The University of Cross River State (UNICROSS) has secured two prestigious Tertiary Education Trust Fund (TETFund) National Research Fund (NRF) grants to drive research aimed at tackling malaria and recurrent cholera outbreaks in Nigeria.

The successful projects are led by Professors Emmanuel Uttah and George Iniodu of the Department of Animal and Environmental Biology, while Professor Joseph Onah Ukpata of the Department of Civil Engineering is Co-Researcher on another grant coordinated by Ibrahim Badamasi Babangida University, Lapai.

Speaking on the malaria research, Prof. Iniodu described the grant as an opportunity to address one of Nigeria’s biggest public health challenges, noting that the country accounts for about 27 per cent of the global malaria burden, with nearly the entire population at risk of infection.

He said the research seeks to develop innovative strategies capable of disrupting malaria transmission, improving public health outcomes and creating economic opportunities through value chains that will benefit communities in Cross River State and beyond.

On the cholera project, Prof. Ukpata said the study, titled Development of National Groundwater Risk Assessment Framework for Informed Public Health Policy Towards Ending Recurrent Cholera Outbreaks in Nigeria, will focus on improving groundwater sanitation and hygiene to reduce waterborne diseases.

According to him, the project will help lower cholera-related deaths, reduce healthcare costs, improve productivity through fewer school and workplace absences, and support the development of better Water, Sanitation and Hygiene (WASH) facilities across the country.

Ukpata added that the findings would benefit communities in cholera-prone areas, researchers, intervention agencies and policymakers by providing evidence-based solutions for environmental health and water resource management.

He also noted that the grants would enhance UNICROSS’ national reputation by showcasing the institution’s growing research capacity and strengthening its credibility among Nigerian universities.

Congratulating the researchers, Vice Chancellor Prof. Francisca Bassey described the awards as a reflection of the quality of research at UNICROSS and urged the beneficiaries to ensure that the projects produce practical solutions to national health challenges.

She reaffirmed the university management’s commitment to supporting research, innovation and staff development, stressing that creating an enabling environment for academics has continued to position UNICROSS to attract competitive national and international research grants.