IDIBIA GABRIEL, KADUNA
A renowned Molecular Plant Pathologist, Dr. Wadzani Dauda Palnam, who hails from Borno State, Nigeria, has emerged as one of Africa’s Top 10 Most Cited Researchers in the fields of Biological and Agricultural Sciences.
With over 100 peer-reviewed publications as at May 2025, his body of works is shaping the future of plant disease control, food security, and scientific innovation across the continent.
Dr. Dauda, currently a Senior Lecturer at the Federal University Gashua, Yobe State, has become a global reference point in the study of plant–microbe interactions, fungal resistance, and molecular diagnostics, according to research statement released to newsmen yesterday in Kaduna.
His research contributions, ranging from the characterization of Rhizoctonia solani to CRISPR-based resistance strategies in rice, have earned him global recognition and partnerships with institutions such as Wageningen University, AfricaRice, UC Davis, and KRIBB.
Accordingly, “In 2025, Elsevier’s SciVal/SCOPUS platform ranked Dr. Dauda as the 10th most-cited researcher in Africa across two scientific fields: of Biological Sciences and Agricultural Sciences”.
“This places him in the top echelons of over 500 prolific African authors from 58 countries. Remarkably, he was also listed among the Top 500 Global Authors in five interrelated fields:
“Among the five are Agricultural Sciences, Biochemistry, Biotechnology, Microbiology, and Molecular Biology. His impact extends far beyond the laboratory”, it stated.
As the Director of Training and Development of the Academic and Grant Writing Enclave (AGE), and its affiliate, the Academic and Grant Writing Enclave Society (AGES), Dr. Palnam has coordinated the training of over 23,500 researchers from 153 countries, including 597 professors and more than 7,000 PhD holders.
“In 2024 alone, AGE empowered over 5,000 Nigerian researchers to compete for the TETFund National Research Fund, resulting in ₦2.05 billion worth of grants for 41 beneficiaries.
“A proud Marghi indigene of Askira/Uba Local Government Area in Southern Borno State, Dr. Dauda began his academic journey at Government College Maiduguri before proceeding to Ahmadu Bello University, Zaria, where he earned a Bachelor of Agriculture in Crop Science and a Master of Science in Crop Protection with Distinction.
“He later obtained a Ph.D. in Molecular Plant Pathology from the Indian Agricultural Research Institute, New Delhi.In the classroom, Dr. Dauda is a respected educator and mentor, having supervised over 15 postgraduate students, initiated curriculum reforms, and led research policy development at his home institution.
“His editorial roles with PLOS ONE, Frontiers in Genome Editing, Taylor & Francis and Springer Nature reflect his commitment to global scientific integrity and peer-reviewed excellence. The recognition he now receives is deeply felt within his academic community.
“According to Dr. Ishaku James Dantata, Associate Professor and Head of the Department of Agronomy at Federal University Gashua: “I am immensely proud to be your Head of Department. Yet beyond the metrics lies something even more profound: your humanity, your team spirit, your relentless mentorship, your proactiveness and foresight, your commitment to African scholarship, and your deep desire to lift the next generation even higher.
“These are qualities that cannot be measured in numbers—but we see them, we feel them, and we honor them. “The university’s Registrar, Dr. Abubakar Mamuda, echoed similar sentiments: “Your remarkable accomplishment is a testament to your dedication, hard work, and depth in your field of research.
“Your contributions not only enhance the academic reputation of our university but also inspire both colleagues and students to strive for excellence. It is achievements like yours that elevate the standards of scholarship and research within our institution and beyond.
”Despite receiving competitive international postdoctoral offers from institutions in the United States, Israel, and the Czech Republic, Dr. Palnam chose to honor his commitment to Africa.
“As a public science communicator, he engages a growing audience of over 8,000 followers on LinkedIn, translating complex scientific knowledge into accessible, solution-driven insights.
“In the words of his Ph.D. supervisor, Prof. Amolkumar U. Solanke: “His precision in molecular experimentation, combined with an unusual ability to think beyond the bench, has propelled him into a global leadership role in plant pathology today.”Remarks by Hamman Ezekiel Pwana, Esq., Legal Adviser, Academic and Grant Writing Enclave (AGE):
“Dr. Wadzani Dauda Palnam is a beacon of light and a symbol of hope for the younger generation. He exemplifies, through unwavering dedication and exceptional achievement, that one’s background must never be a barrier to excellence.
“His journey reaffirms that with vision, resilience, and integrity, individuals can rise above limitations to make a meaningful mark in any chosen field. He is not only a testament to academic and scientific brilliance but also an inspiration to all who dare to dream beyond their circumstances.
” In an era where Africa’s scientific capacity is increasingly essential for solving global challenges, Dr. Wadzani Dauda Palnam stands as a beacon of excellence from Borno State. His story affirms that from the heart of the Sahel, scientific giants can rise—and lead”, it narrated.
