The Department of Biochemistry was carved out from the Department of Chemistry in October, 1978.  It was nurtured as a discipline in the Department of Chemistry in the 1977/78 academic session, before it became a full-fledged Department.  The impetus to establish the Department was derived from the need to train students in the application of biochemical principles/techniques to solving problems of medical, pharmaceutical, industrial and agricultural importance.  It was also informed by the rapid explosion in biochemical researches in Europe and America during the first half of the 20^th century.  It was therefore concluded that a country like Nigeria poised for technological break-through could not afford to be unconcerned about these developments.

Under the leadership of Dr. A. A. Odutuga (now a Professor and retired from University of Ilorin) the first batch of six students was admitted in October, 1977 and graduated in 1980.  From this humble beginning, the Department has witnessed rapid expansion in its programme, student population, physical and teaching facilities and staff strength.

Today, the Department of Biochemistry under the leadership of Dr. MT. Yakubu, an Associate Professor of Biochemistry, is one of those at the forefront of providing exemplary leadership in teaching and research in the Faculty of Science, with bounteous research potentials for both the basic and the applied researches.  Graduates of the Department have secured good positions in the medical sector, industries research institutes, banking sectors, universities and other tertiary institutions.

Philosophy, Aims and Objectives of the degree Programme

The philosophy of the programme is to train men and women to be able to pursue an in-depth knowledge of the chemical basis of life (using Biochemistry to explain transformation at the cellular levels).  Such men and women are to be exposed to the extent that they can achieve self-realization and a sense of the need to contribute to National development.

The main aims and objectives of the degree programme in biochemistry are to:

a.       Produce students with a broad and balanced foundation of biochemical knowledge and practical skills;

b.       Develop in students the ability to apply knowledge and skills to solving theoretical and practical problems in biochemistry;

c.       Develop in students, a range of transferable skills that are of value in biochemical and non-biochemical employment;

d.       Provide students with knowledge and skills base from which they can proceed to further studies in specialized areas of biochemistry or multi-disciplinary areas involving biochemistry;

e.       Provide, through training and orientation, an appreciation of the solutory rewards of inter- and multi-disciplinary approach to   solving complex life problems;

f.       Generate in students an appreciation of the importance of biochemistry in industrial, economic, environmental, technological and social development;

g.       To instill in students enthusiasm for biochemistry, an appreciation of its application in different contexts and to involve them in an intellectually stimulating and satisfying experience of learning and studying.