The Institute of Geosciences and Space Technology (IGST) now Institute of Geosciences and Environmental Management (IGEM) was established in 1980 as a multidisciplinary centre of Excellence by the same Act of Parliament that established this great University as the Institute of Flood, Erosion, Reclamation and Transportation (IFERT). It was so named to draw attention, stimulate discussion and evolve solution of the major environmental challenges of the Niger Delta region, in which the University is located. The desire of the government was to create a centre where applied research would be sustained to ultimately assure the physical conquest of the difficult terrain of the Niger Delta.
Professor Akuro Gobo hails from Abuloma Town in Port Harcourt LGA Rivers State. Attended Abuloma/Amadi Central State School and passed with Distinction in his Primary Six Examination (1970). Attended Stella Marris College Port Harcourt where he obtained his School Certificate.
Prof. Akuro E. Gobo holds a BSc (Hons) Maths/Education Degree University of Port Harcourt (1981), M.Sc. Applied Meteorology/Atmospheric Pollutions (1984) at University of Ibadan and PhD Degree in Environmental Management, Rivers State University of Science and Technology (Now, Rivers State University), Port Harcourt. He enjoyed various scholarships throughout his academic career including aviation sponsorship.
He worked with the Federal Ministry of Aviation in Meteorological Services Department, Oshodi, Lagos. There, he was involved in the day to day analyses of Meteorological Data for Pilots and Industries.
He is currently a Professor of Applied Meteorology and Environmental Management at the Institute of Geosciences and Space Technology (IGST), now Institute of Geosciences and Environmental Management (IGEM) Rivers State University, Port Harcourt. Professor Gobo has carried out a lot of Environmental Consultancy projects for oil, gas and other related companies within the Niger Delta region and outside. Jan 2020 to date, Director Institute of Geosciences and Space Technology (IGST) now Institute of Geosciences and Environmental Management (IGEM).
He is the author of the books “Meteorology and Man’s Environment”; Fundamentals of Statistics and Probability AND Rainfall, Climate Change and Flooding, A Blessing or a Curse (An Inaugural Lecture). He co-authored the book “Fundamentals of Environmental Chemistry and Meteorology” for undergraduate and post graduate students. He co-edited the book on the Proceedings, Minimizing Greenhouse Gas Emissions in Rivers State.
He has published in many National and International Journals, as at 2021, has more than 86 publications and Supervised/Co-Supervised more than 78 M.Sc/M.Phil students and 36 Ph.D students; Member, Rivers State and Agip Technical Committee on Urban Solid Waste Management; Member, Rivers State Environmental Guidelines and Standards Committee. Also in 2010; Member Review Committee on Guidelines, Standards and Policies on Environmental Pollution Control and Management in Rivers State.
In 1989 was a Federal and State Government Delegation to Holland and London on the Master Plan for the Development of the Niger Delta. In 2001, was on State Government/Nigerian Agip Oil Company Delegation to Milano, Italy for Urban Solid Waste Management for Port Harcourt. September 2003 to March 2004, Supervising Councillor, Port Harcourt City Council Caretaker Committee. September 2003 to December 2004 Special Assistant to the Executive Governor Rivers State, (Local Govt. Liaison); In 2016-2020, Member Rivers State Primary Health Care Management Board. He occupied various positions in the University among which are: Member, Senate Research and Publication Committee, 2013 to 2020; Chairman, University Accommodation Advisory Committee (UAAC); February 2016 to 2020. Elected member, Senate Representing in the Governing Council, Rivers State University, Port Harcourt April 2020 to date; Director, Institute of Geosciences and Environmental Management, Rivers State University, January 2020 to date. Delivered Inaugural Lecture in 2019 on Rainfall, Climate Change and Flooding’s: A Blessing or a Curse (Wed. 27, Nov. 2019).
His research interest includes, flood management and predictions, climate change phenomenon and waste management techniques. Consultant to RSG/UNDP on Climate Change Vulnerability /Impact Assessment in Rivers State (2011). Consultant RSG/UNDP on Mainstreaming Climate Change Adaptation and Mitigation Issues into Development Planning for Legislators and Directors in Rivers State (2012). A member Rivers State Delegation on Climate Change and Coastal States Dialogue; a workshop organized by UNDP in collaboration with Lagos State Government September, 2012.
In July 2013 RSG/UNDP Consultant/Organized a 3-day Training Workshop for Rivers State Legislators/Policy Makers on Integrated Water Resources Management and Funding of Flood Related Disasters. Also in 2013 REG/UNDP Consultant/Study on Post Impact Assessment of some Flood Impacted Communities in 2012 in Rivers State. 2017 Consultant, Rivers SEEFOR Project, Desiliting of Okochiri Road Drainage, Okrika Local Government, Rivers State.
From 1985 – 1995 (10 years), Chairman Adult Harvest Committee St. Johns Anglican Church Abuloma. Chairman of the New St. John’s Anglican Church Abuloma Building and Foundation Stone Laying Committee. In 2007, Chairman Diocese of Okrika Synod Planning Committee (LOC) for 2009 Synod. Member, Diocese of Okrika Central Synod Planning Committee (2007 – 2010) and also Chairman, Planning and Inauguration Committee Abuloma Archdeaconry and Launching of Archdeaconry support fund. A Diocesan Board Member and in 2008 invested a Knight of St Christopher (KSC) Anglican Communion Diocese of Okrika. Chairman: Diocese of Okrika Land Development Committee, that successfully completed 8 blocks of Flats in two years. (2016 – 2018) Chairman, Project and Maintenance Committee St. John’s Anglican Church, Abuloma (2016-2020); Chairman, Accommodation – Sub-Committee LOC and member Accommodation Central Planning Committee 2018 Synod, Diocese of Okrika; 2016 – 2018, Member, Synod Central Planning Committee, Diocese of Okrika; And 2018 – 2021, Chairman, Diocese of Okrika Synod, Central Planning Committee. Several years, Member and Secretary. Parochial Church Council (PCC), St Johns Anglican Church Abuloma.
He was a former Chairman CDC Abuloma and during his tenure brought B+B to Abuloma and opened up Owuda and other feeder roads. He was among those instrumental to the establishment of CSS Abuloma, Port Harcourt. Chairman PTA Federal Girls College, Abuloma. Also Chairman PTA Nig. Navy Secondary School, Borikiri, Port Harcourt 2005 – 2010. Member, Nigerian Meteorological Society, Member Nigerian Environmental Society and Fellow Royal Meteorological Society London. He is happily married to Lady Sotonye Gobo and blessed with children.
Name | Rank | Area Of Specialization | |
---|---|---|---|
Prof. A. E. Gobo | Professor/ Director | Professor of Applied Meteorology and Environmental Management, Climate Change Atmospheric Pollution and Air Quality Studies. Hydro Meteorology | gobo.akuro@ust.edu.ng |
Prof. T. K. S. Abam | Professor | Engineering Geology and the Environment | abam.kingdom@ust.edu.ng |
Prof. C.L. Eze | Professor | Applied Geophysics | eze.chibuogwu@ust.edu.ng |
Prof. S. A. Ngah | Professor | Applied Hydrogeology & Contaminant Hydrogeology | ngahsab@yahoo.com ngah.sabatine@ust-edu.ng. |
Prof. P. O. Youdeowei | Professor | Professor of Engineering Geology | pyoudeowei@yahoo.com |
Dr.K.E.Okpara | Associate professor | Environmental Management and Toxicology, Climate Change, Public and Environmental Health | okparakingsley777@gmail.com kingsley.okpara@ust.edu.ng |
Dr.W.A.Iyama | Senior Lecturer | Environmental Chemistry, Water Resources Management and Pollution Studies | willy4a@yahoo.com |
Mr. O. C. Dollah | Lecturer II | Environmental Management and Atmospheric Pollution | oscardollah@yahoo.com |
Dr.W.C. Onuegbu | Lecturer II | Disaster Risk Management and Development Studies | wilon4real@yahoo.com |
Dr.G.P.Ogboeli | Lecturer II | Transport Geography and Disaster Risk Management, Flood Risk/ Vulnerability Assessment Science, Process Safety and Loss Prevention Management | goodluck.ogboeli@ust.edu.ng |
Mr.V.Osi | Asst.Lect. | Environmental and Occupational Health and Safety | osichikeobi@gmail.com |