Bamidele Ogbe Solomon (1955–2023)
Bamidele Ogbe Solomon (7 July 1955 – 10 May 2023) was a Nigerian academic and professor of chemical engineering. He was a key figure in Nigeria's biotechnology policy formulation and served two terms as Director General and CEO of the National Biotechnology Development Agency (NABDA) from 2005 to 2013.
Early Life and Education
Bamidele Solomon was born in Idofin-Isanlu, Kwara State (now in Kogi State).
- Secondary Education:
- ECWA Secondary School, Mopa (1968–1972)
- Federal Government College, Sokoto (1973–1974) – O'Level Certificate
- Tertiary Education:
- Enrolled at Kansas State University in 1975 on a Federal Government scholarship
- Completed a PhD in Chemical and Biochemical Engineering in 1983
- Also held a Post-graduate Fellowship at Kansas State University's Department of Chemical Engineering
Academic and Professional Career
- 1980–1983: Temporary Instructor at Kansas State University
- 1984–1994: Lecturer at Obafemi Awolowo University (OAU), Ile-Ife
- Deputy Dean, Faculty of Technology
- 1989–1992: Associate Lecturer, Biochemical Engineering (Genetic Engineering) at FUTA
- 1992: Alexander von Humboldt Foundation Research Fellowship
- Conducted research at GBF (National Institute for Biotechnology), Germany
- 1994: $10,600 grant from International Foundation for Science, Sweden
- 1995: Fellowship from South African Government Research Council for work at University of Stellenbosch
- 1995–2004: Associate Lecturer and later Head of Department, Chemical Engineering at Ladoke Akintola University of Technology
- 2005–2013: Director General and CEO, National Biotechnology Development Agency (NABDA)
Consultancy and Public Policy
Solomon was a consultant for various organizations:
- Mobil Producing Nigeria
- NNPC
- International Brewery Ltd
- Chevron
- Nigerian Society of Chemical Engineers
- Ministries of Solid Minerals, Environment, and Science & Technology
He played a central role in: - Advocating for the passage of the Biosafety Bill, which led to the establishment of the National Biosafety Management Agency (NBMA)
Selected Publications
- Statistical Estimation of Yield and Maintenance Parameters Associated with Microbial Growth
- National Biotechnology Status Survey (2008)
- Cultivation of Selected Tropical Edible Mushroom: A Hands-on Manual
- Properties of Biodiesel Feedstock as an Effective Ecofuel Source and Their Challenges
- Biomass Yields and Maintenance Requirements for Growth on Carbohydrates
- Development of Malt for the Nigerian Brewing Industries: Malting of Grain Sorghum
- Microbial Conversion of Maize and Sorghum Dusts to High Protein Food
- Evaluation of Microbial Systems for Bioremediation of Petroleum Refinery Effluents in Nigeria
- Utilization of Airlift Fermenters in the Mass Propagation of Pseudomonas and Aureobasidium Species for the Bioremediation of Crude Oil Polluted Aquatic Environments
- Physicochemical Characterization of Delonox Regia Oil and Heterogeneous Catalyst Synthesis from the Husk for Biodiesel Production using RSM Design Approach
- Optimization of Process Variables for Microbial Degradation of Phenol by Binary Mixed Culture of Pseudomonas aeruginosa and Pseudomonas fluorescens using RSM
- Influencing Politicians and Policy Makers to Pave Way for a Viable Biotechnology Sector: A Case Study of the Nigerian Biosafety Bill Drafting, Passage, Experiences and Lessons Learnt (in Biotechnology for Africa)
Legacy
Bamidele Solomon left a significant impact on Nigeria’s science policy, biotechnology advocacy, and academic development, with a strong record of scholarly research and institutional leadership.
References
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