The Director, ICEESR, UNIUYO, Dr. Edu Inam is among the recipients of International Environmental Research Institute Research Grants for 2018, the wining proposal titled: “Climate Variability in Relation to Floodplain Erosion and Water Quality Characteristics of the Ikpa River Basin” has Dr. Robert Ekpeyoung, Department of Geography and Natural Resources Management and Dr. Moses Ekpeyoung, Department of Computer Science as Co-researchers.
According to Dr. Inam, the aim of the research is to ascertain the extent to which climatic variables have impacted the water quality status of Ikpa River Basin in Nigeria as a case study for Sub-Saharan Africa. The research project should give insights on any measures (policy, education and awareness or technological intervention) that must be taken to mitigate impacts. The outcome of this research will be shared with Scientists, Innovators and Investors from South Korea interested in assisting Africa mitigate the impact of Climate Change and the Nigerian Government. The benefits of this research to Akwa Ibom State cannot be overemphasized, as one major product of the research shall be the first geographical mapping of the Ikpa River Basin, using Artificial Intelligence tools and the development of an intelligent App, ready for commercialization and integration into mobile phones and other personal devices, towards the accurate prediction of climate quality. With this prototype, Government can take up this technology for better planning and prompt decision making as regards climate change.