Profile of 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, research, and innovation. He earned his PhD in Physiology from Ahmadu Bello University, Nigeria, and subsequently completed postdoctoral training in Neural Systems and Behavior at the globally renowned Marine Biological Laboratory (MBL), Woods Hole, Massachusetts, USA.
With over three decades of distinguished experience in teaching, scientific research, and academic leadership, Prof. Sadiq Yusuf has made significant contributions to the advancement of higher education in Africa. He has received support from leading international organizations, including the International Brain Research Organization, Wellcome Trust, International Society of Neurochemistry, and The Company of Biologists, to organize advanced training programmes for a new generation of African neuroscientists. These initiatives focus on the use of simple animal models for translational research in Neuroscience and Neurogenetics, contributing significantly to the emergence and development of a new generation of African researchers in the field.
Prof. Yusuf’s leadership journey spans several top-tier institutions. He previously served as Deputy Vice-Chancellor (Academics) at Kampala International University and as Vice-Chancellor of Uganda Technology and Management University. During his tenure, he led transformative initiatives, including the development of staff capacity-building programmes, student scholarship schemes, and biomedical research institutes, reflecting his commitment to building sustainable and innovative academic institutions.
He is a co-founder of Teaching and Research in Natural Sciences for Development (TReND) in Africa, a UK-based organization dedicated to strengthening science education and research across Africa. In addition, he has served in key leadership roles within the Society of Neuroscientists of Africa, including President, Treasurer, and Secretary-General, further solidifying his influence within the global scientific and academic community.
Driven by a forward-looking vision, Prof. Yusuf is deeply committed to integrating information and communication technology (ICT) in higher education, ensuring that students acquire the digital competencies and critical skills required to thrive in a rapidly evolving global landscape.
At Newgate University Minna, Prof. Yusuf brings together his passion for academic excellence, research innovation, and inclusive development, providing strategic leadership that is positioning the University as a hub for knowledge creation, innovation, and leadership development in Nigeria and beyond.