Federal University Otuoke, Nigeria
MDP Director
Enetimi Idah Seiyaboh
Email: seiyabohei@fuotuoke.edu.ng
MDP Deputy Director
Merosobo Lawson-Ikuru
Email: lawson-ikurumm@fuotuoke.edu.ng
Building Change Makers for the Niger Delta: The CNDSS Master’s in Development Practice (MDP)
The Centre for Niger Delta Studies and Sustainability (CNDSS) offers a unique Master’s in Development Practice (MDP) program designed to empower current and aspiring development professionals. This program equips graduates with the skills to navigate the complexities of the Niger Delta and Sub-Saharan Africa, fostering a new generation of leaders who can bridge disciplines and translate knowledge into action.
Focus on Interdisciplinarity:
The CNDSS MDP program breaks away from traditional silos. While courses are categorized under the four pillars of Global MDP programs (Health, Natural, Social, and Management Sciences), a strong emphasis is placed on interdisciplinary approaches. This ensures graduates can effectively combine insights from various fields to develop solutions that are scientifically sound, economically viable, socially responsible, and environmentally sustainable.
Contextualizing Development for the Niger Delta:
The program recognizes the unique challenges and opportunities of the Niger Delta region. The curriculum incorporates a strong focus on areas directly relevant to the region’s development, including:
- Marine resources management
- Ocean health and conservation
- Aquaculture and sustainable fishing practices
- Disaster preparedness, management and resilience
- Transitioning away from fossil fuels
- Mangrove restoration and scientific applications
- Indigenous knowledge systems
This targeted focus ensures graduates are equipped with the specific knowledge and tools needed to address the Niger Delta’s pressing development issues.
Bridging the Gap Between Knowledge and Action:
The CNDSS MDP program goes beyond theory. It aims to develop well-rounded practitioners who can bridge the gap between research and implementation. Graduates will be skilled in:
- Understanding complex interactions: They will gain a deep understanding of how various development challenges interweave in the Niger Delta and Sub-Saharan Africa.
- Translating expertise: They will learn to effectively translate insights from subject-matter experts into actionable solutions.
- Coordinating diverse stakeholders: They will develop the skills to collaborate with a wide range of stakeholders, from community leaders to policymakers.
- Implementing evidence-based solutions: The program emphasizes using data and research to inform practical development interventions.
Building on a Strong Foundation:
Established in 2023, the CNDSS is a dedicated research centre focused on finding sustainable solutions for the Niger Delta. The MDP program leverages this strong foundation, offering students access to cutting-edge research and the expertise of leading scholars in the field.
By combining a focus on interdisciplinary, regional context, and practical application, the CNDSS MDP program equips graduates to become effective change makers who can drive positive development in the Niger Delta and beyond.
ABOUT FEDERAL UNIVERSITY OTUOKE
Federal University Otuoke is a Federal Government-owned University established in 2011 by an act of Parliament. It is located in Otuoke, Bayelsa state, Nigeria and has an annual enrolments rate of 8000 students across all programmes.
The Mission of the university is the generation, dissemination, preservation, and application of knowledge.
The vision of the Federal University, Otuoke (FUO) is to gain and maintain a reputation as a world-class university that challenges all its students to achieve the highest levels of intellectual and personal growth, to promote sustainable development, as well as contribute purposeful and ethical service to the nation and mankind.