AKSU Partners with African Network of Deep-Water Researchers to Boost Marine Science Capacity
AKSU Partners with African Network of Deep-Water Researchers to Boost Marine Science Capacity
UmarFarouk123 
Akwa Ibom State University (AKSU) has expressed its readiness to partner with the African Network of Deep-Water Researchers (ANDR) to advance deep-sea research, marine science, and capacity development.
The plan was made known during a courtesy visit by a delegation of ANDR to the University Management on Wednesday, December 10, 2025, at the Main Campus, Ikot Akpaden, Mkpat Enin Local Government Area.
Welcoming the delegation, the Acting Vice-Chancellor of Akwa Ibom State UNIVERSITY Prof. OtoAbasi Akpan, described the proposed collaboration as timely and strategic, noting that the University’s coastal location positions AKSU as a critical stakeholder in marine and environmental research.
He stated that the partnership aligns with AKSU’s commitment to research-driven solutions to environmental challenges and would provide staff and students with access to global scientific opportunities. He further assured the delegation of the University’s readiness to support joint research initiatives, capacity-development programmes, and student participation in international deep-sea expeditions.
Also speaking, the Coordinator of ANDR, Institute for Coastal and Marine Research, Nelson Mandela University, South Africa, Dr. Kirsty McQuaid, reaffirmed the Network’s commitment to building sustainable research capacity across Africa through collaborative and inclusive scientific programmes.
She added that collaboration with AKSU would provide an invaluable platform for joint research training initiatives in marine and environmental sciences, student participation 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.
The Team Lead and Research Scientist from Kiel University, Germany, Dr. Unyime Umoh, stated that the visit aimed at strengthening institutional collaboration in the areas of 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 emphasised the need for stronger collaboration between African universities and international research institutions to enhance Africa’s contribution to global ocean science. He observed that the Gulf of Guinea, particularly the Nigerian continental margin, remains largely underexplored despite its ecological and economic importance.
“The partnership with AKSU will promote joint research, training of students and early-career researchers, as well as knowledge exchange in deep-water science. The University’s academic strength and geographical location make it a strategic partner for the proposed Gulf of Guinea Cold Seeps Expedition,” he said.
In a vote of thanks, the Head of the Department of Marine Biology, Dr. Aniefiok Inyang, expressed appreciation to the Acting Vice-Chancellor and University Management for their support and thanked the ANDR delegation for the partnership, noting that it would enhance AKSU’s research profile and contribute to sustainable ocean science development in Nigeria and across Africa.
