AKSU COLLABORATES WITH NASRDA ON SEISMIC MONITORING INFRASTRUCTURE
The Management of Akwa Ibom State University (AKSU) has partnered with the National Space Research and Development Agency (NASRDA) for the installation of seismic monitoring infrastructure aimed at enhancing Nigeria’s Global Navigation Satellite System (GNSS) capabilities. This was disclosed by the Vice-Chancellor, Prof. Nse U. Essien, during a courtesy visit by a delegation from the Centre for Geodesy and Geodynamics (CGG), a specialised unit of NASRDA Wednesday, May 17, 2025, at the Main Campus, Ikot Akpaden, Mkpat Enin Local Government Area.
In his address, Prof. Essien welcomed the collaboration, highlighting AKSU's commitment to supporting cutting-edge research and contributing to national development. He emphasised the strategic importance of integrating advanced geophysical instrumentation into academic programmes, particularly within the Departments of Geology and Physics. According to him, hosting a NASRDA centre at AKSU is a laudable development that will boost geoscientific research and enhance national capabilities in earthquake monitoring and space-based Earth observation.
The Assistant Director and Head of Seismology at NASRDA, Dr. Ofonime Akang, who led the visiting team, described the visit as a critical step toward finalising a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) between the CGG and AKSU. He outlined CGG’s core mandates, which include seismic monitoring, geodynamic research, and space geodesy, all focused on bolstering Nigeria’s preparedness for natural hazards, especially earthquakes, and contributing to global Earth science data.
Dr. Akang further noted that the installation of seismic and Global Positioning System (GPS) infrastructure at AKSU will significantly enhance Nigeria’s capacity for earthquake prediction and seismic risk assessment. The installations will also support research in geophysics, geology, and space sciences, offering practical platforms for both undergraduate and postgraduate studies as well as environmental and engineering applications.
A major highlight of the visit was the approval of a site within the Department of Geology for the installation of the seismic monitoring and GNSS stations by the Vice-Chancellor. The construction of the required vault was also commissioned, demonstrating the University's proactive involvement in the project.
In attendance during the visit were: the Head of Seismic Hazards, NASRDA, Dr. Umar Kadiri; the Registrar, Dr. Ebi G. Eno-Ibanga, FNIM, represented by the Director, Legal Unit, Barr. Ime Udofa; the Director, Research and Innovation, Prof. Nsikak Bassey; the Director, AKSU Consult and Head, Department of Geology, Dr. Thomas Harry; the Head, Department of Physics, Dr. Ndifreke Udosen; Principal Assistant Registrar and Head of Administration, Vice-Chancellor’s Office, Mr. Akaninyene Ibanga; Staff from the Directorate of Information, Public Relations, and Protocol.