P Prof. Saidu Garba

Biography

About

Professor of Organic Chemistry · Nigerian Defence Academy

Trusted academic portfolio

Prof. Saidu Garba

Professor Saidu Garba is a Professor of Organic Chemistry at the Nigerian Defence Academy (NDA), Kaduna, Nigeria. His research is centred on phytochemistry, organochlorine pesticides, and natural product chemistry — specifically the isolation and characterisation of bioactive compounds from medicinal plants with antimicrobial, anthelmintic, and anti-diabetic activities. He has published over 50 peer-reviewed works and is currently investigating the use of medicinal plants for the treatment of viral diseases. He is also a dedicated academic administrator, serving as Director of Academic Planning since 2018, and has been recognised for his role in securing full accreditation of all undergraduate and postgraduate programmes at NDA.

Academic Journey

  1. Ph.D. in Organic Chemistry

    Nigerian Defence Academy, Kaduna
    Doctoral research in organic and natural product chemistry with a focus on bioactive compounds from Nigerian medicinal plants.

  2. B.Sc. (First in his village)

    Kebbi State, Nigeria
    Became the first BSc holder from his village in Kebbi State — a milestone recognised at his Professorial Inaugural Lecture.

Professional Experience

  1. Professor of Organic Chemistry

    2018 – present · Nigerian Defence Academy, Kaduna
    Full Professor in the Department of Chemistry. Leads research on phytochemistry and natural product drug discovery. Delivered the 16th NDA Professorial Inaugural Lecture: "Green Plants: Natural Chemical Factory For Drug Development".

  2. Director of Academic Planning

    2018 – 2025,· Nigerian Defence Academy, Kaduna
    Oversees academic policy and programme planning. Supervised the full NUC accreditation of all undergraduate and postgraduate courses at NDA.

  3. Academy Examination Officer

    2016 – 2018 · Nigerian Defence Academy, Kaduna
    Managed all academic examinations and assessment processes across the Academy.

  4. Visiting Professor

    Gombe State University, Nigeria
    Visiting academic appointment contributing to chemistry and natural science programmes.

  5. External Examiner

    Sokoto State University, Nigeria
    External examiner for undergraduate chemistry programmes, ensuring academic standards and quality assurance.

  6. Director, Center for Career Services

    2025 - Present, Nigerian Defence Academy
    Direct and manage the NDA career services by assisting all student, alumni, faculty, and employer clients in the development of career education, career identification and search, and pursuit of employment opportunities commensurate with formal academic pursuits. Continually expand the client/user base and scope of services to ensure provision of the widest array of services possible to the broadest mix of academic and corporate clients.

Honours & Recognitions

16th NDA Professorial Inaugural Lecture
"Green Plants: Natural Chemical Factory For Drug Development" — Nigerian Defence Academy
First Professor from His LGA
Kebbi State, Nigeria — recognised at Inaugural Lecture
NUC Accreditation Panel Member
National Universities Commission — panel member for five universities
Commendation for Academic Excellence
NDA Commandant: "Outstanding staff — highly dedicated, patriotic, and strives for excellence"

Research & Expertise

Phytochemistry Natural Product Chemistry Organochlorine Pesticide Analysis Isolation & Characterisation of Bioactive Compounds Antimicrobial Research Anthelmintic & Anti-Diabetic Drug Discovery Medicinal Plant Research for Viral Diseases Academic Leadership & Administration Peer Review (Local & International Journals)