of Management (NIM), Kano (since 2011), conducting over 120 corporate training sessions annually for senior executives of federal and state ministries, tertiary institutions, and agencies. He is also a facilitator with the Institute of Strategic Management of Nigeria (ISMN), Abuja, where he has trained staff of the Nigerian Meteorological Agency (NiMet) on ethics and performance management.

His expertise has been widely sought by international and national organizations. Between 2017 and 2020, he worked with the International Crops Research Institute for Semi-Arid Tropics (ICRISAT), where he trained actors along agricultural value chains on adopting innovative policies, improving commercialization, and boosting sales by over 40%. He has also partnered with the Peace Initiatives Network (PIN) as a business development service provider, guiding grantees in start-up incubation and business planning, achieving an 80% success rate within five years.

Beyond consulting, Ola Barnabas is a serial entrepreneur. He is the founder of Lanre Integrated Farms and Agro-Allied Enterprises and Sanjane Publications, where he provides employment, mentorship, and leadership opportunities to young professionals. He also convenes the annual Purpose, Entrepreneurship and Leadership (PEL) Conference in Kano, widely regarded as one of the largest privately organized nation-building events in northern Nigeria.

Academically, he holds a B.Sc. in Business Administration (University of Ilorin, 2005) and multiple professional certifications, including Management Consulting (Emory University, 2023), Business Analytics (Wharton, 2023), Data Analytics (Google, 2023), and Financial Administration (Chartered Institute of Administration, 2008). He is a member of the Nigerian Institute of Management and a recipient of numerous youth and leadership awards.

At KANO2025, Ola Barnabas will deliver a powerful presentation titled: “Building Nigeria’s Diagnostic Workforce for Innovation and Self-Reliance.” He will explore how strategic training, leadership development, and workforce empowerment can catalyze Nigeria’s diagnostic sector, reduce dependence on external expertise, and foster sustainable, homegrown solutions.

Dr. Abdurrahman Ahmad El-fulaty

Dr. Abdurrahman Ahmad El-fulaty is a distinguished immunologist, researcher, and academic leader committed to advancing laboratory medicine, innovation, and health system strengthening in Nigeria. Born on 3rd November 1983 in Zaria, Kaduna State, he combines deep expertise in immunology with visionary leadership in medical laboratory education and practice. Dr. El-fulaty earned his Bachelor of Medical Laboratory Science (BMLS) from Usmanu Danfodiyo University, Sokoto (2010), and became an Associate of the Medical Laboratory Science Council of Nigeria (2012). He later pursued advanced training at Ahmadu Bello University, Zaria (ABU), where he obtained an M.Sc. in Immunology (2016) and a Ph.D. in Immunology (2019).

He joined the Department of Medical Laboratory Science, ABU Zaria, in 2013, where he now serves as Senior Lecturer and Head of Department (since 2021). He has also played pivotal roles in the Faculty of Allied Health Sciences, including Deputy Dean (2021–present), Assistant Dean (2019–2021), BMLS Programme Coordinator (2017–2021), and Faculty Examinations Officer (2019–2021). Alongside his academic responsibilities, he contributes as an Honorary Medical Laboratory Scientist (Immunology) at Ahmadu Bello University Teaching Hospital (ABUTH), where he has supported Nigeria’s diagnostic response, including service on the COVID-19 Testing Team.

As an educator, Dr. El-fulaty teaches both undergraduate and postgraduate students across diverse fields such as innate and adaptive immunity, immunomodulation, vaccines, health statistics, and recombinant DNA technology. He has successfully supervised undergraduate projects, Master’s dissertations, and PhD theses, nurturing the next generation of Nigerian scientists.

A prolific researcher, he has authored over 40 peer-reviewed publications in leading journals including Human Vaccines & Immunotherapeutics, Journal of Evidence-Based Integrative Medicine, SAGE Open Medicine, Nigerian Postgraduate Medical Journal, and Egyptian Journal of Bronchology. He has also co-authored book chapters published by Springer and Elsevier, focusing on dengue control and emerging viral threats.

Dr. El-fulaty’s academic excellence has been recognized globally. He is a recipient of the STAMINA/Fogarty NIH Grant (2017) and the Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation Travel Grant (2017). His scholarship and expertise have taken him to prestigious scientific gatherings, including the Keystone Symposia (USA 2017, Germany 2024), ASM Microbe (USA 2019), AFREhealth Symposium (Lagos 2019), COLDA (Kenya 2018), and the IUSTI World Congress (Morocco 2016).

At KANO2025, Dr. El-fulaty will deliver a thought-provoking paper on “Catalyzing Homegrown Innovations: Unleashing Nigeria’s Potential in IVD Manufacturing.” His lecture will examine how Nigeria can build indigenous capacity for in-vitro diagnostic (IVD) manufacturing, reduce reliance on imports, and foster innovation ecosystems that strengthen diagnostic sovereignty. Drawing from his experience in immunology, molecular research, and international collaborations, he will challenge stakeholders to rethink local innovation as a driver of health security and economic growth.