About
Highly accomplished PhD Petroleum Chemist and R&D Specialist with over 12 years of expertise in catalytic pyrolysis, heterogeneous catalyst development, and biomass-to-fuel conversion. Proven leader in designing and executing catalytic experiments for low-carbon synthetic fuel production and waste valorization, consistently translating laboratory-scale findings into process optimization strategies. Possesses a strong publication record in peer-reviewed journals, driving innovation and demonstrating readiness for advanced R&D and leadership roles in sustainable energy solutions.
Work
Shehu Shagari College of Education
|Principal Investigator / Senior Researcher: Catalysis & Sustainable Fuels Research Group
Sokoto, Sokoto State, Nigeria
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Summary
Led an active research program focused on catalytic conversion of biomass and waste feedstocks into value-added fuels and chemicals, directly advancing synthetic fuels technology development.
Highlights
Pioneered the synthesis and characterization of activated carbon-supported oxide catalysts, publishing findings in Academia Green Energy (2025) and Catalyx (2025), directly advancing hydrocarbon production for synthetic fuels.
Optimized hydrocarbon yields by investigating in-situ and co-pyrolysis of Empty Fruit Bunch (EFB) fiber, demonstrating expertise in complex catalytic experiment design for low-carbon fuel development.
Developed and applied CaO/Kaolin and CuO/Kaolin heterogeneous catalysts for polystyrene waste pyrolysis, significantly improving product yield and composition, as published in Energy Sources, Part A (2017).
Elucidated reaction mechanisms and guided process scale-up by conducting extensive kinetic studies of biomass pyrolysis using model-free and model-fitting methods.
Provided critical data for downstream processing by characterizing native oil palm EFB fiber biomass, assessing composition, thermal stability, and energy content for pyrolysis suitability.
Served as Head of Chemistry Department (2024-2026), overseeing laboratory operations, managing research budgets, and ensuring compliance with safety and quality standards.
Mentored and supervised numerous undergraduate and graduate research projects, fostering technical skill development in catalysis and analytical chemistry.
Appointed Deputy Director, Centre for Entrepreneurship and Skills Development (2026-Present), bridging technical R&D with practical technology commercialization.
Education
Usmanu Danfodiyo University
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PhD
Petroleum Chemistry
Courses
Thesis: Catalytic pyrolysis and kinetics of biomass for hydrocarbon production.
Usmanu Danfodiyo University
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MSc
Petroleum Chemistry
Courses
Dissertation: Heterogeneous catalysis for waste polymer conversion.
Ahmadu Bello University
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Professional Diploma
Education
Courses
Education
Usmanu Danfodiyo University
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BSc
Applied Chemistry
Courses
Mini Project: Production and Soaps using vegetable oils
Publications
Synthesis and Characterization of Oxide Catalysts Supported on Activated Carbon.
Published by
Catalyx: Journal of Process Chemistry and Technology
Summary
Detailed synthesis and characterization of oxide catalysts supported on activated carbon.
Activated Carbon Prepared From Native Oil Palm Empty Fruit Bunch Fibre.
Published by
UMYU Journal of Pure and Industrial Chemical Research
Summary
Preparation of activated carbon from native oil palm empty fruit bunch fiber.
Native Palm Oil Empty Fruit Bunch Fiber Biomass Characterization for Pyrolysis Process.
Published by
Nigerian Journal of Solar Energy
Summary
Characterization of native palm oil empty fruit bunch fiber biomass for pyrolysis.
Languages
English
Arabic
Hausa
Certificates
Generative AI Foundation
Issued By
Nigerian Learning Passport
Foundations for Project Management
Issued By
Become a Data Analyst
Issued By
Become a Machine Learning Engineer
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Become a Financial Analyst
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Skills
Catalysis & Reaction Engineering
Heterogeneous catalyst synthesis (CaO/Kaolin, activated carbon-supported oxides), Catalytic pyrolysis, Reaction kinetics, Co-pyrolysis, Catalyst characterization (TGA, GC-MS, BET surface area analysis).
Fuel & Feedstock
Biomass characterization (proximate/ultimate analysis), Bio-oil upgrading, Hydrocarbon yield optimization, Fatty acid methyl ester (FAME) analysis, Heating value determination.
Materials Synthesis
Activated carbon production from biomass waste (EFB fiber, rice husk), High-surface-area material development, Supported catalyst preparation.
R&D Operations
Experimental design, Pilot-scale testing support, Laboratory management, Quality control protocols, Technology feasibility studies.
Data & Project Management
Data analysis and interpretation, Project planning and execution, Technical report writing, Cross-functional team collaboration.
Professional Affiliations
Chemical Society of Nigeria (CSN), Polymer Institute of Nigeria (PIN), Society of Leather Technologists and Chemists of Nigeria (SLTCN), Teachers Registration Council of Nigeria (TRCN).
References
Prof. L.G. Hassan
Department of Pure and Environmental Chemistry, Usmanu Danfodiyo University, Sokoto, Nigeria | ighassan2002@yahoo.com
Prof. A.M. Sokoto
Department of Pure and Environmental Chemistry, Usmanu Danfodiyo University, Sokoto, Nigeria | abdullahimuhammadsokoto@gmail.com
Dr. Hadiza Adamu Kwazo
Chemistry Department, Shehu Shagari College of Education, Sokoto, Nigeria | khadijahkwazo@gmail.com