Name:  Abdullahi Mika'il

Rank: Head of Department

The Department of Physics, under the Faculty Natural and Applied Sciences, came into existence with the establishment of Sule Lamido University, Kafin Hausa in July, 2014. It is one of the pioneer Departments in the Faculty of Natural and Applied Sciences. The pioneer head was Prof. Lawan Sani Taura, the current vice chancellor of the University. Lectures commenced in the Department in July, 2014, with one Professor, one Lecturer II and three Graduate Assistants. From this modest beginning, the staff strength has grown in number and quality over the years. Presently, the Department has seventeen tenure staff (both teaching and non teaching), one staff on sabbatical and thirteen visiting staff. The Department also has two laboratory technologists. The Department is currently located in the Faculty of Natural and Applied Sciences building.

Presently the Department offers four years degree programme leading to the award of B.Sc. (Hons) Physics Degree. There are two semesters in each academic session. The undergraduate students of the Department undergo an industrial training programme for 6 months during the Second Semester at 300 level under the Students’ Industrial Work Experience Scheme (SIWES). At 400 level students undertake a one year project (both semesters) on different aspects of Physics under the supervision of an Academic Staff.

The B.Sc Physics Programme is designed to equip the prospective physics research students with knowledge and essential skills needed for discovering, solving complex societal and industrial problems. The students are exposed to as much content and research literature in the field and are encouraged to interact with the academic members of the programme working in related fields. The graduates of the programme are equipped with knowledge and skill to be successful in pursuing a career in research and teaching and would be well suited to play an important coordinating role in a variety of industries and other areas of employment.

The Department pursues research over a wide range of topics, starting from the abstract and fundamental to the practical and applied physics. The main focus of the Department is to undertake research in Pure and Applied Physics. Staff are actively involved in research activities and they are encouraged to publish papers in both local and international journals and they are also encouraged to participate in national and international conferences. Currently effort is being made to establish Research Laboratories in the fields of Solid State Physics, Geophysics, Quantum Physics and Nuclear Science and Technology. The Staff in the Department are involved in the decision – making process through different meetings such as Departmental meetings, Committee meetings and General Administration meetings. The policy and practice on staff development is as per norm by the University regulations governing staff development. It involves In-Service Training of staff with BSc. Physics Degree (Graduate Assistant) and MSc. Physics to obtain MSc. and PhD Degrees respectively. There is also an In-service Training for Technologist and Junior Staff Cadre. Staff promotion is governed by the norms of the University council’s senior and junior staff approved promotion guidelines. Promotions are approved by the Appointment and Promotion Committee (APC) on the recommendation of the Head of Department and Dean of the Faculty.

Student’s Welfare is handled with utmost importance in the department. Students academic grievances are handled by the Departmental Staff Committee. The committee report to the university senate for final decision. The Departmental Board also appoints an academic adviser (Level Coordinator) for students at all levels.

The Department conducts its examination based on semester system. There are two tests, Quiz (Class work), Assignment and an end of semester examination in every semester. The examination consists of a Continuous Assessment(s) or practical works, which constitutes 40% of the overall semester Examination Score, while the end of semester Examination is 60%. Each semester’s result(s) is approved by the Departmental and Faculty Boards of examiners and then finally by the Senate before it is released to the students by the examination and record office.

The Department sets the priority for staff – students’ interaction through questions and answers during lectures and class discussions. Class attendance is mandatory and students must attain a minimum of 75% attendance. Assignments and practical works keep the students busy and active.