By Ikenna Nwokedi 

A University Don, Dr. Ugochukwu Chukwuma Okafor has emerged as one of the winners of the Isambard Kingdom Brunel (IKB) fellowship for the 2023/2024 academic session.

Dr. Okafor, a Senior Lecturer in the Department of Applied Microbiology and Brewing, Nnamdi Azikiwe University (UNIZIK) Awka, emerged winner from a pool of many academics who applied for the fellowship from all over the globe.

The Isambard Kingdom Brunel (IKB) Fellowship, is anchored by the Brunel Fellowship Academy, Brunel University, London.

The fellowship is aimed at fostering high-quality collaboration between the Fellows and Brunel academics, boosting the Fellow’s publications and grant applications as well as raising the fellow’s profile by expanding their network and broadening their experience of collaborative and interdisciplinary research.

The UNIZIK Don while at Brunel is expected to focus on the research work titled: “Use of Machine Learning Models in the Bio-augmentative Reclamation of Hydrocarbon Polluted Soils to Mitigate Cancer.”

Dr. Okafor who majors in the area of Environmental Microbiology, Bioremediation and Environmental Health expressed gratitude to God and the leadership of the University under the Acting Vice-Chancellor, Professor Joseph Ikechebelu and Outgoing Vice-Chancellor, Prof. Charles Esimone, FAS, for the enabling environment created in the University towards the pursuit of academic excellence.

The young and vibrant scholar has assured his students and mentees at UNIZIK that he would continue to be in touch with them while affirming his determination towards making the University proud by being a good ambassador.

The Fellows at IKB are entitled to free on-Campus Accommodation, Free Return Flight Tickets, Full Conference Sponsorship, Visa Fees Payments and daily Stipends.