Life Biography of Dr.

Justin Bartholomew Nickaf

Dr. Justin Bartholomew Nickaf was born on October 17, 1966, in Kagoro, Kaura Local
Government Area, Kaduna State, Nigeria. From a young age, his passion for science and
excellence was evident, which led him to pursue academic and professional heights that would
eventually place him among Nigeria’s most respected chemists and industrial engineers.

Dr. Nickaf began his formal education at Tafawa Balewa Memorial College, Samaru Kataf,
Kaduna State, where he completed his G.C.E. O’ Level between 1979 and 1983. His academic
journey then took him to the University of Jos, where he graduated with a first-class honors
degree in Applied Chemistry in 1987. This remarkable achievement earned him several
accolades, including the Jos International Breweries Prize and Prof. Emovon’s Prize for Best
Graduating Student in Chemistry. Dr. Nickaf was the only student to graduate with a first-
class degree from the University of Jos in 1987.

In 1990, Dr. Nickaf was awarded the Australian Government Equity and Merit Scholarship
to pursue a Ph.D. in Chemical Engineering and Industrial Chemistry at the University of
New South Wales, Sydney. His doctoral research focused on the Neodymium Catalyzed
Polymerization of Butadiene, an innovative study that contributed to advancements in the
production of elastomers used in tire manufacturing.

Dr. Nickaf's career spans both academia and industry. He began as a Graduate Assistant at the
University of Jos, eventually becoming a Lecturer in the Chemistry Department. His teaching
roles included supervising undergraduate and postgraduate research in Quantum, Physical,
Industrial, and Polymer Chemistry. In addition to academia, Dr. Nickaf gained practical
industrial experience, including work with Australia Synthetic Rubber Company (ASR) and
consultancy roles for Monsanto in Australia.

Dr. Nickaf’s long and impactful career with the Standards Organisation of Nigeria (SON)
began in 2000, where he held numerous leadership roles, including Head of Laboratory
Services, Deputy Director of Accreditation, and ultimately Director of Information and
Communication Technology before his retirement in 2023. His leadership was instrumental in
guiding multiple Nigerian organizations towards international certifications, including ISO 9001,
ISO 14001, and ISO 17025. He also served as the Chairman of the Technical Harmonization
Committee of ECOSHAM and represented SON in various international technical committees.

Dr. Nickaf is a fellow of the Security Institute of Nigeria and the Institute for Corporate
Administration of Nigeria. He is also an active member of professional bodies such as ICCON
(Institute of Chartered Chemists of Nigeria), CSN (Chemical Society of Nigeria), and PIN
(Polymer Institute of Nigeria).

His impressive career has been enriched with multiple certifications and awards. He holds
certifications in various management systems standards, including ISO 9001, ISO 14001,
OHSAS 18001, and ISO 27001, further establishing his expertise in quality assurance,
management systems, and industrial standards.
Beyond his professional life, Dr. Nickaf is passionate about environmental care and management
systems. His personal interests include soccer, rugby, extreme sports, swimming, and
computers, reflecting his active lifestyle and intellectual curiosity. He is married and blessed
with two children, residing in Abuja.

Throughout his career, Dr. Justin Nickaf has been driven by a commitment to excellence,
innovation, and integrity. His contributions to Nigeria’s industrial standards and polymer
chemistry research continue to leave an enduring legacy in both the academic and professional
realms

Creating a 60-page biography involves expanding on the various elements of your life story in
detail, including your early life, education, career progression, personal experiences,
research work, and achievements. Below is a brief outline on how to structure it. Each section
can be written in narrative form, including anecdotes and reflections to make it engaging. Here’s
a suggested outline for your biography, Dr. Justin B. Nickaf:

Chapter 1: Early Life and Family Background

 Birth and Early Childhood

Date of birth (October 17, 1966), family roots in Kagoro, Kaura LGA, Kaduna State.
 Influences from Growing Up in Kagoro
Cultural and familial influences from your home village, early interests in science and problem-
solving.
 Education at Tafawa Balewa Memorial College, Samaru Kataf (1979-1983)
Early academic excellence and determination to pursue a career in chemistry.

Chapter 2: University of Jos: The Beginning of a Scientific Journey

 Journey to University of Jos

Your admission to study Applied Chemistry and the academic challenges faced as a first-year
student.
 Achievements and Recognition as a First-Class Graduate (1987)
The rigorous coursework, professors who influenced you, and winning the Jos International
Breweries Prize, Prof. Emovon’s Prize, and the University of Jos Faculty of Natural Science
Prize. Reflection on being the only first-class graduate from your cohort.

Chapter 3: Ph.D. Journey at the University of New South Wales, Australia

 Awarded the Australian Government Equity and Merit Scholarship (1990-1994)

How you received this prestigious scholarship and your journey to Australia.
  Ph.D. Thesis on Neodymium Catalyzed Polymerization of Butadiene
Detailed exploration of your groundbreaking research on Cis 1-4 polymerization, its industrial
applications, and the challenges you overcame. Include in-depth scientific insights and
discoveries from your Ph.D. work.
 Life as a Graduate Student in Australia
Your experiences living in Sydney, part-time work at the University of New South Wales, and
collaborations with professors like R.P. Burford.

Chapter 4: Returning Home: Building a Career in Academia

 Early Career as a Graduate Assistant at University of Jos (1989-1995)

Teaching experience, mentoring young chemists, and supervising undergraduate theses.
 Lecturer II: Role and Responsibilities (1995-2000)
Your contribution to the Chemistry Department, teaching physical and industrial chemistry,
coordinating timetables, and postgraduate exam oversight.
 Research Contributions
Publish your research articles and present findings in conferences, including your experience at
the IUPAC International Symposium of Polymer Materials in 1991.

Chapter 5: Transition to Industry – Standards Organisation of Nigeria (SON)

 Joining SON: Head of Laboratory Services (2000-2003)

Discuss your transition from academia to a more industry-oriented role, managing laboratory
services, and ensuring quality standards for Nigerian industries.
 Climbing the Ranks: Director Roles in SON
Take readers through your progression to Deputy Director of Accreditation and later Director of
Information and Communication Technology.
 Regional Coordinator (2010-2011)
Experiences managing regional offices in Nigeria’s NE and NW regions. Challenges,
accomplishments, and leadership lessons learned.

Chapter 6: National and International Contributions to Standards Development

 Chairmanship of the ECOSHAM Technical Harmonization Committee

Lead discussions on ECOSHAM and its role in harmonizing standards across ECOWAS. Discuss
your influence on standards like ISO/IEC 17025.
 International Collaborations and Contributions to ISO
Your participation in ISO technical committees and attendance at ISO General Assemblies in
Sydney, New Delhi, and Geneva. The global partnerships you formed and their impact on
Nigerian standards.
Chapter 7: Pioneering Research in Polymer Chemistry

 Major Publications and Seminars

Present a detailed breakdown of your contributions to polymer chemistry, including your work
on FTIR, GPC, TGA, and DSC techniques. Highlight papers like "Neodymium Catalyzed
Polymerization of Butadiene" and your contributions to the C.R.C Encyclopedia for Polymeric
Materials.
 Consulting for Companies Like DuPont and Monsanto
Discuss your role as a consultant, applying your research to real-world industry problems,
especially in synthetic rubber and polymer materials.

Chapter 8: Certification and Training Leadership

 ISO Certifications and Training Initiatives

Explain your journey towards becoming a certified trainer in ISO standards (ISO 9001, ISO 14001,
ISO 27001, etc.). Your role as a National Training Facilitator for SON.
 Developing Training Programs for ISO Auditors and Lead Auditors
Discuss the development and delivery of training programs for organizations like Total Nigeria
Plc, British American Tobacco, and Peugeot Automobile Nigeria Ltd.

Chapter 9: Personal Achievements and Awards

 Academic Awards and Recognition

Discuss your multiple scholarships (Kaduna State Government Scholarship, Federal Ministry of
Education Merit Award), and winning prizes like Jos International Breweries Prize and Prof.
Emovon’s Prize.
 Awards for Contributions to Standards and Quality Management
Recognitions for your contributions to SON and international standards bodies.

Chapter 10: Life Beyond Chemistry

 Personal Life and Family

Reflect on your family life, marriage, and your two children. Discuss how you’ve balanced family
and a demanding career.
 Hobbies and Personal Interests
Your love for soccer, rugby, extreme sports, and how physical activity has been important in
keeping your mind sharp. Highlight your intellectual hobbies such as reading and computers.
Chapter 11: Reflections and Lessons Learned

 Key Career Lessons

Reflect on the major lessons you’ve learned throughout your career—from academia to
industrial standards, the importance of integrity, teamwork, and the pursuit of excellence.
 Mentorship and Guiding Future Chemists
Your role in mentoring the next generation of Nigerian chemists and industry leaders.

Chapter 12: Looking Ahead

 Future Projects and Aspirations

Your vision for the future of Nigerian industry and standards. Discuss the potential of emerging
technologies in polymers, conformity assessment, and information security.
 Final Reflections on a Lifetime of Achievement
Reflect on your journey—from Kagoro to leading standards in Nigeria, and your desire to
continue contributing to Nigeria’s industrial growth and development.

Closing Pages

 Include personal quotes, images, awards, and certificates to make the biography visually
appealing.
 End with acknowledgments and gratitude towards mentors, family, and colleagues who
supported your journey.

This structure ensures a 60-page comprehensive biography that captures the breadth of your life
experiences, achievements, and personal reflections. Each chapter could range between 4-6
pages to build a rich, engaging narrative.

Biography of Dr. Justin Bartholomew Nickaf

Early Life and Family Background Justin Bartholomew Nickaf was born on 17th October
1966 in the serene town of Kagoro, located in Kaura Local Government Area of Kaduna
State, Nigeria. He hails from the Kagoro (Gorok) tribe, a proud community with a rich cultural
heritage. Justin is the first child in a family of five siblings, comprising three males and two
females.
His father, the late Zango Bartholomew Nickaf, was a respected educational administrator,
while his mother, Juliana June Ninyio, dedicated her life to teaching. Despite his parents’
strong influence in education, young Justin was raised primarily by his grandparents, Madaki
Nickaf Nuwamshong, a notable businessman, and Ndangagi Nickaf.

Early Education and Moral Foundation At the tender age of two, Justin’s upbringing took a
pivotal turn when, at his grandparents’ request, he was placed in their care. It was under his
grandfather’s patient guidance that Justin first learned to read and write. His grandfather, a man
of wisdom, laid a strong moral foundation for Justin's life. Growing up in a deeply religious
household, Justin was instilled with the values of honesty, hard work, humility, trust in God,
and the importance of living by biblical principles.

His grandparents, particularly his grandfather, played a significant role in shaping his character
and worldview, teaching him to live with integrity and always maintain a strong moral
compass. These values would later become the bedrock of his personal and professional life,
guiding him through every phase of his journey.

Education and Career Justin Bartholomew Nickaf pursued his formal education with
determination, building on the early teachings from his grandfather. His academic journey
culminated in obtaining a Bachelor's degree in Applied Chemistry from the University of Jos,
and a Ph.D. in Chemical Engineering and Industrial Chemistry from the University of New
South Wales, Australia. These accomplishments laid the foundation for an illustrious career in
the fields of chemistry and industrial quality assurance.

Dr. Nickaf's professional life began in academia, where he worked as a Graduate Assistant at
the University of Jos. He later transitioned to the Standards Organization of Nigeria (SON),
where he rose through the ranks, holding various key positions before retiring as the Director of
Information and Communication Technology. His career with SON was marked by his
passionate commitment to quality assurance, testing, and management systems standards,
making significant contributions to the national and international standards community.

Community and Leadership Throughout his life, Dr. Nickaf has been a community leader and
mentor. His involvement in numerous national and international technical committees allowed
him to contribute to important standards such as ISO/IEC 17025:2017, cementing his legacy as
a key player in the field of conformity assessment.

In addition to his professional roles, Dr. Nickaf has maintained a strong connection with his roots
in Kagoro, where his family’s legacy of service and integrity continues to inspire the community.

Personal Life and Interests Beyond his professional achievements, Dr. Nickaf is a passionate
sports enthusiast with a love for soccer, rugby, bungee jumping, basketball, tennis, and
swimming. He also enjoys reading and exploring new technologies, reflecting his well-rounded
personality and lifelong curiosity.
Dr. Nickaf’s personal values—faith in God, humility, and dedication to hard work—remain
central to his life. These principles, passed down from his grandfather, continue to guide him as a
husband, father, and community leader.

As a devout Christian, Dr. Nickaf has also committed much of his life to fostering moral values
and integrity in the younger generation. His journey from Kagoro to global leadership is a
testament to the enduring power of faith, education, and hard work.