FUTA Clinches National Hydrography Research Prize, Wins ₦10 Million in Ocean Data Innovation Contest

The Federal University of Technology, Akure (FUTA) has emerged winner of the 2026 Young Ocean Scholars (YOS) University Research Competition, securing a ₦10 million prize and two laptop computers at the national event held in Lagos to mark World Hydrography Day.

The competition, organised by the National Hydrographic Agency under the theme “Transforming How Ocean Data is Shared,” brought together 12 universities from Nigeria’s six geopolitical zones to present research-driven solutions in hydrography, marine geospatial science, and ocean data systems.

FUTA’s winning entry was developed by a three-member team comprising Dr. Ifechukwu U. Nzelibe, a lecturer in the Department of Surveying and Geoinformatics, alongside students Adepoju Jethro and Aborisade Ayomiposi. Their research was adjudged the best among all submissions following a rigorous evaluation conducted by an independent panel of experts drawn from academia, industry, and the National Hydrographic Agency.

The announcement was formally conveyed in a letter signed by Lt. Cdr. UK Ereghe on behalf of the Hydrographer of the Federation and Chief Executive Officer of the National Hydrographic Agency. The letter stated that FUTA’s submission stood out in quality, relevance, and technical depth after a competitive review process involving leading institutions, with Federal University of Technology Owerri and Bayero University Kano placing second and third respectively.

Organisers of the competition noted that the initiative was designed to deepen awareness of hydrography, ocean science, marine geospatial information, and the blue economy while encouraging innovative approaches to emerging challenges in ocean data management and sharing.

FUTA was commended for the strength of its research output, with the winning team encouraged to publish their findings and explore collaboration opportunities with the National Hydrographic Agency to further strengthen training and capacity development in hydrography and related fields.

Reacting to the victory, FUTA Vice-Chancellor, Professor Adenike Temidayo Oladiji, congratulated the team, describing them as worthy ambassadors of the institution who have brought honour to the university through their outstanding performance.