Emmanuel Temiotan Ogbomida, PhD, is the Acting Director of the National Centre for Energy and Environment (NCEE), University of Benin, a specialized research Centre under the Energy Commission of Nigeria (ECN). He is a highly respected Ecotoxicology and Environmental Forensics expert with over twenty-five years of experience spanning research, teaching, research management, and science-driven policy engagement. His career reflects a sustained commitment to advancing environmental integrity, renewable energy development, and evidence-based governance, particularly within developing-country contexts where environmental risks intersect with socio-economic vulnerabilities.

In his current role, Dr. Ogbomida provides strategic leadership for national research and development programmes focused on renewable energy, environmental sustainability, climate-responsive technologies, and innovation-led policy support. He has prioritized aligning NCEE’s mandate with Nigeria’s Energy Transition Plan, international climate commitments, and the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). His leadership vision is to deliberately nurture NCEE into a continental Centre of Excellence capable of delivering rigorous, policy-relevant solutions that advance Africa’s energy transition while safeguarding ecological systems and public health.

Prior to his appointment as Acting Director of NCEE, Dr. Ogbomida served as Director of Research, Innovation, and Consultancy (DRIC) at Copperbelt University, Zambia. His tenure was widely regarded as transformative, marked by strengthened research governance and management systems, expanded innovation and entrepreneurship frameworks, growth in institutional consultancy services, and enhanced visibility and societal impact of university research outputs. During this period, he founded the Mukuba UniPod, an innovation and entrepreneurship hub established in collaboration with the UNDP Accelerator Lab, designed to catalyse youth-led innovation, technology incubation, and socially responsive solutions. He also served as Vice Chairman of the UNDP Accelerator Lab Working Group on Climate Change and Energy, where he championed integrated, locally grounded approaches to complex environmental and energy challenges.

Dr. Ogbomida is a specially appointed Associate Professor of Ecotoxicology and Environmental Forensics and a Visiting Research Fellow at Hokkaido University, Japan. Through these appointments, he remains actively engaged in international academic collaborations, supporting structured bilateral partnerships for joint research, capacity building, technology transfer, and policy-relevant studies in renewable energy, environmental monitoring, and climate science.

His scholarly work spans toxicological risk assessment, environmental monitoring, hazardous waste management, environmental remediation, biofuel development, and sustainable energy systems, with particular attention to regions where environmental vulnerability is compounded by regulatory gaps. A prolific researcher, he has authored numerous peer-reviewed journal articles, technical reports, and conference papers. His work has significantly advanced understanding of the impacts of anthropogenic pollutants on ecosystems and human health, especially in oil-producing regions such as Nigeria’s Niger Delta. Through the application of environmental forensics, he has traced sources, pathways, and consequences of contamination, contributing to national discourse on environmental compliance, remediation strategies, and hazardous waste governance.

A strong advocate of policy-driven research and institutional accountability, Dr. Ogbomida has contributed at the continental level through engagements with the African Union Scientific, Technical and Research Commission (AU-STRC), the African Scientific and Research Innovation Council (ASRIC), and the African Organisation for Standardisation (ARSO), particularly on the development of Good Research Management Practice (GRMP) standards. He has also contributed to the African Union Commission’s review of the Science, Technology, and Innovation Strategy for Africa (STISA 2024) and the development of the successor framework, STISA 2034. These initiatives have strengthened research management systems, quality assurance mechanisms, and governance frameworks across African research institutions.

At the national level, Dr. Ogbomida currently serves on several high-level committees under the Energy Commission of Nigeria, including the National Committee on Energy Efficiency, Innovation, and Certification (NCEEIC), the Biofuel Energy Bill Committee, and the ECN Act Review Committee. Through these platforms, he contributes to shaping legislative and regulatory frameworks for bioenergy development, energy access, and industrial decarbonization. He is also spearheading efforts toward the establishment of a Bio-fuels Directorate within ECN, envisioned as a unified institutional platform for bioenergy research, development, and regulation, aligned with Nigeria’s commitments under the Paris Agreement, the SDGs, and the African Union Agenda 2063.

Dr. Ogbomida is an active member of numerous learned and professional bodies, including WARIMA, SARIMA, SETAC, SOT, WASOT, SETPOM, NES, NISEB, NZS, NCF, RAESON, and ACERPiN.

Beyond formal titles, he is deeply committed to mentorship, youth volunteerism, and leadership development as long-term investments in sustainable development. He has consistently promoted youth participation in research, innovation, and institutional governance, creating intellectually rigorous yet supportive environments where responsibility, learning, and service intersect.

In recognition of his contributions, Dr. Ogbomida has received several fellowships, academic honours, and institutional awards. Above all, his enduring influence lies in his ability to connect science with policy, bridge disciplines, and lead with moral clarity. He stands as a reflective practitioner and catalyst for transformation, offering a compelling model of how research-driven leadership can shape a greener, more just, and resilient future for Nigeria and Africa.

               Prof  Faith C.  Diorgu

PhD Midwifery (UK)   PhD (Edu. Psych),  M.Ed (Edu. Psych), MSc. Midwifery (UK), 

BSc Nursing (UI), RN, RM, RNE, FWACN.

Prof Faith Diorgu is a professor of midwifery and midwifery postgraduate degree program coordinator in the University of Port Harcourt for Africa. She was the Head of the Department of Nursing Science, University of Port, for two tenures.  She is a visiting lecturer   in other universities for midwifery and developmental psychology courses. She holds a Bachelor degree in Nursing Science from the University of Ibadan, Masters and doctorate degree in Educational Psychology from the University of Port Harcourt. Again, a second Masters and Doctor of Philosophy (PhD) degrees in Midwifery from University of Nottingham and University of Chester in the United Kingdom. She is Nigeria’s first Doctorate degree holder in Midwifery awarded to her by   the University of Chester, United Kingdom.  https://www.chester.ac.uk/node/41242.  She is  the first and only Professor in Midwifery in Nigeria. She is the Inventor of “F. Birthing Chair” a device to support women birth in upright position during childbirth in Africa. The device is registered with Nigeria Copyright Commission and is with Patent certificate by National Office for Technology Acquisition and Promotion (NOTAP). 

At the University of Port Harcourt, she has broken new ground by setting up the first and only Master’s and PhD  degree programs in Midwifery, as well as the first Masters degree in Fertility Nursing in Nigeria. Thanks to her dedication, many nurses have gone on to earn advanced degrees under her mentorship. Through her visionary leadership and academic excellence, Professor Faith has successfully mentored and graduated numerous Masters of science (MSc) and Doctors of philosophy (PhD) in  midwifery and Fertility Nursing, significantly advancing the nursing profession and midwifery education in Nigeria.

Professor Faith’s work has made a lasting difference in nursing education and practice, and her impact continues to inspire many across the profession. Her exceptional impact continues to shape the future of maternal and reproductive health education both nationally and internationally.  At the moment, Prof Faith is the serving Dean of Faculty of  Basic Medical and Allied Sciences in the Nigerian British University on a sabbatical leave appointment.   

TO GOD BE THE GLORY

Prof Benard Bolaji Babatunde the First Professor of Radioecology/Environmental Biology in Africa, is a teaching and research staff at the University of Port Harcourt since 2007. He has served as Ag. Head of the Department in the Faculty of Science, as well as numerous administrative positions at the University of Port Harcourt. He has taught at Leeds University, Ibadan and Igbinedion University, Okada, Edo State. He served the United Nations as an Expert Scientist in Nuclear Analytical Techniques for Peaceful Applications in Marine Pollution stock Monitoring, Seafood Safety, and Sediment Dating. He is a member of many Professional Organizations. He was born on 14/02/1972 at Gboko, Benue State. He hails from Otan Ayegbaju in Boluwaduro LGA, Osun State.

He started his education at Mgbangun LGA Primary school in Gboko LGA, Benue state, where he obtained the First School Leaving Certificate. He had his secondary education at Udei Comprehensive Secondary School, Benue State. He obtained a BSc Zoology, MSc Ecology and Environmental Biology at the University of Ibadan in 2000 and 2003, respectively. He had his PhD at the University of Port Harcourt in a Split Side-Commonwealth Scholarship to Lancaster University UK, where he did his bench work using Nuclear Analytical Techniques for the Radiometric Assessment of Radioactivity in sediment and fish of the Bonny and Bodo Estuaries, Rivers State.

He has received international grants from the International Foundation for Science, Sweden, twice, as a fellow and trainee of the International Atomic Energy Agency in offshore laboratories in several countries. He has published in high-impact journals of Elsevier, is a reviewer for the same journals and others.

His Expertise and Skills:

– United Nations Expert in Field and Laboratory Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs); – Nuclear Analytical Technique Expert trained by International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA); – A trained Radioecology/Ecotoxicology by the IAEA, University of Port Harcourt and Lancaster University, United Kingdom ; – Deep knowledge of Environmental Sciences; *Environmental Management Systems (EIA, EA, EMS, ISO 14001, 17025); – Bioremediation and Ecosystem Recovery; – Climate Change Adaptation, Resilience and Education; – The UNFCCC Carbon Trading schemes – Climate Change Financing Schemes – Ecosystem Services and Recovery; – Wastes Management and Recycling

– Natural Eco-Capital Assessment and Inventorization; – Agro Specialities and Consultancy

He is a commonwealth scholar to Lancaster Environmental Center, Lancaster University, United Kingdom, he has executed several international grants (International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA)-Federal Government of Nigeria Technical Cooperation (TC) RAF/07 series from 2008-2023, Two times, International Foundation for Science, (IFS) Sweden Grant etc, with over 90 publications, He enjoys teaching, research and building capability in young scientists. He has extensive experience in community development through consultancy.

He graduated the first 1st class in 26 years of the Department of Animal and Environmental Biology, University of Port Harcourt, earlier this year 2024, 2024. He graduated Ten 1st class students he mentored, and paid 4 years’ tuition fees for them all, one of them was the university’s valedictorian. His progenies are far and wide, doing well in their careers. He was trained by the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA), a UN agency in several countries- the United Kingdom, Germany, Austria, France, Monaco, Brazil, Morocco, Egypt, Kenya, etc., in Nuclear Analytical Techniques for environmental applications, seafood safety, ocean acidification, Harmful algae bloom, sediment dating, pollution profiling and reconstruction. He was retained as an Expert Consultant and served the UN in several countries on Expert Missions to train young scientists. He has trained over 80 young Nigerian scientists in specialized laboratories in offshore institutions in Nuclear Analytical Techniques and other Specialized Areas listed above

He is an Environmental Safeguard Consultant with the World Bank and has executed Environmental and Social Management Plan (ESMP) and Resettlement Action Plan (RAP) projects under the NEWMAP Scheme in Nigeria. He is a Principal Partner at Developmental Association of Renewable Energies in Nigeria (DARE), where we raised certificates of emission reductions in Nigeria via the Kyoto Protocol of 2004 by deploying the Save-80 cook Stove to hundreds of thousands of Nigerians to reduce the use of firewood, especially in the 11 frontline desertification states.

We have demonstrated the conversion of plastic wastes into building materials such as interlocking tiles with high precision civil and engineering specifications. We have built houses with plastic bottles and have trained almajiris and other street youth on these techniques, sponsored by HE Distinguished Sen. George Akume CON, fnim, the then Minister of Special Duties.

Professionalism: He is a member of several National and International Professional Organization. Professor Triple B, as fondly called, is an international scholar who has served on the Editorial board of renowned journals and as a reviewer for the Elsevier Journal of Radioactivity and so many high-impact journals. He modified a high-profile methodology for optimal recovery of Polonium210 from environmental samples in a third-world country, now published and referenced widely as one of the best in the field of radiochemistry. He is married to Dr Tolulope Amina Babatunde with 3 Children, He loves family.

IGWEZE, Zelinjo Nkeiruka, PhD, FPSN, FPCPharm, NREP,JP

Dr. Zelinjo Nkeiruka Igweze is a distinguished Toxicologist, Pharmacist, Academic, and Researcher whose professional career spans over four decades of outstanding service to toxicological science, public health, and professional development in West Africa.

She was at one time the Head of the Department of Pharmacology and Toxicology at Madonna University, Elele, Rivers State, a position she held from 2011 to 2023. In this capacity, she has provided exemplary leadership in teaching, research, curriculum development, and mentorship, contributing significantly to the training of competent toxicologists and healthcare professionals across the sub-region.

Dr. Igweze holds a Doctorate degree in Toxicology from the University of Port Harcourt, a Master’s degree in Pharmaceutical Microbiology, and a Bachelor’s degree in Pharmacy from the University of Nigeria, Nsukka. She is also a Registered Environmental Specialist (USA), Society of Toxicology (SOT), reflecting her strong international professional standing.

Her research interests focus on toxicological evaluation of herbal medicines, heavy metal exposure, environmental contaminants, antimicrobial interactions, and consumer product safety. She has published extensively in reputable national and international journals, with seminal contributions on the health risks associated with herbal supplements, smokeless tobacco, toothpastes, and environmental pollutants commonly used in Nigeria and West Africa.

Through her scientific work, Dr. Igweze has enhanced public and regulatory awareness on chemical hazards and has contributed meaningfully to evidence-based policy and regulatory discourse in the region.

She previously served as a Principal Pharmacist with the National Agency for Food and Drug Administration and Control (NAFDAC), where she was actively involved in drug analysis, port inspection, Good Manufacturing Practice (GMP) assessments, and Health, Safety, and Environmental (HSE) inspections. This regulatory experience has greatly enriched her contributions to applied toxicology and risk assessment.

Dr. Igweze has been a committed and active member of the West African Society of Toxicology (WASOT) since 2012. She has consistently supported the Society’s mission through conference participation, professional advocacy, mentorship of young scientists, and promotion of regional collaboration in toxicological research and training.

She is also a Fellow of the Pharmaceutical Society of Nigeria (FPSN) and a member of several reputable professional bodies, including the Society of Toxicology (USA) and the Association of Community Pharmacists of Nigeria (ACPN).

Her career is marked by numerous academic and professional distinctions, including multiple undergraduate and postgraduate awards for academic excellence.

Beyond academia and research, Dr. Igweze has demonstrated strong commitment to community service, ethical leadership, and women’s empowerment, serving in various civic and faith-based organizations.

Widely respected for her integrity, scholarship, and mentorship, Dr. Zelinjo Nkeiruka Igweze represents the highest ideals of the toxicology profession. Her enduring contributions to toxicological science, professional development, public health protection, and regional capacity building eminently qualify her for the award of Fellowship of the West African Society of Toxicology (FWASOT).

Background; Academic and Professional Qualifications)

Prof Jatex Obi holds an Associate degree in Medical Laboratory Sciences (AIMLSCN) in 1985 with a specialization in Haematology and Blood Group Serology, a Post Graduate Diploma (PGD) in Applied Biochemistry (Biochemical Pharmacology) in 1992. Progressing academically, he completed his Master of Science (MSc) degree in Applied Biochemistry (Biochemical Pharmacology) and Doctor of Philosophy (PhD) degree in Pharmacology and Toxicology at Abia State University (ABSU) in 2006. He started his teaching career as a Lecturer 1 at the Department of Pharmacology and Therapeutics, College of Health Sciences, NAU, Nnewi campus. He rose through the ranks of Senior lecturer, Reader and a Professor from 2020 till date teaching Pharmacology and Toxicology to undergraduate medical, paramedical students and post-graduate students.

Administrative achievements;

Prof Obi is a seasoned administrator and academic scholar who has served and currently serving in different capacities in the administrative spheres of the University. He was a member, Sub-comittee of staff advisers, Coordinator of Post graduate studies at the Department of Pharmacology and Toxicology, College of Health Sciences (CHS), NAU, Nnewi campus (2013-2019). Sub-Dean, Student affairs, CHS, NAU, Nnewi campus (2019-2023), Co-initiator; Sahelian Institute for Bamboo Research and Entrepreneurship Development (SIBRED), NAU (2023 till date). He is currently the Deputy Provost, CHS, NAU, Nnewi campus (2023- date).

Professional/Scientific affiliations;

By virtue of his academic and professional versatility, Prof belongs to so many scientific societies where he has contributed immensely to the advancement of science through research. To mention but a few are; Association of Medical Laboratory Scientists (AMLSN), Nigeria Society of Immunology, Biochemical Society of Nigeria, West African Society of Pharmacology (WASP), African Society for Toxicological Sciences (ATS), Society of Environmental Toxicology and Chemistry (SETAC), American Society for Pharmacological and Experimental Therapeutics (ASPET), West African Society for Toxicology (WASOT) etc. Furthermore, his visionary leadership prowess includes; Pioneer president, Society of Quality Assurance of Nigeria (SQAN), Member, Board of Directors, World View Mission, Netherlands. Advisor, West African Society for Toxicology (WASOT); Advisor, Climate Smart Agricultural Youth Network (CSAYN) etc.

Prof Obi’s trailblazing impact in the field of science through research has earned him numerous awards of both international and local recognition. His research interests span heavy metal contamination of Herbal supplements, Pharmacokinetics of various drugs, Environmental toxicology, Metallotoxicology, Reproductive Toxicology, potential medicinal application of extracts from Bambo plants, Use of Bambo as a phytoremediation tool and environmental waste management.

Prof Obi has mentored over a thousand of medical and paramedical students through African Education Initiative (NEF) which he serves as the liaison officer, Southern Nigeria. He is a great disciplinarian who is very passionate for academic excellence. He has won so many research grants, authored and co-authored a good number of academic research papers in both international and local journals. He is a renowned Scientist and erudite scholar who has supervised a good number of post graduate students. He hails from Igboukwu in Aguata Local Government Area of Anambra State. A stunch Christian and happily married with 5 children. Thank you.

Prof. Kingsley Chukwuemeka Patrick-Iwuanyanwu is a distinguished toxicologist and biochemical researcher with a strong academic foundation and proven scientific excellence. His research focuses on the biochemical mechanisms of toxicity, environmental risk assessment, and marine pollution monitoring, combining molecular toxicology with applied environmental science. He is a scholar of the prestigious Harvard School of Public Health, Boston, USA, where he received advanced training in toxicology and risk assessment.

Contribution to the Development of Toxicology

Prof. Patrick-Iwuanyanwu has contributed to the development of several toxicology curricula in postgraduate training programmes within the African sub-region. He was among the team that established indigenous toxicology groups within the sub-region, including Fourah Bay College, University of Sierra Leone, Freetown, Sierra Leone (2021),  the University of Liberia, Monrovia, Liberia (2024) and Mbarara University of Science and Technology (MUST), Mbarara, Uganda (2025). He is also a member of the team that drafted the curriculum on Toxicology Risk Assessment Training School, a first-of-its-kind in the West and East African sub-region. 

International Awards and Recognitions:

Prof. Patrick-Iwuanyanwu is a recipient of the World Academy of Science- International Centre for Chemical and Biological Sciences (TWAS-ICCBS) PhD Fellowship award in 2009 to the University of Karachi, Pakistan. Later that same year, he featured as one of 100 young scientists selected worldwide to participate in the World Life Sciences Forum organised by BioVision and the French Government in Lyon, France. Still in 2009, he was awarded the Society of Toxicology (SOT) /Astrazeneca IUTOX fellowship grant. In 2010, he was again selected as one of the young scientists to represent Africa at the 2010 BioVision Alexandria.Nxt fellows in Alexandria, Egypt. Prof. Patrick-Iwuanyanwu, during his early career years, served as a pioneer African representative and one of the Founding Executive Members of the Student Advisory Council (SAC) of the Society of Environmental Toxicology and Chemistry (SETAC, EUROPE) from 2009 to 2011. Additionally, he was a pioneer member of the Scientific Organising Committee who organized the first SETAC, EUROPE-sponsored 1^st Young Environmental Scientists (YES) meeting at the University of Landau, Koblenz, Germany. He is a member of the project management team that won a World Bank-funded grant of six million dollars ($6,000,000) that birthed the famous Africa Centre of Excellence in Public Health and Toxicological Research (ACE-PUTOR), University of Port Harcourt (2019-2025). Prof. Patrick-Iwuanyanwu is a WINNER of the 2025 American College of Toxicology (ACT) International Travel Grant, which took place in Phoenix, Arizona, USA, in November 2025.

Advanced Professional Training:

Prof. Patrick-Iwuanyanwu has received several research fellowships and advanced trainings organized by the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) in several areas of seafood safety, including: Regional Training Course on Sampling Strategy, PSP & CFP Toxin Extraction Techniques, RBA Demonstration and Data Analysis (C7-RAF-7.014-002/16 Project); Mombasa, Kenya (2016); Regional Training Course on Harmful Algal Blooms (HAB): Biotoxin extraction and Ciguatoxin Analysis in Marine Food using Radioligand-Receptor Binding Assay (r-RBA), in Agadir, Rabat and Morocco (2019). He has been trained in various monitoring & Evaluation (M&E) training in Rwanda, Kenya, Ghana, Morocco, Senegal, the Gambia, and Côte d’Ivoire. 

Triple Helix Engagement:

Beyond research and education, his contribution to toxicology also extends into policy advocacy. He serves as the Vice Chairman of the National Technical Committee on Standards for Milk and Dairy Products in Nigeria, where he actively engages with regulatory agencies, local manufacturers of milk and dairy products, non-profit organizations, and policymakers to advocate for stricter regulations on milk and dairy products and food safety in Nigeria. Prof. Patrick-Iwuanyanwu is the current President of the West African Society of Toxicology (WASOT) and also the immediate past Director of the Centre for Marine Pollution Monitoring & Seafood Safety (CEMPOS), University of Port Harcourt, Rivers State.

Outstanding Scholarly Achievements:

Prof. Patrick-Iwuanyanwu is an author of numerous peer-reviewed papers in reputable international journals, addressing environmental toxicology, biochemical risk evaluation, and pollution exposure dynamics. His publications have attracted wide recognition, with a Scopus h-index of 25 and an i-index of 50 signifying strong academic influence and sustained scientific impact. His studies have advanced the understanding of pollutant-induced oxidative stress and provided analytical frameworks for assessing contamination in aquatic and terrestrial environments. He has been listed among the top 500 Authors with outstanding scholarly output in Nigeria by SCOPUS since 2022. On the 22nd of March 2026, Prof. Patrick-Iwuanyanwu will once again stand tall among top toxicologists as one of the 2026 Society of Toxicology (SOT) Honours and Award Recipients – a recognition by the world’s highest level of professional toxicologists and scholarly scientists from academic institutions, government, and industry in San Diego, California, USA

Prof. Patrick-Iwuanyanwu mentors many young, early-career toxicologists. He is happily married and blessed with children.