History

Prof. Edu Inam was funded by Schlumberger Foundation through the Faculty for the Future Programme for post-doctoral training at Gwangju Institute of Science and Technology, South Korea. On returning to her home institution after eight years of studies abroad that included her PhD studies in Loughborough University, United Kingdom, was faced with the challenge of lack of a research facility to replicate researches done in her host institutions abroad. Prof. Inam instead of dwelling on that frustration of lack of equipment and research environment decided to initiate a research laboratory project.

The idea was discussed in a meeting in Boston, Massachusetts with two Nigerians, in August 2010. The two were, Dr. Francis Folusho then a Post-Doctoral scholar at New England Biolab, Boston, and Mr. Julius Akinyemi, an Entrepreneur in- residence, Massachusetts Institute of Technology, Boston, USA, the meeting was facilitated by Mrs. Valerie Edozie of Schlumberger Nigeria Limited. And back home it was further discussed with Dr. Ime Obot and now Professor Joseph Essien, who all supported the idea and assisted in the development of a proposal.

On May 15, 2012 a proposal for the establishment of a public-private sector driven research centre to be called “International Centre for Energy and Environmental Sustainability Research” was submitted to the Academic Planning office of the University of Uyo. The proposal after several scrutiny by the different units of the university received positive approval by the 82 nd Senate of the University of Uyo on November 28, 2012.

Based on the senate approval, advisory and management committees were constituted by the then Vice Chancellor, Professor Comfort M. Ekpo. The major task for the management committee headed by Prof. Edu Inam was to find sponsors to provide seed funding to facilitate the commencement of the centre. Gwangju Institute of Science and Technology, South Korea (an affiliated institution with the United Nations University) provided funding to start academic activities through a Memorandum of Understanding signed in May 6, 2013. Similarly, Mr. Udom U. Inoyo then the Executive Director Exxon Mobil provided personal funding to start the construction of the Phase 1 research building comprising of three laboratories. This endorsement moved the project from paper to physical structure. He signed a Memorandum of Understanding to officially commit to the project on November 5, 2015. The construction project has received financial support from others including Engr. Etido Inyang, Chairman Ibom Power Company, Dr. Okon Amasi, Dr. Uduak O. Luke and faculty members of the Faculty of Science, University of Uyo.

Event timeline

  • 2019

    Exploring partnerships with industry, development partners and similar centres of excellence around the world to enhance capacity and infrastructural development

  • 2017

    Our phase 1 research laboratory facility reached the roofing stage with funding from individual supporters led by Mr. Udom Inoyo

  • 2016

    University of Uyo on behalf of ICEESR signed a Memorandum of Understanding with Lancaster Environment Centre, Lancaster University, United Kingdom on June 13, 2016

  • 2015

    The Ground-breaking and foundation laying ceremony was performed by Dr. Chidi Eneogwe (Manager, Upstream Laboratories, Exxon Mobil Nigeria) representing Mr. Inoyo on October 30, 2015 during the 21st/22nd convocation ceremony of the University of Uyo

  • 2015

    Mr. Udom U. Inoyo, Executive Director, Exxon Mobil Nigeria personally endorsed the project to move from “paper to physical site”. This personal financial support led to the allocation of land for the permanent building of the centre by the University of Uyo

  • 2013

    University of Uyo on behalf of ICEESR signed a Memorandum of Understanding with International Environmental Research Institute, Gwangju Institute of Science and Technology, South Korea on May 6, 2013

  • 2012

    The 82nd Senate of the University of Uyo approved the proposal for the establishment of ICEESR UNIUYO submitted by Dr. Edu Inam through the Academic Planning Unit of the University. The proposal had successfully passed the Faculty of Science Board of Studies, the Academic Planning board and the Development Committee Board

  • 2010

    Dr. Edu Inam on return from 8 years studies abroad conceived the idea which was shared by Dr. Francis Ajayi, Mr. Julius Akinyemi, Mrs Valerie Edozie, Mr. Sola Oyinola, Dr. Ime Obot, Dr. Joseph Essien, and Dr. Utibe Aluyi

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