FACULTY OF CHEMICAL AND LIFE SCIENCES IN BRIEF

The Faculty of Chemical and Life Sciences, formerly called Faculty of Science, was one of the seven foundation Faculties of the University of Sokoto, now Usmanu Danfodiyo University, Sokoto. The creation of the Faculty was approved by Senate in its 15^th meeting held on 27^th June and 5th July, 1975. However, it took off in 1977/78 session, starting classes with four Departments on 20^th October 1977 at the temporary site, now called the City Campus. The four original Departments were Biological Sciences, with two Units of Zoology and Botany; Chemistry; Mathematics and Physics. In the second phase of the Faculty development, the Department of Biochemistry (now Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology) was established in 1982. In addition, Applied Chemistry Unit was introduced in 1981/82 Academic Session in the Department of Chemistry (which is now divided into Department of Pure and Environmental Chemistry & Department of Energy and Applied Chemistry, effective 2022). In 1989 and 1990 Microbiology and Biology Units were established respectively in the Department of Biological Sciences. However, in 2006, Microbiology Unit was upgraded to full-fledged Department. The former Botany unit is now converted to Plant Science Department and the Biology unit is now also a Department, effective 2022. Thus, the faculty now has seven departments namely, Biochemistry and Molecular Biology; Pure and Environmental Chemistry; Energy and Applied Chemistry; Plant Science; Microbiology; Zoology and Biology.

At inception, the Faculty admits undergraduate candidates for a three-year degree programme through direct-entry or two-year pre-degree programme. The Pre-degree programme was phased-out in 1984/85 session and University Matriculation Examinations (UME) was introduced for four-year degree programme to conform to the National University Commission (NUC) Approved Minimum Academic Standards. At present, candidates who pass the Unified Tertiary Matriculation Examinations (UTME) and have obtained a minimum of five (5) ‘O’ level credits in relevant subjects are admitted into 100 levels in the recommended Departments of the Faculty. For candidates to be admitted into 200 level, he/she must have obtained and filled the Direct Entry form from the Joint Admission and Matriculation Board (JAMB) and must have passed at least two (2) relevant subjects at GCE ‘A’ level or its equivalent (i.e. NCE, Diplomas, IJMB, etc.), in addition to having the required number of credits at the ‘O’ level.

The Faculty also runs full-time Masters and Doctor of Philosophy degree programmes in all the Departments, as well as Diploma in Laboratory Science Technology, in conjunction with the Usmanu Danfodiyo University Consultancy Services (UDUCONS). Furthermore, the Faculty provides course services to College of Health Sciences, Faculties of Veterinary Medicine, Nursing, Pharmacy, Medical Laboratory Science, Radiography, Engineering and Environmental Design, Agriculture, Education and Extension Services. The programmes in each of the seven departments of the faculty were designed after taking into consideration the requirements of the NUC approved Minimum Academic Standards for training of Scientists and Technologist, as clearly spelt in the NUC Approved Minimum Academic Standards in Sciences for all Nigerian Universities.

Our Mission

To produce graduates with a sound knowledge of basic conceptual and theoretical framework of classical and modern sciences, who are capable of pursuing successful careers in teaching and research in all fields of science and technology. 

Our Vision

To be a centre of excellence in terms of teaching, research and community service in Pure and Applied Sciences.