The Student Physiological Association of Nigeria (SPAN), Ahmadu Bello University (ABU), Zaria, is a dedicated association within the Department of Human Physiology that aims to promote the welfare of its students. SPAN is committed to enhancing the academic and social experience of its members by organising SPAN Week and other beneficial programs. These initiatives provide students with opportunities for professional development, networking, and community engagement, ensuring a holistic approach to their education in physiological sciences. Under the guidance of its dedicated leadership, SPAN fosters a supportive environment that encourages academic excellence, unity, and personal growth among its members.
As the bedrock of medical sciences, the academic programme in Human Physiology was started in 1967 with the establishment of the Faculty of Medicine, Ahmadu Bello University, Zaria. In 1987, the department expanded its academic activities towards training of students in the field of Human Physiology at both undergraduate and postgraduate levels. The department also offers services to students of other departments and faculties in the university, such as Bachelor of Medicine and Surgery (MBBS), Bachelor of Dental Surgery (BDS), Human Anatomy, Nursing Sciences, Medical Laboratory Science, Medical Radiography, Physical Health Education, and Pharmaceutical Sciences. The department runs vibrant research activities in the areas of Endocrine Physiology, Neurophysiology, Gastrointestinal Physiology, Cardiopulmonary and Environmental Physiology.
Dr. F. A. Dawud
Head of Department
Biography
Dr. F.A. Dawud is an indigene of Kaduna State, Nigeria. She started her education at Ahmadu Bello University Primary Staff School, attended FGGC Kazaure Secondary School in Kano State, and obtained her BSc, MSc, and PhD from Ahmadu Bello University Zaria in 2001, 2008, and 2013 respectively.
She also joined the Department of Pathology at the University of Virginia, USA, as part of an exchange visitor program in 2011, where she conducted her PhD research.
Dr. N. S. Emmanuel
Association Adviser
Biography
Dr. N.S. Emmanuel is a Lecturer I in the Department of Human Physiology. He obtained his BSc, MSc, and PhD degrees from the same department where he teaches.
His research interests encompass Reproduction and Endocrine Physiology, with a particular focus on the effects of lifestyle modifications on changes along the Hypothalamic-Pituitary-Gonadal Axis in both sexes.
A testament to his passion for teaching and research, Dr. N.S. Emmanuel has published over 30 journal articles and presented 23 conference papers.
Dr. A. I. Sherif
Association Adviser
Biography
Dr. Ahmed Sherif Isa, a Senior Lecturer in the Department of Human Physiology, ABU Zaria. He earned his Bsc, MSc and PhD in 2008, 2012 and 2017 respectively from Ahmadu Bello University, Zaria.
He recently completed a postdoctoral fellowship at the Department of Anaesthesiology and Critical Care, at the prestigious Stellenbosch University, South Africa under the guidance of Professor Sean Chetty, where he facilitated a collaboration between the Department of Anaesthesiology and Critical Care and Medical Physiology in the effort to foster translational and interdisciplinary pain research. He is the current Departmental Postgraduate coordinator and the National Coordinator of PAINOUT South Africa Network, a project funded by Pfizer and in collaboration with German partners.
Dr. Sherif is also a neuroscientist specialising in pain research, collaborating widely, and engaging in science outreach and communication. When he is not involved in research, teaching and brainstorming, he spends his time reading fiction, travelling, and practising karate.