Professor Abdullahi Yusuf of the University of Pretoria’s (UP) Department of Zoology and Entomology in the Faculty of Natural and Agricultural Sciences was recently promoted from associate professor to full professor.

Prof Yusuf began his academic career at UP in 2010 shortly after obtaining a PhD . His current field of research is centred on social insects, an interest he developed while completing his PhD. Prof Yusuf’s earlier research focused on the communication and termite-raiding behaviour of Matabele ants and expanded to honey bees shortly thereafter.

The C2-rated National Research Foundation scholar has been involved in several notable research projects on social insects and pest/vector management using novel chemicals. He highlights a few that he did purely out of interest.

“During the COVID-19 pandemic, I analysed the alcohol content of hand sanitisers, which exposed how sub-standard most of the products were at the time,” he explains. “We also do work on edible insects as a source of alternative protein for food and feed, which entails developing simple, cheap ways to rear insects that are used as substitutes for traditional protein sources.”

This work was featured in issue 10 of UP’s RE.SEARCH magazine; several of his other publications are available online.

Prof Yusuf says that the ultimate goal of his research is “to be able to understand and shed more light on the social organisation, especially in honeybees, by unravelling new insights into how the single individual (queen) controls the colony”. His research goes beyond the dynamics of honey bee colonies and into their health. Currently, African honey bees demonstrate a higher resistance to a species of mite that is causing a decline in honey bee populations elsewhere in the world. His research investigates why honey bees have a higher resistance to these mites.

Prof Yusuf’s research also contributes to solving several other problems regarding insects of medical and veterinary importance. It has contributed to developing new trapping and monitoring methods for tsetse flies, which carry the causative agent of human African sleeping sickness and Nagana, which affects cattle.

“I would like my research to contribute towards sustainably solving current and future problems, ensuring biodiversity conservation and poverty alleviation.”

In 2021, Prof Yusuf was appointed as a Humboldt Ambassador for a three-year term, which has been extended to 2027. The Humboldt Ambassador Scientists programme is part of the Alexander von Humboldt Foundation, which sponsors researchers and campaigns for international understanding, scientific progress and development.

Prof Yusuf received scholarships through the Nigerian Petroleum Technology Development Fund to complete his master’s degree. The fund helps Nigerian citizens to qualify as graduates, professionals, technicians and craftsmen in the fields of engineering, geology, science and management in the oil and gas industry. He completed his PhD through the German Academic Exchange Service (DAAD), the largest funding organisation for the international exchange of researchers and students.

“These opportunities led me to the path I am on today as a scientist, providing an enabling working environment and opportunities to work with great mentors, scientists and students.”

As for his academic future, he says: “I see this as the beginning, and will continue pursuing interesting, impactful and cutting-edge research and community development.”