Assist. Prof. Dr. Obinna Chigoziem Akakuru | Environmental Chemistry | Best Researcher Award
Federal University of Technology – Owerri, Nigeria
👨🎓Profiles
🎓 Early Academic Pursuits
Assist. Prof. Dr. Obinna Chigoziem Akakuru began his academic journey with a strong foundation in the geosciences, focusing on hydrogeology and hydrology during his formative years. His early academic success was marked by securing the prestigious TETFund Full Ph.D. Scholarship in 2014, enabling him to pursue advanced research in groundwater systems and environmental studies. His commitment to academic excellence was further reinforced through the Engr. Emmanuel Iwuanyanwu Grant for Ph.D. studies (2015), which supported his doctoral research in hydrogeochemistry and water resource management.
🧑💼 Professional Endeavors
Currently serving as an Assistant Professor at the Federal University of Technology – Owerri, Nigeria, Dr. Akakuru has established himself as a key figure in the geosciences community. His role involves conducting cutting-edge research, mentoring students, and contributing to the advancement of knowledge in water resources and environmental sustainability. His professional career is also marked by collaborations on national and international projects, emphasizing hydrogeological modeling, pollution assessment, and the integration of artificial intelligence (AI) and machine learning (ML) in solving complex environmental problems.
🔬 Contributions and Research Focus
Dr. Akakuru’s research portfolio is interdisciplinary, bridging hydrogeology, hydrology, hydrogeochemistry, and pollution modeling with emerging technologies like artificial intelligence and machine learning. His work addresses pressing issues such as sustainable groundwater management, environmental contamination, and geostatistical modeling for optimal resource utilization. He is particularly renowned for his contributions to groundwater exploitation and management in southeastern Nigeria, a project that secured him a $63,000 grant from the TETFund National Research Fund (2023).
🌍 Impact and Influence
Dr. Akakuru’s research has far-reaching impacts, particularly in regions facing water scarcity and environmental degradation. His models for pollution control and petroleum geology have informed both academic discussions and policy-making decisions. By integrating AI and machine learning techniques into geoscience applications, he has introduced innovative methodologies for groundwater modeling, water quality prediction, and environmental risk assessment, positioning himself as a forward-thinking scholar in the global geoscience community.
📚 Academic Citations
With numerous peer-reviewed publications, Dr. Akakuru’s research is widely cited in hydrogeology, environmental science, and geoinformatics literature. His work is contributing to the growing body of knowledge on sustainable water resource management and pollution modeling, making significant academic contributions to both theoretical and applied research domains.
🛠️ Technical Skills
Dr. Akakuru possesses a diverse technical skill set, including hydrogeological mapping, geostatistical analysis, AI/ML-based environmental modeling, and pollution risk assessment. His expertise extends to the application of software tools for spatial analysis and modeling, such as GIS platforms, statistical software, and machine learning frameworks, enabling data-driven insights into environmental processes.
👨🏫 Teaching Experience
As an Assistant Professor, Dr. Akakuru is actively involved in teaching and mentoring undergraduate and postgraduate students in areas such as hydrogeology, water resources management, geostatistics, and environmental science. His pedagogical approach emphasizes critical thinking, research-based learning, and the practical application of geoscientific principles. Many of his students have gone on to make notable contributions in academia and the water resources industry.
🏆 Awards and Recognitions
Dr. Akakuru’s dedication to research excellence has earned him prestigious awards and funding, including the NCIPC Grant (2024) valued at $125,000 annually for five years, for his role in the Fairfield Heritage Prevention Coalition. These recognitions underscore his commitment to community-centered research and public health initiatives.
🚀 Legacy and Future Contributions
Looking ahead, Dr. Akakuru aims to expand his research on climate-resilient groundwater management, AI-powered hydrogeological modeling, and environmental pollution mitigation strategies. He aspires to influence water policy formulation and environmental sustainability practices both in Nigeria and globally. Through his academic and professional journey, Dr. Akakuru continues to inspire the next generation of scientists while driving forward innovative solutions to environmental challenges.
📖Notable Publications
Publication: Hydrogeochemical facies and pollution status of groundwater resources of Owerri and environs, Southeastern Nigeria
Authors: OC Akakuru, B Akudinobi, AI Opara, SO Onyekuru, OU Akakuru
Journal: Environmental Monitoring and Assessment 193, 1-26
Year: 2021
Publication: The chemistry of chitin and chitosan justifying their nanomedical utilities
Authors: OU Akakuru, H Louis, PI Amos, OC Akakuru, EI Nosike, EF Ogulewe
Journal: Biochem Pharmacol (Los Angel) 7 (241), 2167-0501.1000241
Year: 2018
Publication: Hydrogeochemical evolution, water quality indices, irrigation suitability and pollution index of groundwater (PIG) around Eastern Niger Delta, Nigeria
Authors: OC Akakuru, CU Eze, OC Okeke, AI Opara, AO Usman, O Iheme, …
Journal: International Journal of Energy and Water Resources, 1-23
Year: 2022
Publication: Hydrochemical characterization of abandoned quarry and mine water for domestic and irrigation uses in Abakaliki, southeast Nigeria
Authors: MO Eyankware, PN Obasi, OO Omo-Irabor, OC Akakuru
Journal: Modeling Earth Systems and Environment 6, 2465-2485
Year: 2020
Publication: Appraisal of groundwater to risk contamination near an abandoned limestone quarry pit in Nkalagu, Nigeria, using enrichment factor and statistical approaches
Authors: MO Eyankware, OC Akakuru
Journal: International Journal of Energy and Water Resources 7 (4), 603-621
Year: 2023