UNIJOS upgrades APLORI to centre of excellence in ornithological, training, research
UNIJOS upgrades APLORI to centre of excellence in ornithological, training, research
UmarFarouk123 
The AP Leventis Ornithological Research Institute (APLORI) at the University of Jos Biological Conservatory has been upgraded to a Centre of Excellence for Ornithological Training and Research.
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During the 20th anniversary celebration of APLORI, the Vice Chancellor of the University of Jos, Professor Tanko Ishaya, disclosed this development.
It was announced alongside a public lecture titled “Here, There, and Back: The Intra-Africa Migration Story of the Woodland Kingfisher,” delivered by Dr Samuel Temidayo Osinubi at the Aliyu Akwe Doma indoor theatre of the university.
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Professor Ishaya mentioned that the university’s Senate had approved the conversion of APLORI into a Centre of Excellence due to its remarkable achievements since its establishment.
He commended the founder of the institute, Dr. Anastasia Paul Leventis, for her well-thought-out initiative, stating that the vision and purpose for which APLORI was created have been fulfilled.
“The University of Jos has taken significant steps to acknowledge and appreciate the accomplishments of APLORI. Therefore, in recognition of its maturity and achievements, the Senate has approved, on management’s recommendation, the renaming of APLORI to the Dr. Anastasia Paul Leventis Centre of Excellence.
“In addition, recognising the different levels of learning, APLORI has been focused on training Masters students. However, the Senate has now approved the commencement of a PhD programme at the Centre,” he stated.
Dr Anastasia Paul Leventis, represented by the Board Chairman, Sir Phil Hall, reflected on the institute’s 20-year journey, describing it as a story of evolving scientific research.
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She highlighted the exceptional academic performance achieved through careful selection and dedicated supervisory teaching, which has contributed significantly to developing conservation priorities for Africa.
The guest lecturer, Dr. Samuel Osinubi, emphasised the importance of collaborative research and the interconnectedness between humans and the natural environment in his presentation titled “Here, There, and Back: The Intra-African Migration Story of the Woodland Kingfisher.”
“Collaboration is essential for achieving more, whether it’s for conservation, research, or policy,” he stated.
He discussed the various drivers of migration, including environmental factors and human impacts, stressing the necessity of interdisciplinary cooperation in conservation efforts.
Dr. Osinubi’s postdoctoral research provided insights into the phenotypic, genetic, and behavioural variations among woodland kingfisher populations across Africa.
