Prof. Lawan Bala Buratai:
From Beginnings to Academic Excellence
The current Vice Chancellor of the Nigerian Army University Biu was born in Buratai village of the Biu Local Government area, Borno State. He started his primary education at Buratai Primary School in the year 1968 and later proceeded to Government Secondary School Biu, where he obtained his West African Examination Council (WAEC) in 1980. He then proceeded to the University of Maiduguri, where he obtained his B.Sc. in 1986, and he undertook his national youth service in Ogun State, Ijebu Ode. He then joined the services of the University of Maiduguri as a graduate assistant. He later did his master’s degree at the University of Maiduguri in 1991 and then went to Ahmadu Bello University (ABU), Zaria, for his Ph.D. program, where he obtained his Ph.D. (Biochemistry) in 2001.
His working career started with the University of Maiduguri as a graduate assistant in 1987, and he rose through the ranks to become a senior lecturer in 2002, a reader in 2007, and then a professor in 2011. As an academician, Professor L.B. Buratai has been able to train quite a number of students both at the undergraduate and postgraduate levels. He has up to fifty (50) well-written articles published in reputable and peer-reviewed journals and has attended several conferences.
He was at times head of the Department of Biochemistry for six (6) years at the University of Maiduguri, HOD of Biochemistry at Kaduna State University, HOD at the Federal University Dutse, Jigawa State, acting Dean at Bauchi State University, GADAU, Deputy Provost of the College of Medical Sciences, Director of International Partnership/Linkages at the Nigerian Army University Biu, and Deputy Vice-Chancellor of Administration at the Nigerian Army University Biu.
This esteemed Professor has served as chairman, coordinator, team leader, adviser, member, fellow, and consultant to several public, professional, and private institutions, university councils, and committees. He is also a member of many professional bodies.