The Nigeria Conservation Foundation (NCF), in collaboration with the Wilder Institute Conservation Calgary Zoo, has awarded scholarships to five students from the University of Calabar (UNICAL) to study the habits and conservation of the rare Cross River gorillas in Afi Mountain.
The beneficiaries, comprising four master’s students and one PhD candidate, will focus on understanding the interactions between the gorillas and local communities living near their habitat.
Scholarship Presentation and Programme Overview
Speaking during the scholarship presentation at the 5th Park Meeting for Community Conservation Graduate Students Scholarship Program, the Director of Business Development and Communication of NCF, Mr. Uchenna Achunine, explained that the initiative is part of a five-year project funded by the Wilder Institute Calgary Zoo.
“The project is designed to preserve and conserve the rare Cross River gorilla species found in the Afi Mountain, neighboring Cameroon, and other parts of Africa,” Achunine stated.
The scholarship recipients include:
Ayambem Akumjom (PhD student)
Agabi David (Master’s student)
Adekambi Adeyinka (Master’s student)
Isaac Bisong (Master’s student, Zoology and Environmental Biology)
Peace Okon Ita (Master’s student, Environmental and Resources Management)
Achunine, who also chairs the Cross River Gorilla Project, highlighted the program’s collaboration with multiple partners, including the Centre for Biodiversity Conservation Research in Ghana, the Cross River National Park, the Cross River Forestry Commission, and the Afi Mountain Community in Boki.
“This program is crucial for studying the habitats of Cross River gorillas and their interactions with humans. These gorillas are among the most threatened species in Nigeria, according to the International Union for Conservation of Nature,” he added.
Building Sustainable Conservation Capacity
Dr. Mary Liao, Conservation Program Manager at Wilder Institute Calgary Zoo, emphasized the importance of building local capacity in conservation research.
“Our goal is to equip local researchers with the skills they need to become leaders in conservation fields,” she said. “The students selected for this program are passionate about conserving the Cross River gorilla space, and I am optimistic about their future contributions.”
UNICAL Faculty Applauds Initiative
Professor Francis Bisong, a project supervisor and Professor of Conservation Biogeography at UNICAL’s Faculty of Environmental Sciences, commended the NCF and Wilder Institute Calgary Zoo for their commitment to fostering conservation efforts through education.
“This scholarship program not only enhances research but also creates a foundation for preserving biodiversity. It’s a commendable step towards safeguarding one of Nigeria’s most threatened species,” Prof. Bisong remarked.
Broader Conservation Goals
The project aligns with international conservation priorities, aiming to promote coexistence between humans and wildlife while preserving critical ecosystems. With the support of local and international partners, the initiative is expected to provide valuable insights into protecting the Cross River gorillas and ensuring their long-term survival.
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