RismadarVoice Reporters
November 10, 2026
Akwa Ibom State University (AKSU) has entered into an academic partnership with the Institute of Oceanology of the Chinese Academy of Sciences (IOCAS) in Qingdao, China, to strengthen scientific research, scholarship opportunities and international academic exchanges.
The partnership, formalised through a Memorandum of Understanding signed on Tuesday, provides a framework for joint research projects, laboratory development, academic exchanges and collaborative funding applications.
According to information released about the agreement, the collaboration will focus particularly on marine sciences and related disciplines, including Marine Chemistry, Marine Geology, Marine Biology, Physical Oceanography, Marine Engineering, Biochemistry, Microbiology, Biotechnology and Materials Science.
The AKSU delegation was received by IOCAS Director, Professor Fan Wang, alongside researchers and other officials of the Chinese institution.
Speaking during the visit, AKSU Vice-Chancellor, Professor Otoabasi Akpan, described the agreement as part of the university’s efforts to expand international partnerships and strengthen its research capacity.
He expressed optimism that the collaboration would create opportunities for academic advancement, scientific innovation and greater participation in international research programmes.
The university’s Director of Advancement, International Collaborations and Linkages, Dr Ini-ibehe Nabuk, highlighted student and academic staff exchanges as important components of the agreement.
According to him, the arrangement is expected to enable students and researchers from both institutions to undertake academic visits, participate in joint studies and gain practical research experience.
The partnership also provides opportunities for the institutions to pursue external research funding and develop joint laboratories in relevant scientific fields.
During the visit, the AKSU delegation attended an academic lecture delivered by Professor Chunli Bai, a former President of the Chinese Academy of Sciences.
The delegation also toured Navy Park in Huangdao, Qingdao, and visited research facilities, including laboratories specialising in advanced marine materials, environmental corrosion and biofuel research.
The Institute of Oceanology is a major Chinese research institution specialising in marine science, ocean observation and postgraduate research training.
The agreement is expected to support knowledge sharing, research development and international exposure for participating academics and students.
However, specific scholarship allocations, funding commitments and implementation timelines have not been disclosed.
The partnership represents another step in AKSU’s efforts to expand its international academic relationships and develop research opportunities in marine and related sciences.
