1. Ahmadu Bello University, Zaria, Nigeria
Africa Centre of Excellence for Neglected Tropical Diseases and Forensic Biotechnology

2. Aerial View of a Section of the University

3. INTRODUCTION
Ahmadu Bello University, Zaria established in 1962 is situated in two campuses
12 faculties, a School of Postgraduate Studies, five Institutes, eight Research Centres and a Division of Colleges of Agriculture.
Most cosmopolitan University in Nigeria with students drawn from West, East and North Africa

4. THE CENTRE FOR BIOTECHNOLOGY RESEARCH AND TRAINING
The Centre for Biotechnology Research and Training (CBRT) was commissioned on 10th May, Central Bank of Nigeria provided the take-off fund.
Carnegie Corporation of New York and the University of Bremen, Germany funded the state of art equipment, available in the Centre.

5. Participants in one of the Recombinant DNA Laboratory

6. Specific Objectives Educational
Short term training in form of modules to meet the needs of middle level expertise like laboratory technologists, and health care givers
Graduate curriculum for MSc and PhD Biotechnology with exceptional bias to neglected tropical diseases
Human capacity training in criminal investigation and forensic analysis through short term programmes in forensic biotechnology

7. Industry
Training in medical diagnostics with tools of molecular biology in league with the private sector.
Produce middle level manpower required in the development, analysis and production of reagents/diagnostic kits for science, pharmaceutical and biomedical based industries.
Provide support service for reference hospitals for diagnosis at reasonable cost.
Improve the professional skill and knowledge of biomedical, medical, science based technologists and scientists involved in laboratory diagnosis of diseases and infections through short term training programmes

8. Research
Conduct high level practical training relevant to laboratory work on NTD,
Conduct joint research regional training to build competence in development, planning and performing research projects, with applied biotechnology as major focus
Develop and strengthen internationally accepted quality standards in project planning, performance documentation

9. Research and Training Focus of NTDFB
Building capacity in the diagnosis and management of NTD
NTD of focus:
Trypansomiasis,
Rabies and
Filariasis
Development of database on the distribution of the NTD in the region
Development of diagnostic tools for the three NTDs
Establishment of vaccine development facility for studies on novel vaccine candidates for the NTDs
Building capacity in forensic biotechnology

10. Methodology
Mounting of short term trainings of 1-2 months for capacity trainings
Mounting of postgraduate programmes such as PGD, MSc and PhD
Conducting in-depth research in the three NTDs

11. Achieving Teaching and Learning Excellence
S.No
Activity description 1
Regular teaching modules developed 2
Development of mobile modules - ongoing 3
Development of tutoring and mentoring programs - ongoing 4
Curricula of new graduate programs approved 5
Graduate and short course programs – ongoing (2013/14) 6
Library established and maintained 7
Implementation of field study course work - ongoing 8
Reliable general infrastructure 9
Customization of teaching rooms 10
Customization of teaching laboratories 11
Development of faculty teaching expertise -ongoing

12. Achieving Excellence in Applied Research
S No.
Description of Activities 1
Establishment of animal facility 2
Cold room facility available 3
Chemical and Store facility available 4
Analytic and central research laboratories established 5
Establishment of Biobank in progress 6
DNA vaccine development in progress

13. Partners National NITOR, Kaduna NIMR, Lagos University of Lagos
Federal University of Technology, Minna
Nassarawa State University, Keffi

14. Partners contd. Regional University of Ngaoundere, Cameroon
Institute for Agricultural Research (IRAD, Yaounde, Cameroon)
Garden City University College, Kumasi, Ghana
Centre de Recherches Medicales de Lambarene (CEMEL), Gabon

15. International University of Bremen
Kuvin Medical Centre for Hebrew University
University of Western cape, South Africa
Department of Forensics, Gorge Washington University, USA – MoU being developed

16. Accomplishment Since Inception of NTDFB
Curriculum Development
Curricula for
Mobile short courses
PGD in Forensic Biotechnology
MSc Biotechnology
PhD Biotechnology,
Developed in February, 2014 and
Approved by the University Senate, June 2014

17. Training Workshops organised
Hands on training techniques on basic biotechnology techniques at CBRT, ABU, Zaria, May-June, participants
Training Workshop at University of Ngaoundere, Cameroun September, 2014 – 10 candidates § April 2015 (20)
Joint Field work at Yankari Game Reserve, Nigeria for data collection and outreach to the local populace. August, participants (5 Camerounians)

18. Training Workshops organised
Workshop at Nigerian Institute for Trypanosomiasis and Onchocerciasis Research (17th November 2014) – 20 participants
All these workshops were jointly organised with University of Bremen

19. Admission into Academic Programmes
A total of 27 candidates admitted (2013/14)
MSc - 21 (5 regional; 1 Camerounian)
PhD – 6 (3 Camerounians)
A total of 15 candidates for admission (2014/2015)
MSc - 11 (1 Camerounian)
PhD – 3 (1 Camerounian)