Calabar: The collaboration between the Nigerian Conservation Foundation (NCF) and the University of Calabar (UniCal) has successfully produced four postgraduate graduands in efforts to conserve the endangered Cross River Gorillas. This achievement was announced by Mr. Uchenna Achunine, Director of Business Development and Partnership at NCF, during the Project Advisory Committee (PAC) meeting of the Calgary Zoo-supported project held in Calabar.
According to News Agency of Nigeria, Achunine, who also serves as the Chairman of PAC, revealed that two additional postgraduate students, currently on scholarships through the collaboration, are expected to complete their studies by the end of the year in the department of Forestry and Wildlife at UniCal. The PAC meeting was convened to review the progress of the project, which is now in its final phase. Achunine highlighted the success of the collaboration as evidenced by the academic performance of the beneficiaries, with three of them achieving distinctions.
The initial plan for five postgraduate scholarships was expanded to include an additional scholarship, resulting in one Ph.D. and three Master’s degrees already being awarded. Two more students are anticipated to conclude their studies before the year’s end. Achunine acknowledged the contributions of six other partners who played a critical role in the project’s success.
Prof. Offiong Offiong, Vice Chancellor of UniCal, encouraged the graduands to make significant contributions to environmental conservation, recognizing the support from NCF and the university. Represented by Prof. Egrinya Eneji, Deputy Vice Chancellor, Research, Linkages, and Collaboration, Offiong noted the positive impact the collaboration has had on both the teaching staff of the forestry and wildlife department and the graduands. UniCal aims to continue this collaboration to advance conservation efforts.
The five-year collaboration, initiated in 2022, is set to conclude in August 2027. It is funded by the Calgary Zoo Foundation/Wilder Institute, Canada, and includes partnerships with the Centre for Biodiversity, Conservation, and Research (CBCR) Ghana, Cross River National Park, and Forestry Commission. The next PAC meeting is scheduled for November, ahead of the programme’s completion in August 2027.