The University of Cross River State (UNICROSS) has recorded a major academic feat as three of its scholars secured prestigious grants under the latest Tertiary Education Trust Fund (TETFund) National Research Fund (NRF), further consolidating the institution’s growing reputation for research excellence and innovation.
The breakthrough saw Professors Emmanuel Uttah and George Iniodu of the Department of Animal and Environmental Biology emerge as Principal Investigators on their respective projects, while Engr. Professor Joseph Onah Ukpata of the Department of Civil Engineering is a Co-Researcher on a project led by a Principal Investigator at Ibrahim Badamasi Babangida University, Lapai.
Prof. George Iniodu whose project is titled "Innovations in Malaria Vector Control Using Solar-Powered Plant-based Spatial Repellent for Indoor and Outdoor Applications in Rural and Urban Areas", described the grant as a unique opportunity to develop innovative solutions to Malaria, one of Nigeria’s most pressing public health challenges.
“My research is of public health concern, so it will benefit everyone. It is addressing one of the most devastating tropical diseases, malaria. Nigeria bears about 27 per cent of the global malaria burden and about 97 per cent of our population is at risk. An innovation that puts a clog in the wheels of effective malaria transmission would bring enormous benefits to Cross River State and Nigeria and can be scaled to benefit humanity, especially across the tropics,” he said.
Prof. Iniodu noted that beyond reducing the malaria burden, the research is expected to stimulate economic activities through the creation of a value chain capable of generating employment and supporting local economies.
Prof. Emmanuel Uttah, who recently assumed office as Director of Research and Development at UNICROSS, is also serving as Principal Researcher. His project is titled "Development of a Biological Monitoring System for Early Warning of Heavy Metal Toxicity and Carcinogenicity in Nigeria". His selection reflects his distinguished contributions to parasitology, environmental health and research development.
Speaking on the significance of the grant, Prof. Joseph Ukpata who serves as a Co-Researcher on a project titled “Development of National Groundwater Risk Assessment Framework for Informed Public Health Policy Towards Ending Recurrent Cholera Outbreaks in Nigeria,” noted that it would further enhance UNICROSS’ national visibility and strengthen its credibility within Nigeria’s higher education landscape
He said the research project seeks to provide lasting solutions to recurrent cholera outbreaks through improved groundwater sanitation and evidence-based public health policies.
According to him, the project will help reduce the incidence of waterborne diseases, lower healthcare costs, improve productivity by reducing absenteeism from schools and workplaces, and strengthen the design of Water, Sanitation and Hygiene (WASH) facilities and groundwater systems across the country.
“The direct beneficiaries of this project will be Nigerians, especially those living in cholera hotspots, researchers, intervention agencies and policymakers responsible for environmental health, water resources, sanitation and public health,” Prof. Ukpata said.
Congratulating the award recipients, the Vice Chancellor of UNICROSS, Prof. Francisca Bassey, described the double success as a reflection of the university’s thriving research culture and commitment to producing impactful scholarship capable of addressing national development challenges.
“I assure you of Management’s continuous support for research, innovation and staff development, which is one of the reasons we have created an enabling environment for our scholars to compete successfully for national and international research grants,” the Vice Chancellor said.
The TETFund National Research Fund supports research projects that address critical national priorities, including public health, environmental sustainability and infrastructure development. The latest success highlights UNICROSS’ growing capacity to attract competitive research funding and produce innovative, solution-driven research with the potential to improve lives and contribute meaningfully to Nigeria’s sustainable development.
