Prof. Sadiq Yusuf
Vice-Chancellor, Newgate University Minna
Prof. Sadiq Yusuf is an accomplished scholar, visionary leader, and passionate advocate for excellence in higher education. He earned his PhD in Physiology from the renowned Ahmadu Bello University, Zaria, Nigeria, and later pursued prestigious postdoctoral training in Neural Systems and Behavior at the world-famous Marine Biological Laboratory (MBL), Woods Hole, Massachusetts, USA.
With over three decades of rich experience in teaching, scientific research, and academic leadership, Prof. Yusuf has left an indelible mark on the landscape of higher education across Africa. His groundbreaking work in Neuroscience has been supported by internationally recognized organizations such as the International Brain Research Organization, Wellcome Trust, International Society of Neurochemistry, and the Company of Biologists. Through these research grants, he has advanced cutting-edge studies in Neuroscience and Neurogenetics, training a new generation of African neuroscientists in the use of simple animal models for high-impact research.
Prof. Yusuf’s leadership journey spans top-tier academic institutions, where he has held key positions including Deputy Vice-Chancellor (Academics) at Kampala International University, Uganda, and Vice-Chancellor of Uganda Technology and Management University. His tenure in these roles saw the creation of innovative staff development programmes, student scholarship schemes, and the establishment of biomedical research institutes, reflecting his commitment to building institutions that nurture talent and foster innovation.
As a co-founder of Teaching and Research in Natural Sciences for Development (TReND) in Africa—a UK-based NGO—Prof. Yusuf continues to champion the growth of Neuroscience research and education across the continent. He currently serves as the Secretary-General of the Society of Neuroscientists of Africa (SONA), further cementing his influence in the global scientific community.
Driven by a forward-looking vision, Prof. Yusuf is deeply committed to integrating information and communication technologies into education, ensuring that students are equipped with the skills and knowledge to thrive in an ever-changing world.
At Newgate University Minna, he brings together his passion for academic excellence, research innovation, and inclusive development steering the institution towards becoming a hub where ideas flourish and leaders of tomorrow are shaped.