Vice Chancellor of the
University of Science and Technology (RSUST), Professor Barineme B. Fakae, has called on lecturers in the university to borrow a leaf from the achievements of Professor Miebaka J. Ayotamuno.
Professor Fakae, who made the call midweek at the 31st inaugural lecture of the university delivered by Professor Ayotamuno, traced some outstanding achievements of Ayotamuno from his undergraduate, through his post graduate to his professionship.
While describing Professor Ayotamuno as an erudite scholar, he noted that beyond graduating with a first class in Agriculture Engineering in University of Maiduguri, and securing an MSC in the same field as well as two PhDs in two different fields, he had also brought his wealth of experiences to bear in the development of his areas of specialization.
In presenting his inaugural lecture, titled, “Engineering and Management of Soil, Water and Wastes,” Professor Ayotamuno noted, among others, that part of his research was geared towards seeking solutions to solving problems related to water and environment.
This, he said is in cognizance of the fact that, “Water all over the world is relatively scarce,” noting that 97 per cent of water on the earth is salt water, and only 3 per cent is fresh water. Slightly over two thirds of this is frozen in glaciers and polarize caps.
The remaining unfrozen fresh water is found mainly as ground water, with only a small fraction present above ground or in the air and refered to as surface water,” he said.
According to him, this small fraction of water is what is generally used for agricultural, industrial, household, recreational and environmental activities.
Professor Ayotamuno has published over 70 books and articles published in both local and international journals.