Emmanuel M. Akpabio, Ph.D., Dept of Geography & Natural Resources Management & the Ag Director of International Programmes, University of Uyo, Nigeria. He is a Life Fellow (FIWRA) of International Water Resources Association (IWRA). He is currently an International Associate at UNESCO Centre for Water Law, Policy & Science, University of Dundee, UK.

Emmanuel Akpabio, PhD, geographer, ecologist and a public health expert with a social science background (http://orcid.org/0000-0001-6105-1782) has been, for the past 20 years, involved in several funded researches on natural resources management and specifically on water, sanitation and hygiene (WaSH) with deeper insight on cultural and science-policy-society perspectives. One of his publications titled ‘Water meanings, Sanitation practices and Hygiene behaviors in the Cultural mirror: a perspective from Nigeria’ was awarded the Water Institute (North Carolina, USA) Prize in 2012. He was an EU Marie Sklodowska-Curie Fellow, Dundee, UK, (2018-2020) and also a visiting Scientist to the ‘Scottish Government Water Industry Team’ at Edinburgh.

He was once a visiting Professor to Kyoto University, Japan under the JSPS programme (2013-2015); a Research Associate, African Studies Centre, University of Oxford (2014); Alexander von Humboldt Fellow, Centre for Development Research (ZEF), University of Bonn, Germany (2011-2012); a British Academy Fellow, Newcastle University, UK (2008); a Director in the Board of the International Water Resources Association- IWRA- (2013-2015), and was one of the International Scientific Steering Committee members for the XVth World Water Congress held at Edinburgh, UK (2015). He has served in several other professional and administrative positions and currently the Ag Director of International Programmes, University of Uyo, Nigeria. Emmanuel Akpabio has over 100 publications over the years of his research; has held several academic, professional and administrative positions, and has collaborated in several grant projects, locally and internationally.

Education

• University of Uyo (Nigeria)/Lancaster University (UK) | Ph.D in environmental and natural resources management, completed on the Commonwealth (London) split-site scholarship split-site arrangement.
• University of Uyo, Nigeria | MSc. in Environmental & Resources Management
• University of Uyo, Nigeria | BSc (1^st Class), Geography & Regional Planning

Selected Publications

1. Akpabio, E. M. and J. S. Rowan (2021). Water, Sanitation and Health: Progress and obstacles to achieving the SDGs: 271-307. In: Robert C. Ferrier and Alan Jenkins (Eds). Handbook of Catchment Management. Second Edition. John Wiley and Sons Ltd. In Press
2. Akpabio, EM., Evance Mwathunga and John S. Rowan (2021). Understanding the challenges governing Malawi’s water, sanitation and hygiene sector. International Journal of Water Resources Development. https://www.tandfonline.com/doi/full/10.1080/07900627.2021.1897947
3. Akpabio, E. M. and John S. Rowan (2021). The political economy of coordinating water, sanitation and hygiene management policies and programmes for Nigeria. Water International. https://www.tandfonline.com/doi/full/10.1080/02508060.2020.1867454
4. Akpabio, E. M. and Gabriel S. Umoh (2021). The practical challenges of achieving sustainable wetland agriculture in Nigeria’s Cross River Basin. Water International. https://doi.org/10.1080/02508060.2020.1863698
5. Akpabio, E. M., N. U. Wilson, K. A. Essien, I. E. Ansa and P. N. Odum (2021). Slums, women and sanitary living in south-south Nigeria. Journal of Housing and the Built Environment. https://doi.org/10.1007/s10901-020-09802-z
6. Akpabio, E. M. (2020). Wastewater production, reuse and management practices in Nigeria. Chapter 9: ‘Water reuse within a circular economy context’. UNESCO i-WSSM Global Water Security Issues Series. Pages 155-165. https://unesdoc.unesco.org/ark:/48223/pf0000374715.locale=en
7. Akpabio, M and Ubong Udoudom (2020): Spatio-temporal prospects of water resources conflicts in Nigeria. (Chapter 3). In Egodi Uchendu (Ed). Nigeria’s Resource Wars. Vernon Press. https://vernonpress.com/book/892. Germany

1. Akpabio, E. M and Ekerette S. Udom (2018). ‘Borehole race’ and the dilemma of governing the ‘ungoverned’: understanding the urban political ecology of groundwater exploitation in Nigeria. Society and Natural Resources. DOI:10.1080/08941920.2018.1475586

9. Akpabio, EM., Udofia ES., and K. Takara (2017). The nexus of water and socio-spatial inequality in sub-Saharan Africa: legacies, strands and agenda for research. Waterlat-Gobacit Network Working Paper TA 3, Vol.4, No. 2: 41-77

1. Akpabio, E. M. and Eti-ido S. Udofia (2016). Unsafe water, sanitation and hygiene in Nigeria’s public spaces: the political economy angle. International Journal of Water Resources Development. DOI: 10.1080/07900627.2016.1189814
2. Akpabio, E. M. (2016). Negotiating hygiene and sanitary behaviors in transnational contexts: examples of Nigerians in the UK. Journal of Water, Sanitation and Hygiene for Development 5 (4). DOI:10.2166/washdev.2016.108
3. Akpabio, E. M. and K. Takara (2014). Understanding and confronting cultural complexities characterizing water, sanitation and hygiene (WASH) in sub-Saharan Africa. Water International 39 (7): 921-932. http://dx.doi.org/10.1080/02508060.2015.981782

13. Akpabio, E. M. (2012). Water Beliefs and the Changing times in Nigeria. In: Hans P. Hahn, K. Cless and J. Soentgen (eds). People at the Well: Kinds, Usages and Meanings of Water in a Global Perspective. Campus Verlag, Frankfurt, Germany. Pp. 266-280.
14. Akpabio, E. M., (2012) Water in the village: prevailing notions and conflicting messages in Akwa Ibom state, Nigeria. Water International 37 (7) 805-817
15. Akpabio, E. M. (2012). Water Meanings, Sanitation Practices and Hygiene Bahaviours in the Cultural Mirror: a Perspective from Nigeria. Journal of Water, Sanitation and Hygiene for Development. 02 (3): 168-181.
16. Akpabio, E. M. and A. S. Brown (2012). The reality and tough choices about water and sanitation in Nigeria’s coastal settlements: a preliminary discussion. Nordic Journal of African Studies 21 (4): 164-182.
17. Akpabio, E. M. (2012). Water Supply and Sanitation Services Sector in Nigeria: The policy Trend and Practice Constraints. ZEF Working Paper Series 96. Zentrüm für Entwicklungsforschung, University of Bonn, Germany.
18. Akpabio, E. M. and S. V. Subramanian (2012). Traditional Ecological Knowledge: an Emerging framework for Understanding Water and Sanitation Practices in Nigeria. ZEF Working Paper Series 94. Zentrü für Entwicklungsforschung, University of Bonn, Germany

Professor Christopher Nyong Ekong, PhD, is a renowned economist and current Dean of Social Sciences, University of Uyo. He was the immediate past Director of International Programmes, University of Uyo. He is an Alumnus of the Universities of Uyo & Port Harcourt, Nigeria, and Harvard University, USA.  Prof Ekong has acquired several qualifications and competencies including;

1. Certificate in Leadership Skills from Hetta International Development Centre, New York, USA – 2004;
2. Certificate in Policy, Strategy and Leadership – National Institute for Policy and Strategic Studies (NIPSS), Kuru – 2012;
3. Certificate of completion on Introduction to Construction Management and Scheduling Course, October 2012, National Association of Home Builders (NAHB), USA – 2012;
4. Certificate of completion on Leading Economic Growth program, February 2013, Harvard University, John F. Kennedy School of Government, Executive Education – 2013;
5. Certificate of Completion: Membership of Institute of Chattered Mediators and Conciliators (ICMC) – 2015;
6. Certificate of Completion: Training of Trainers (ICMC) – 2015

Chris Ekong was promoted to the rank of a Professor of Development and Monetary Economics in 2014 and on September 26, 2019, he presented the 73^rd Inaugural Lecture of the University of Uyo with the topic, “Benefit Capture, Aspirin Solutions, and Corruption in Nigeria’s Quest for Development”.  Prof Ekong has held several positions in governments (as Commissioner, Special Adviser, Committee member, etc) and in the University of Uyo. In 2018, Professor Christopher Ekong was appointed as Member of Council, Nigeria Institute for Social and Economic Research (NISER) by the Federal Government, an appointment he is holding till date. He also an external examiner to the Universities of Port Harcourt, Calabar, Wukari, Abuja as well as Ritman’s and Obong’s Universities in Akwa Ibom State. He has 77 publications. Prof Ekong has recorded the following public service and humanitarian achievements:

1. Building, equipping and donating a classroom and office block to the Department of Economics;
2. Facilitating and pioneering the implementation of the BSc Economics E-learning program in the University and graduating two sets of students that have gone for and completed NYSC;

• Introduction of bi-monthly Departmental Lecture series in the Department of Economics;

1. Hosting free and fully funded training workshops – like the Microsoft certification workshop for members of the Department of Economics in 2013;
2. Singularly attracting funding from Erasmus+ Program of the EU which helped in sending a staff from the Department of Economics and students from Economics, History & International Studies, and Microbiology for a collaborative research and study programs respectively in Pablo Olivade University, Spain;
3. Attracting, through social networking and relationship, the construction of the main entrance road to the University’s main Campus and drains by the Niger Delta Development Commission (NDDC), now completed, as well as a 8000-bed PPP-smart Hostel project, which construction will soon commence at the main campus.

Prof Ekong can be reached at:Phone: +2348181077078; E-mail: chrisnekong@gmail.com;

He was born on the 28^th of November, 1967 to the family of late Chief Emenka Ude and Deaconess Margaret Emenka of Ananamong Itu Mbon Uso in Ini Local Government Area, Akwa Ibom State, Nigeria.He attended Main School, Afaha Eket (1979 – 1977), St. Patricks’ Primary School, Ananamong, Itu Mbon Uso (1977 – 1979); Secondary School, Itu Mbon Uso (1980 – 1985); Baptist Academy Continuing Education Centre, Obanikoro, Lagos (1987 – 1989); University of Lagos (1992 – 1997); University of Lagos (1997 – 1998); Volgograd State Technical University, Russia (2005 – 2006); Volgograd State Pedagogical University, Russia (2006 – 2008). His qualifications are Ph.D (Theory of Language) (2005) Certificate in General Linguistics and Literature of Russian Language (2006); M.A in English (1998); B.A (Hons Russian) (1997); W.A.S.C (1985) and FSLC (1980). He is an Associate Professor of Linguistics with over 36 publications in both local and international journals. He has taught in the University of Lagos for 14 years and now at the University of Uyo. He was the Vice Dean of Faculty of Arts (2016 – 2019) and also the Ag. Head of Department of Linguistics and Nigerian Languages (2016 – 2019). He is a member of professional bodies such as the Linguistics Association of Nigeria (LAN). He has won awards such as the University of Lagos Scholar (1994) and Best Graduating Student in Russian (1997). He was enlisted in Achievers Who is Who in Nigeria (pg. 886). He has also received awards of Honour, Recognition, Excellence from different Students Associations, Local associations and bodies. He has served as a Returning Officer on the Nigerian General Election of 2015 and 2019 respectively. He is the president of Ikono/Ini Uniuyo Staff Forum. He is a Christian and happily married with two children.

Dr. Iniubong Ansa was born on April 28, 1972, He hails from Ema Itam in East Itam Northern of Itu Local Government Area, Akwa Ibom State, Nigeria. He obtained his First School Leaving Certificate in 1983; Senior School Certificate in 1989; BSc. in Geography and Regional Planning in 1999 from the University of Uyo; MSc in Environmental Resource Management from the same University in 2006 and PhD in Geography and Regional Planning with specialisation in Environmental and Resource Management from the University of Uyo with specific academic interest in Water Resources Issues. He had the opportunity to serve in many administrative capacities in Itu Local Government Council between 2003 – 2007; as the Secretary to Council, Supervisor of Works and as Vice Chairman. Also, he has been involved in several socio-economic development efforts and community services in Itu Local Government Area and Akwa Ibom State. Iniubong Ansa is currently a Senior Lecturer in the Department of Geography and Natural Resources Management, Faculty of Social Sciences, University of Uyo. His research interests span to cover but not limited to Water Resources Management, Rural and Urban Geography, Environment and Development Planning, Globalisation and Governance Issues. Ansa is administratively proficient and diligent in his conduct and duties. He is married and a devoted Christian. Iniubong Ansa is humble and willing to learn further on his job and life while aspiring to open new frontiers in his professional career. Iniubong Ansa loves reading, research, travelling, driving, football, chess and cooking. +2348023033114; E-mail: mcansa1@yahoo.com; iniubongansa@uniuyo.edu.org

Joseph Akpabio, PhD is an alumnus of the university of Calabar, University of uyo and University of port Harcourt. He has degrees in theatre arts, literary studies and communication studies. Dr. Akpabio has taught at the University of ilorin, kwara state, Calabar polytechnic, Cross River State and the pioneer Head of the Department of Mass Communication in Akwa ibom state polytechnic. He is a senior lecturer at the Department of communication Arts, University of uyo, Akwa Ibom state of Nigeria. His interests are in development communication and media aesthetics.

Dr. Saviour A. Umoren is an Associate Professor at the Department of Chemistry University of Uyo, Uyo, Nigeria. He obtained his BSc in Applied Chemistry from the University of Jos, Nigeria in 1990 and MSc in Polymer Science and Engineering and PhD in Polymer Science from the Federal University of Technology, Owerri, Nigeria in 1997 and 2008 respectively. He was a Postdoctoral Research Fellow at the State Key Laboratory for Corrosion and Protection, Institute of Metal Research, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Shenyang, China courtesy of TWAS – CAS Postdoctoral Research Fellowship award from May 2009 – April 2010 and a visiting researcher at Research Institute of Theoretical and Applied Physical Chemistry (INIFTA), La Plata, Argentina courtesy of TWAS – UNESCO Associateship appointment.

He worked as a Research Scientist at Interdisciplinary Research Center for Advanced Materials (IRC-AM), King Fahd University of Petroleum and Minerials (KFUPM), Dhahran, Saudi Arabia for eight years. He served as Head of Department of Chemistry, University of Uyo from December 2010 to November 2012. He has supervised and graduated 12 MSc students and 1 PhD student and 1 Postdoc Fellow. He has authored/co-authored over 130 research articles in international peer reviewed journals mostly ISI rated including several critical reviews and some of his publications have been highly cited. He has 2 granted US Patents, one authored and one edited books and many book chapters to his credit. He is on the editorial board of twelve (12) international journals and served as a reviewer to more than one hundred and fifty (150) international journals. He has also served as a consultant to a number of funded research projects and a reviewer of research proposals for a number of funding agencies/organizations including National Research Foundation (NRF) of South Africa, National Science Centre, Poland, and American Chemical Society (ACS) Petroleum Research Fund (PRF), Chilean National Commission for Scientific and Technological Research (CONICYT), Croatia Science Foundation (CSF) amongst others.

He has attracted and as well participated in a number of research projects funded by reputable organizations and industries as a principal investigator (PI), co-investigator (Co-I) and project team member. He is a member of a number of professional Associations including International Society of Electrochemistry (ISE), National Association of Corrosion Engineers (NACE), American Chemical Society (ACS), Royal Society of Chemistry (RSC) and Chemical Society of Nigeria (CSN) amongst others. Dr. Umoren has widely traveled and has visited a number of countries including USA, Italy, France, China, Spain, Chezc Republic, UAE, Bharain and Argentina.

Ifiok Ikpeme Udo, a Lecturer in the Department of Food Science and Technology , University of Uyo. He is interested in Food Processing, Food Preservation and Food Chemistry. He believed that if all the the raw food are properly harnessed through value addition, there would be Food security.  Nutritious food for all would prevent malnutrition and enhance elongitivity. Mr Udo had authored and equally co-authored in several International journals. He holds a Bachelor of Science Degree in Food Science and Technology,a Masters Degree in Food Processing and Storage Technology and currently undergoing his dessertation for the award of a PhD in Food Chemistry, Biochemistry and Biotechnology. Phone number :+2347039123398; Email address : ifiokudo@uniuyo.edu.ng