About Ibrahim
Dr. Ibrahim Aliyu Dabai is an accomplished Molecular Microbiologist, Metagenomics Researcher, and Academic with over 18 years of experience in teaching, research, supervision, and scientific leadership. He currently serves as a Postdoctoral Research Fellow and Higher Scientific Officer at the Agri-Food & Biosciences Institute (AFBI), Belfast, UK, while also holding the position of Reader in the Department of Microbiology at Usmanu Danfodiyo University Sokoto, Nigeria. He earned his Ph.D. in Molecular Microbiology and Metagenomics from Queen’s University Belfast, United Kingdom.
His research expertise spans molecular microbiology, environmental microbiology, metagenomics, soil health, microbial ecology, bioinformatics, bioremediation, biotechnology, recombinant protein technology, enzyme engineering, and sustainable agricultural systems. He possesses extensive experience in advanced molecular biology techniques, DNA sequencing, quantitative PCR, microbial genomics, bioinformatics analysis, strain engineering, protein expression, and environmental biotechnology applications.
Dr. Dabai has successfully supervised over 100 undergraduate and 20 postgraduate students, secured and contributed to multiple national and international research grants, and published extensively in high-impact peer-reviewed journals, books, and book chapters. His work focuses on developing innovative microbial solutions for environmental sustainability, soil restoration, bioenergy production, agricultural productivity, and industrial biotechnology.
He is an active member of several international professional bodies, including the Royal Society of Biology (UK), Applied Microbiology International, the Microbiology Society, and the American Society for Microbiology. Through his research, mentorship, and collaborative projects, he continues to contribute significantly to advancing microbiological sciences, sustainable development, and global scientific innovation.
Services Offered
Scientific and Technical Research
Deep-dive investigation into scientific or technical topics, often involving data analysis, experiment design, and evidence synthesis.
Technology Scouting
Identification and evaluation of emerging technologies, innovations, and potential partners to support R&D and strategic decisions.
Feasibility Study
Comprehensive assessment of the practicality, risks, and potential outcomes of a proposed project, idea, or product.
Systematic Literature Review
Structured, comprehensive reviews of published research to answer specific questions, often used in academic or evidence-based work.
Data Processing
Transforming, organizing, and preparing raw data for analysis, modeling, or integration into systems and workflows.
Expertise
check_circle Microbiology
check_circle Food Microbiology
check_circle Industrial Microbiology
check_circle Biology/Life Sciences
check_circle Bioinformatics
check_circle Agriculture
Professional Summary
Dr. Ibrahim Aliyu Dabai is a Molecular Microbiologist, Metagenomics Researcher, and Academic with over 17 years of experience spanning higher education, biotechnology research, environmental microbiology, soil health, molecular biology, bioinformatics, and industrial microbiology. He currently serves as a Postdoctoral Research Fellow/Higher Scientific Officer at the Agri-Food & Biosciences Institute (AFBI), Belfast, UK, while also holding the position of Reader in the Department of Microbiology at Usmanu Danfodiyo University Sokoto, Nigeria. His career includes postdoctoral research appointments at Queen’s University Belfast and Almac Sciences, leadership roles in molecular biology research and development, extensive teaching and supervision of undergraduate and postgraduate students, and participation in multidisciplinary research projects funded by international organizations and government agencies. His expertise covers molecular microbiology, metagenomics, recombinant protein technology, soil microbiology, bioinformatics, environmental biotechnology, and microbial applications in agriculture, bioenergy, and environmental sustainability
Work History
Postdoctoral Research Fellow / Higher Scientific Officer
Agri-Food & Biosciences Institute (AFBI), Belfast, UK
2023 - Present
- Conducts advanced research in microbiology, soil health, molecular biology, and environmental biotechnology.
Postdoctoral Research Assistant
Queen’s University Belfast / Almac Sciences, UK
2020 - 2023
- Conducted postdoctoral research in molecular microbiology, metagenomics, biotechnology, and industrial research applications.
Reader
Usmanu Danfodiyo University Sokoto, Nigeria
2023 - Present
- Teaching, research, postgraduate supervision, grant development, and academic leadership in microbiology.
Director, Molecular Biology (Part-Time)
Cutting Edge Research and Development Nigeria Ltd
2019 - Present
- Leads molecular biology research and development activities and scientific innovation projects.
Visiting Senior Lecturer
Alqalam University Katsina, Nigeria
2017 - 2021
- Delivered teaching, mentoring, and academic support in microbiology and related biological sciences.
Senior Lecturer
Usmanu Danfodiyo University Sokoto, Nigeria
2019 - 2022
- Teaching, research, student supervision, and community development activities.
Lecturer I
Usmanu Danfodiyo University Sokoto, Nigeria
2016 - 2019
- Teaching microbiology courses, conducting research, and supervising students.
Postdoctoral Teaching Assistant
Queen’s University Environmental Science and Technology Research (QUESTOR) Centre, UK
2015 - 2017
- Supported teaching and research activities in environmental science and microbiology.
Education Summary
Dr. Ibrahim Aliyu Dabai holds a PhD in Molecular Microbiology and Metagenomics from Queen’s University Belfast, United Kingdom, where his doctoral research focused on metagenomic studies of microbial communities involved in aromatic hydrocarbon degradation in diverse environments. He also earned an M.Sc. in Microbiology with Distinction from the University of Ilorin, Nigeria, and a B.Sc. in Microbiology (Upper Division) from Usmanu Danfodiyo University Sokoto, Nigeria. His academic training provides a strong foundation in molecular microbiology, environmental biotechnology, metagenomics, microbial genetics, bioinformatics, and industrial microbiology.
Education History
PhD in Molecular Microbiology and Metagenomics
Queen's University Belfast, United Kingdom
2012 - 2016
Thesis: Metagenomic studies on the microbial community facilitating aromatic hydrocarbons degradation in diverse environments.
M.Sc. Microbiology
University of Ilorin, Nigeria
2025
Graduated with Distinction (71.45%).
B.Sc. Microbiology
Usmanu Danfodiyo University Sokoto, Nigeria
2025
Publications Summary
Dr. Ibrahim Aliyu Dabai has an extensive publication record spanning molecular microbiology, metagenomics, environmental biotechnology, soil health, bioenergy, microbial genetics, food microbiology, and sustainable agriculture. He has authored and co-authored numerous peer-reviewed articles, book chapters, and international research publications in high-impact journals indexed in Scopus, Web of Science, and other recognized databases. His research contributions focus on microbial ecology, metagenomics, bioinformatics, antimicrobial peptides, soil microbiology, environmental remediation, biofuels, and agricultural biotechnology, demonstrating significant impact in both academic research and industrial applications.
Published Works
A novel bioinformatic method for the identification of antimicrobial peptides in metagenomes
Article person Julianne MegawTimofey SkvortsovGiulia GoriAliyu IDabaiBrendan F. GilmoreChristopher C. R. Allen
calendar_today 6/2/2026
Journal: Not specified
Publisher: Journal of Applied Microbiology
Volume/Issue: 135/3
Pages: lxae045
ISSN: 1364-5072 (Journal ISSN)
Abstract expand_more
This study aimed to develop a new bioinformatic approach for identifying novel antimicrobial peptides from metagenomic datasets. The identified peptides demonstrated antimicrobial activity against multiple bacterial strains and showed potential as alternatives to conventional antibiotics. The approach provides a rapid method for screening large metagenomic datasets for novel antimicrobial compounds.
chat
No Reviews Yet
This mentor hasn't received any reviews yet.
Certifications Summary
Dr. Ibrahim Aliyu Dabai holds professional certifications and memberships in internationally recognized quality management, environmental management, biology, microbiology, food science, biotechnology, safety, and public analytical organizations. His credentials include ISO 9001 and ISO 14001 auditing qualifications, membership of the Royal Society of Biology (UK), Applied Microbiology International, the Microbiology Society, the American Society for Microbiology, and several other professional bodies. These certifications and affiliations demonstrate his expertise in microbiology, quality management systems, environmental compliance, biosciences, and research excellence.
Certifications
Associate Auditor – ISO 9001 & ISO 14001
CQI/IRCA
