The Institute for Agricultural Research (IAR), Ahmadu Bello University, Zaria, has announced a far-reaching round of appointments and reappointments across its academic, technical, administrative, and commercial structures, in what Management describes as a deliberate move to consolidate institutional stability, strengthen leadership continuity, and accelerate the delivery of high-impact agricultural research across Nigeria.
The approvals, granted by the Executive Director, Prof. Ado Yusuf, affect key Programmes, Units, Sections, Research Stations, and commercial entities that collectively drive the Institute’s mandates in research, extension, innovation, and enterprise development. The exercise, which takes effect from 5 January 2026 for a two-year tenure, reflects a strategic leadership realignment designed to sustain momentum in scientific output, technology transfer, and farmer-focused service delivery.
Management noted that the appointments come at a time when Nigerian agriculture faces mounting pressures from climate variability, food security concerns, and the need for market-oriented innovation. The renewed leadership structure is therefore positioned to strengthen IAR’s responsiveness to national development priorities and emerging sectoral demands.
Consolidating Core Research Programmes
At the heart of the leadership renewal is the reappointment of senior scholars to steer critical research programmes that underpin food production systems nationwide.
Prof. Hamza Mani continues as Programme Leader, Irrigation Research, maintaining oversight of water management innovations essential for dry-season farming and climate resilience. Prof. Muhyideen Oyekunle remains Programme Leader, Cereals Research, leading research on staple crops that form the backbone of national food security.
Dr. Grace Lamba Luka was reappointed as Programme Leader, Artemisia Research, sustaining research efforts in medicinal plant development, while Prof. Abdul’azeez Isah Shero continues to head the Farming Systems Research Programme, which integrates crop, livestock, and socio-economic studies to improve farm productivity and sustainability. Prof. Aminu Saleh also remains Programme Leader, Agricultural Mechanization Research, advancing mechanization solutions aimed at reducing drudgery and improving efficiency in farm operations.
In a strategic addition, Dr. Usman Muhammad has been appointed Programme Leader, Product Development Research, a portfolio expected to drive value addition, post-harvest innovation, and commercialization readiness. Dr. Yamusa A. Mohammed was also appointed Head of the Meteorological Unit, strengthening the Institute’s capacity for agro-climatic data generation, climate risk analysis, and informed research planning.
Strengthening Seed Systems and Agribusiness Linkages
Recognizing the central role of quality seed in agricultural productivity, IAR has renewed leadership in its seed production and processing chain. Dr. I. A. Aliyu was reappointed as Seed Coordinator (Production), while Dr. Ado Yakubu continues as Manager of the IAR Multi-Seed Crop Processing Plant. Prof. A. A. Hassan remains Business Development Manager, IAR Seeds Limited.
Management explained that these appointments are critical to scaling certified seed production, improving processing standards, and expanding private-sector partnerships that improve farmers’ access to improved planting materials.
Renewed Leadership for Research Stations
Leadership across IAR’s major research stations was also reaffirmed. Dr. A. I. Gabasawa continues as Officer-in-Charge, Agricultural Research Station, Kano; Mohammed Olawale Ibrahim remains Officer-in-Charge, Agricultural Research Station, Mokwa; and Dr. Lawal Goma continues as Officer-in-Charge, Irrigation Research Station, Kadawa.
These stations function as adaptive research hubs for testing technologies under different agro-ecological conditions and serve as important outreach platforms for farmer engagement.
Extension, Monitoring, and Social Inclusion
The Institute also sustained leadership in its extension and social development structures. Dr. Sharhabil Musa Yahaya was reappointed as Head, Agricultural Extension Unit, ensuring continuity in farmer training and technology dissemination. Dr. Haratu Dauda continues to head the Monitoring and Evaluation Unit, providing oversight on project performance and impact assessment.
Prof. Hauwa A. Yusuf remains Head of the Gender Unit, driving gender mainstreaming across research and development initiatives, while Dr. Hannatu O. Yusuf continues as Head, Adopted Villages Programme, coordinating community-level research adoption and participatory development activities.
Administrative and Support Services
Key operational units were also strengthened. Mal. Sani Abdullahi was reappointed as Head, Transport Unit; Lemuel Musa Maniyunda remains Head, SERVICOM Unit; Mrs. Stella Yakubu Dodo continues as Officer-in-Charge, IAR Orchard; Abdul’aziz D. Mohammed remains ICT Coordinator; and Babangida Shehu continues as Estate Manager.
These units support logistics, service quality assurance, infrastructure management, and digital systems critical to the Institute’s day-to-day operations.
Commercial Arm Repositioned for Sustainability
In furtherance of its enterprise development objectives, IAR renewed leadership of its commercial subsidiary, IAR Integrated Links Limited. Dr. Nuradeen Musa continues as General Manager, Bashir Mohammed remains Manager, and Mal. Musa Sama’ila continues as Accountant. Management stated that these roles are central to enhancing internal revenue generation, strengthening industry partnerships, and expanding value addition initiatives.
Management’s Charge
Management congratulated all appointees and reappointees and charged them to approach their responsibilities with professionalism, accountability, and renewed commitment to the Institute’s mission of advancing agricultural research, innovation, and sustainable rural development.
The announcement was signed by Nuhu Suleiman Makarfi (P.A.) for the Executive Director.