Dr. Kabiru Isiyaku Aliyu was born on 25th May 1982 in Tudun-Wada, Kaduna State, Nigeria. He began his educational journey at Muhammad K. Umar Primary School, Tudun-Wada, and later attended Barewa College, Zaria, where he obtained his Senior Secondary School Certificate in 2000. His pursuit of higher learning led him to Bayero University, Kano, where he earned a Bachelor of Science degree in Physics (Upper Second Class Honours) in 2009. His strong academic performance and passion for applied sciences inspired him to continue his studies abroad.
He obtained a Master of Science in Physics (First Class Honours) from Universiti Teknologi Malaysia (UTM) in 2015, followed by a Doctor of Philosophy (Ph.D.) in Applied Physics from Universiti Tun Hussein Onn Malaysia (UTHM) in 2020. His research focused on Renewable Energy and Advanced Materials, particularly in Transparent Conducting Oxides, Thin Films Technology, Silicon Nanotechnology, and Perovskite-based Solar Cells.
Dr. Aliyu began his academic career at Kaduna State University (KASU) in 2011 as a Lecturer in the Department of Physics. Through dedication and scholarly productivity, he rose to the position of Senior Lecturer, where he continues to teach and conduct cutting-edge research in Renewable Energy Materials and Device Simulation. His teaching spans both undergraduate and postgraduate levels, covering courses in Mechanics, Quantum Physics, Solar Energy, Material Science, and Renewable Energy Technologies.
Throughout his academic journey, Dr. Aliyu has made remarkable contributions to science, authoring and co-authoring over 25 peer-reviewed journal articles in reputable international journals, including Physica E, Thin Solid Films, Materials Science in Semiconductor Processing, and Beilstein Journal of Nanotechnology. His works have advanced understanding in black silicon technology, indium tin oxide (ITO) films, and perovskite/silicon tandem solar cells.
He has participated in numerous international conferences and workshops in Malaysia and Nigeria, where he has presented research papers and received several awards, including the Best Oral Presenter at the International Conference on Semiconductor Materials and Technology (Penang, Malaysia, 2019) and Best Graduating MSc (Physics) Student at UTM in 2015.
At Kaduna State University, Dr. Aliyu currently serves as the Acting Director of the Centre for Energy and Environmental Strategy Research (CEESR). Previously, he was the Deputy Director and Head of Research at the same centre. His leadership is instrumental in driving the KASU Clean Energy Project (2025), positioning the University as a leading institution in energy transition and diversification within Nigeria.
Dr. Aliyu’s ongoing research explores innovative solutions in renewable energy and materials science, such as the fabrication of silicon/activated carbon anodes for lithium-ion batteries, optimization of black-silicon/perovskite tandem solar cells, and first-principle studies of molybdenum dichalcogenides for photodetector applications.
A committed mentor, he has supervised and examined numerous postgraduate and undergraduate students, nurturing the next generation of physicists and engineers in Nigeria. His membership in professional bodies such as the Nigerian Institute of Physics (MNIP) and the Solar Energy Society of Nigeria (MSESN) further underscores his commitment to academic excellence and national development.
Dr. Kabiru Isiyaku Aliyu is married and enjoys reading, watching news, and following football and tennis. His life reflects a balance of scholarly achievement, innovation, and dedication to sustainable energy advancement for a better world.
