AU-IBAR Boosts Aquaculture Research with Delivery of Specialized Water Quality and Lab Equipment to University of Ibadan

On May 2, 2025, AU-IBAR reached a significant milestone in its collaboration with the University of Ibadan, an African Union Centre of Excellence in Fisheries and Aquaculture. The partnership was further solidified with the handover of the first batch of specialized fisheries and aquaculture research equipment, valued at USD 55,266. This donation, made possible by the EU-funded FishGov2 Project, is a critical step in strengthening Africa’s research capacity and supporting sustainable development in the fisheries and aquaculture sectors.

Representing the university during the handover was Prof. Flora E. Olaifa, Head of the Department of Aquaculture and Fisheries Management. The event underscored the deepening collaboration between AU-IBAR and the University of Ibadan, highlighting their mutual commitment to advancing research and capacity building in the aquaculture sector across Africa.

In addition to the equipment handover, AU-IBAR officials, led by Mr. Delvis Fortes, Project Coordinator of the FishGov2 Project, paid a courtesy visit to Prof. Adejoke Olukemi Akinyele, Dean of the Faculty of Renewable Natural Resources, and Prof. Peter Olamakinde Olapegba, Deputy Vice Chancellor of the University. During the visit, discussions were held to reinforce the partnership and explore plans to extend the existing Memorandum of Understanding (MoU). The extended collaboration is aimed at supporting ongoing research, training, and policy development in the fisheries and aquaculture sectors, fostering a sustainable approach to the management of Africa’s aquatic resources.

The specialized equipment handed over plays an essential role in ensuring optimal conditions for aquatic organisms, particularly in research and operational aquaculture settings. The equipment includes a variety of tools vital for water quality monitoring, such as pH meters, oxygen meters, the Accuris Gel Image View System, conductivity meters, the Labtronic LT-116 Colorimeter, the BUCK 230ATS Atomic Absorption and Emission Spectrophotometer, the Multi-Parameter Water Test Kit, and the Busch Cobra Vacuum Pump. These tools are indispensable for assessing water pH, measuring dissolved oxygen levels, and detecting environmental pollutants, all of which are critical to the health and productivity of aquaculture systems.

This donation is part of the broader FishGov2 Project, which aims to improve governance and promote sustainability in African fisheries. By equipping the University of Ibadan with state-of-the-art research tools, AU-IBAR is helping to bolster the university’s role as a key institution for fostering cutting-edge research, developing innovative aquaculture solutions, and training the next generation of leaders in fisheries and aquaculture.

As AU-IBAR continues to collaborate with the University of Ibadan and other stakeholders, this partnership will play a pivotal role in ensuring that Africa’s fisheries and aquaculture sectors are well-equipped to address future challenges. Through these efforts, AU-IBAR aims to empower institutions and foster a sustainable, science-based approach to managing Africa’s aquatic resources, driving the continent toward a more prosperous and resilient blue economy.

Read more on our collaboration with the University of Ibadan