Professor Nedie Akani of Rivers State University, Port Harcourt, has been appointed Coordinator of the South-South Zonal Chapter of the Nigerian Society for Microbiology (NSM), positioning her to lead the Society’s programmes and professional engagements across the region.
The Nigerian Society for Microbiology confirmed her appointment in a letter on Wednesday, January 28, 2026, signed by its President, Professor S. Ado. The role carries a two-year tenure, renewable for another two years.
Reacting to her appointment, Professor Akani described the role as both an honour and a responsibility.
“I am honoured to serve the Society and contribute to the advancement of microbiology in the South-South region. I look forward to working closely with members, stakeholders and partners to promote microbiological research, education and outreach”.
Founded in 1972, the Nigerian Society for Microbiology is the umbrella body for microbiologists in Nigeria, with a membership strength of more than 5,000. The Society plays a central role in advancing research and innovation in microbiology, with applications spanning healthcare, agriculture, industry and environmental sustainability sectors critical to national development and public wellbeing.
With over four decades of academic and research experience, Professor Akani brings to the role a track record that spans teaching, mentorship and scientific inquiry.
As a Professor of Environmental Microbiology and Public Health at Rivers State University, she has contributed to research in areas that directly affect everyday life, including infectious diseases, antimicrobial resistance and environmental safety, while shaping future scientists in the classroom and laboratory.
Professor Akani’s academic journey began with a Bachelor’s degree in Microbiology from the University of Port Harcourt, followed by an MPhil in Applied Microbiology and a PhD in Environmental Biology from Rivers State University.
She joined the university’s academic staff in 1991, rose to the rank of Professor in 2022, and served as Head of the Department of Microbiology from 2020 to 2022.
Her influence extends beyond administrative leadership. She has supervised more than 100 undergraduate projects, 25 MSc candidates, 13 PhD scholars and three PGD students, underscoring her commitment to mentorship and capacity building in the sciences. She has also served as an external examiner to the University of Port Harcourt, Niger Delta University and the University of Africa, Toru-Orua, and was a Visiting Professor at the Federal University Otuoke between 2024 and 2025.
A prolific researcher with over 100 peer-reviewed publications, her work focuses on Public Health Microbiology, Environmental Microbiology, Microbial Ecology, Emerging and Re-emerging Infectious Diseases, Antimicrobial Resistance and Ecotoxicology.
Her interdisciplinary collaborations in Epidemiology and Clinical Medicine strengthen the link between laboratory research and community health outcomes.
Her professional affiliations include membership of the American Society for Microbiology and fellowship of the International Society of Comparative Education, Science and Technology (ISCEST), where she served as President from 2021 to 2024.
Beyond the laboratory and lecture theatre, she is known for her love of singing, reading and faith-based service. She is married to Alexander Akani, and they have four children.
As she assumes leadership of the NSM South-South Zonal Chapter, expectations remain high that her experience in research, mentorship and institutional leadership will deepen collaboration among microbiologists and strengthen scientific responses to public health and environmental challenges in the region.