AKSU Moves to Partner ANDR on Deep-Sea Research, Marine Science, and Capacity Building

Akwa Ibom State University (AKSU) has signalled its readiness to enter a strategic partnership with the African Network of Deep-Water Researchers (ANDR) to advance deep-sea research, marine science, and capacity development.

The proposed collaboration was disclosed during a courtesy visit by an ANDR delegation to the University Management on Wednesday, December 10, 2025, at the Main Campus, Ikot Akpaden, Mkpat Enin Local Government Area of Akwa Ibom State.

Receiving the delegation, the Acting Vice-Chancellor, Professor OtoAbasi Akpan, described the initiative as timely and strategically aligned with the University’s academic mandate. He noted that AKSU’s coastal location places it in a strong position to play a leading role in marine and environmental research within the Gulf of Guinea and beyond.

Professor Akpan stated that the partnership would support AKSU’s commitment to research-driven solutions to environmental and ocean-related challenges, while creating opportunities for staff and students to engage in global scientific collaborations. He assured the delegation of the University’s willingness to support joint research projects, capacity-development programmes, and student participation in international deep-sea expeditions.

Speaking earlier, the Coordinator of ANDR at the Institute for Coastal and Marine Research, Nelson Mandela University, South Africa, Dr. Kirsty McQuaid, reaffirmed the Network’s dedication to strengthening sustainable research capacity across Africa through collaborative and inclusive scientific initiatives.

According to her, collaboration with AKSU would provide a valuable platform for joint research training in marine and environmental sciences, student involvement in deep-sea exploration and data analysis, as well as the development of long-term programmes for capacity building and technology transfer in ocean research.

Also speaking, the Team Lead and Research Scientist from Kiel University, Germany, Dr. Unyime Umoh, explained that the visit was aimed at deepening institutional collaboration in deep-sea research, marine science, and capacity development, particularly within the framework of the Challenger 150 Programme under the United Nations Decade of Ocean Science for Sustainable Development (2021–2030).

Dr. Umoh stressed the importance of stronger partnerships between African universities and international research institutions to boost Africa’s contribution to global ocean science. He observed that the Gulf of Guinea, especially the Nigerian continental margin, remains largely underexplored despite its ecological and economic significance.

He noted that the proposed partnership would promote joint research activities, training for students and early-career researchers, and sustained knowledge exchange in deep-water science, adding that AKSU’s academic strength and geographic position make it a strategic partner for the proposed Gulf of Guinea Cold Seeps Expedition.

In a vote of thanks, the Head of the Department of Marine Biology, Dr. Aniefiok Inyang, expressed appreciation to the Acting Vice-Chancellor and the University Management for their support, and thanked the ANDR delegation for the initiative, describing the partnership as a major boost to AKSU’s research profile and a significant contribution to sustainable ocean science development in Nigeria and across Africa.