Institute Of Geo-sciences And Environmental Management

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.

Institute Of Geo-sciences And Environmental Management

Objectives Of The Institutes

The mission is to develop competent indigenous manpower and technology to exercise total control over the physical environment. It seeks to protect and preserve scarce resources including land and water and ensure sustainable development of the Niger Delta region. The specific objectives include:

Produce quality Doctor of Philosophy, Master of Science, and Post Graduate Diploma graduates with multidisciplinary training in the broad area of Environmental Management and Control; Disaster/Environmental Risk Management.
Sharpen and change the technical skills and managerial capacity of the workforce though workshops, seminars and short courses specially designed to address identified knowledge/skill deficiencies in the broad area of geosciences, water resources, geotechnical engineering, climate change adaptation;
Participate in innovative national, regional and global initiatives/projects that promote the assurance of sustainable future.
Promote and facilitate sustainable development in the Niger delta Region and even beyond.

Achievements Of The Institute

The Institute has played leading roles in flood and erosion studies and design of flood and erosion control structures in several riverine communities of the Niger Delta. The use of local materials (such as ‘Used Rubber Tyres’) in the control of river bank erosion was initiated by the Institute. A pilot scheme to test out one of the designs using cheap and local materials was completed at Kaiama and at Elem Bekenkid. Collaboration with other research Institutes like the department of Geomatics University of Lagos, Institute of Hydraulics, Delft, The Netherlands, Institute of Land Reclamation, Wagenegen, the Netherlands etc. brought the Institute to global awareness, prompting the Federal Ministry of Agriculture. The 2% Ecological funds Committee and Federal Ministry of Water Resources to engage the services of the Institute as their consultants. The Environmental Impact Assessment (EIA) for the ten proposed Bonny LNG and the Eleme Petrochemicals complex were carried out by the Institute and remain on record as the very first EIA carried out in Nigeria.

The Institute was commissioned to design and provide engineering supervision shore protection works for sixteen towns, and villages including Otuokpoti, Sagbama, Odi, Koluma etc) in the old Rivers State. The Institute has also served as consultants in the design and supervision of reclamation and drainage works for Finima Relocation as a first step for the Bonny Liquefied Natural Gas (LNG) project. The Institute was also engaged by the Federal Ministry of Works and Housing to undertake post construction monitoring and surveying of erosion control works at Opobo Town, Brass and Queenstown and also to produce a masterplan and design of flood and erosion control measures in the Niger Delta.

The Institute was commissioned by the Federal Ministry of Science and Technology to work on tidal prediction and publication of tides tables, determination of mean sea level and its variation. With the help of the Institute, a primary station has been recently installed in Bonny.

In support of various research programmes, the Institute, until recently maintained and monitored tide and flood gauges at strategic locations within the Niger Delta. The Institute also handled hydrographic/topographic surveys for land reclamation and accessibility studies on Magolere Creek and New – Finima; completed a correlation study on offshore and inshore wave climate for shell Gas Nigeria; jetty design at Bonny; a bathymetric survey at Abonnema shore (Sombreiro River).

The Institute has tested and proved the efficacy of wooden groynes as a veritable means of river bank erosion protection. Research contributions by our post graduate students have resulted in the discovery of new species, innovative waste management designs and proto-type fabrications and technologies.

The Institute established a Receiver station for coastal Dynamics and National Space Research agency. The Institute also has measurement equipment of Air Quality and Atmospheric variables.
Organized International Conference on Flood and Erosion Prevention, Protection and Mitigation. 3^rd– 5^th 2014.
Journal of Geosciences and Environmental Research (JOGER) Vol. 1; No.1, 2018.
Journal of Geosciences and Environment Research (JOGER) Vol.1; No.2, 2022
Journal of Geosciences and Environment Management (JOGER) Vol 1; No.3 in view.
Scenario Planning for Climate Change Mitigation in Rivers State. (Sponsored by Tetfund).

Successfully changed the name of the Institute from Institute of Geosciences and Space Technology (IGST) to Institute of Geosciences and Environmental Management (IGEM). This is the true reflection of the activities of the Institute, realities and the challenges of the time.
Currently operating PGD, MSc and PhD in Environmental Management and Control, in addition the institute Introduced a new Programme PGD, MSc, and PhD Programme in Disaster/Environmental Risk Management. This will commence for this 2022/2023 Academic Session.
As a Result of Covid-19 the Institute Was the first to Introduce on line seminars, lecturers, examination and defences for our Post Graduate Programme in Rivers State University. This we have continued to improve upon, as it encourages our students’ lecturers, supervisors form across the country and outside the country and from different Universities all over to participate. This has given the programme International Acclamation.
Successfully Inaugurated the Alumni of the Institute

Duties And Responsibility of The Institute

In addition to Research activities, the institute runs the following programmes

ACADEMIC PROGRAMMES (POST GRADUATE)

PGD, MSc and PhD in Environmental Management and Control

PGD, MSc, and PhD Programme in Disaster/Environmental Risk Management.

ACADEMIC STRUCTURE/ADMINISTRATIVE PROCEDURES

Institute of Geosciences and Environmental Management (IGEM) as an Academic Unit is responsible to Senate (in all academic matters) through the Post Graduate Board. The daily affairs of the IGEM are overseen by the Director. Therefore, the IGEM board that takes decisions on matters relating to postgraduate training and reports to Post graduate board through the dean of Post Graduate School.

The Institute has had four Directors to date, namely: Prof. D.M.I. Fubara (1980-1996), Prof. S.C. Teme (1996-2012), Prof. T.K.S. Abam (2012-2019) and Prof. A.E. Gobo (Jan 2020 to date). The Institute has Six Research Professors, One Senior Research Fellow, One Assistant Research Fellow, One Technologist and Nine Non-Teaching staff.

Research Division: The Institute is divided into the following Research Divisions:
Geotechnical+

Environmental Geotechnics
Foundation Engineering
Engineering Geology
Soil Mechanics

Natural Resources development & Management

Hydrogeology
Geophysics
Alternative Energy
Mineral Resources and economic Geology

Natural Hazards and Atmospheric studies:

Applied Meteorology
Applied Climatology
Climate Change
Flood & Erosion
Coastal & River Engineering studies
Desertification

Geodesy & Space Science

Remote Sensing and GIS
Geoingnmatic

Upcoming Event

To organize Workshops and International Conferences

Prospect of The Institute

Our future plan entails strengthening research and consultancy activities and continuing with outstanding programmes that would benefit the people of Rivers state and the nation at large IGEM focus on expanding the postgraduate training to include Applications of Space science particularly Remote sensing and geographic Information System GIS, Hydrology and Water Resources Management, Geotechnical Engineering, Marine sciences and Surveys. This is in line with our belief that an expanded research horizon (in both intensity and breadth) will not only generate interest in this university, but will also attract funding, partnerships and collaborations. Ultimately, this will increase the impact of the University locally, regionally, nationally and internationally.

Modern trends in the use of satellite imageries, remote sensing, Geographic Information Systems (GIS) and application of Space Science and Technology as well as the need to secure the Institute a place in the many inter-institute collaborations that were going on, necessitated a change of name from IFERT to IGST in 1991 and now IGEM

Achievements Of The Institute

The Institute established a Receiver station for coastal Dynamics and National Space Research agency. The Institute also has measurement equipment of Air Quality and Atmospheric variables.
Organized International Conference on Flood and Erosion Prevention, Protection and Mitigation. 3^rd– 5^th 2014.
Journal of Geosciences and Environmental Research (JOGER) Vol. 1; No.1, 2018.
Journal of Geosciences and Environment Research (JOGER) Vol.1; No.2, 2022
Journal of Geosciences and Environment Management (JOGER) Vol 1; No.3 in view.
Scenario Planning for Climate Change Mitigation in Rivers State. (Sponsored by Tetfund).

Successfully changed the name of the Institute from Institute of Geosciences and Space Technology (IGST) to Institute of Geosciences and Environmental Management (IGEM). This is the true reflection of the activities of the Institute, realities and the challenges of the time.
Currently operating PGD, MSc and PhD in Environmental Management and Control, in addition the institute Introduced a new Programme PGD, MSc, and PhD Programme in Disaster/Environmental Risk Management. This will commence for this 2022/2023 Academic Session.
As a Result of Covid-19 the Institute Was the first to Introduce on line seminars, lecturers, examination and defences for our Post Graduate Programme in Rivers State University. This we have continued to improve upon, as it encourages our students’ lecturers, supervisors form across the country and outside the country and from different Universities all over to participate. This has given the programme International Acclamation.
Successfully Inaugurated the Alumni of the Institute

Geotechnical
Natural Resources development & Management
Natural Hazards and Atmospheric studies
Geodesy & Space Science

Philosophy Of The Institute

The vision of IGEM is to be a world-class centre of excellence for multi-disciplinary Applied Research in Geosciences, Geotechnical Engineering, Natural Resources, Sustainable Development, Climate Science, this will be achieved through Research and Teaching in the following programmes PGD, MSc and PhD in Environmental Management and Control and Disaster/Environmental Risk Management; and human capital development in these fields of endeavor through training.

PROFILE OF CURRENT HEAD OF INSTITUTE

Prof. Akuro Ephraim Gobo (KSC)

Profile Of Current Head Of Institute

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.

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STAFF DATA

Teaching Staff

Name	Rank	Area Of Specialization	Email
Prof. A. E. Gobo	Professor	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. P. N. Ede	Professor	Applied Climatology	precious.ede@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. (Mrs.) A. Ayotamuno	Senior Research Fellow	Built Environment, Climate Change and Sustainable Environmental Management	augusta.ayotamuno@ust.edu.ng
Dr. William Iyama	Senior Lecturer	Environmental Chemistry, Water Resources Management and Pollution Studies	willy4a@yahoo.com
Mr. O. C. Dollah	Assistant	Environmental	oscardollah@yahoo.com
Joel Tamunobarabinye Jumbo	Senior Asst. Registrar		joeljumbo2015@gmail.com
Mr. Epelle, Emmanuel	Principal Executive Officer		epelle.emmauel@ust.edu.ng
Mrs. Bestman, Veronica Ovie	Principal Confidential Secretary II		bestman.veronica@ust.edu.ng
Mrs. Fubara, Tamunobarasua	Administrative II		fubaratamunobarasua@gmail.com
Mrs. Chinda-Promise, Gladys	Technologist		gladys4luv2k6@gmail.com
Mrs. Amadi, Vivian Albert	Administrative II		dudunaalbert@gmail.com
Mrs Orlunga, Ngozi	Head Messenger		orlunga.ngozi@ust.edu.ng
Mrs Brownba Ibaniboye	Head Cleaner		ibaniboyepele@gmail.com
Mr. Fidelis Douglas	Driver		NIL