LETTER OF INTEREST

My childhood can be attributed to curiosity and inquisitiveness been accompanied by

conscientiousness. Growing up, fun facts through religious and societal teachings regarding the earth
and its existence attracted my interest in earth study, which kick-started my carrier path without
knowing. I was born in the northeastern part of Nigeria (Adamawa state) before relocating down to the
country's southeastern region (Anambra state) with my parents. At that young age, I was able to note
changes in landforms, rock types and vegetation. As I observed, Adamawa state has highlands with
different mountain ranges and scantier vegetation cover. However, Anambra state is majorly lowland
and have high vegetation cover. The eagerness of noting these changes made me more curious and
deepened my love for travel. While on road trips with my father within Adamawa state, I observed
several deformations in landforms and also, as I grew older, these deformations gradual transformed
into ditches. It became real to me when we relocated down to the southeastern part of Anambra State.
There I saw the destructive nature of these deformations termed “Gully”. My state of origin (Anambra
State) accounts for the highest number of gullies in Nigeria, with over 700 active and dormant gullies,
as shown in research. It inhabits the largest gully site in Africa (the Nanka Gully Complex), situated a
few kilometres away from my hometown. This gully has resisted every mitigation attempt in combating
it and keeps increasing by few kilometres every year. In my and neighbouring communities, I have
watched gully occurrence led to the destruction of infrastructures, access roads, communication
systems, and displacement of people from their homes. Later, I learnt it also plays a role in deterioration
of water quality. All these fascinations and more I had as a little boy transformed my carrier path in
earth science.
During my college days, I became a student member of the Nigeria Mining and Geoscience Society
(NMGS), Nigerian Association of Petroleum Explorationist (NAPE) (an affiliate of the American
Association of Petroleum Geoscience) (AAPG) and the Society of Petroleum Engineers (SPE). These
societies exposed me to meeting a lot of career professionals in the field of Geology (conferences,
seminars and students workshops), and it availed me the opportunity of been mentored by some of them.
These exposures had an immediate impact on my academics as I started creating a carrier plan in
Geology. In 2016 I got double recognition as I was elected the chapter president of NAPE in my
university and was inducted into a four men program committee of the SPE. These recognitions came
as part of my devotion and activeness to the associations. Been the student’s chapter president of NAPE
and an influential committee member of the SPE in the institution, I familiarised both associations,
which created an avenue for students to belong to both associations. In the shortest time, both
associations emerged as one of the best student’s chapter associations in the entire university. We
improved on our community engagements by conducting several career fairs programs (Catch-them
young) for students in secondary schools around our university. We professionally met and helped other
students present their research papers at seminars and conferences by creating an environment where
they can freely discuss their research interests. It made our monthly meetings more engaging and
allowed our members to improve in their presentation skills. Although NAPE was party to that, SPE
championed the event, and this was because the SPE had a more devoted and active faculty advisor. It
was a milestone for us, the society, because our hard work and effort won us the prestigious 2017 Gold
Standard chapter award of SPE International for the various technical and professional activities we
organized during the year. The award put my institution on the map and drew the attention of the entire
university. This feat was only possible because we had a forward driving mentality of inclusivity,
making us work as a team. It made me realize that dreams can become a reality with the right motivation
and a well-thought-out plan.
At a young age, I emulated becoming a teacher just like my mother. It became my greatest
accomplishment because it made me study in a way I can teach and impact on lives rather than just to
pass exams which have been commonest thing with the present generation. After college, in 2018, I
started working as a graduate intern at UB Engineering. Where I took part in drilling of both private
and commercial boreholes, rehabilitation of wells, and geophysical survey. Although the job was in line
with my profession, I kept hoping for the day I would make it into academics. As God may have it, in
early 2019, I got employed as a graduate research assistant in the Department of Geology and
Geophysics, Alex Ekwueme Federal University Ndufu-Alike, Nigeria. It drove my zeal to apply for an
MSc in Environmental Geology at the University of Nigeria Nsukka, Nigeria. Where I graduated
recently with a 4.44 CGPA on a scale of 0 (lowest) to 5 (highest). As a graduate research assistant, my
experience has been more than exciting as it afforded me the platform to write scientific research
articles. As of my early days of been a graduate assistant, I was given the privilege of assisting a
professor in my field of study in delivering lectures in courses like Hydrogeology, Engineering
Geology, and Environmental Geology. I benefited hugely in that regard because it helped me understand
and mentored students. Seeing the joy on students' faces anytime you teach them new things or mentor
them brings great joy to me. Within time, before the completion of my MSc, I was opportune to start
taking courses, and I can boldly say that I have taught geologic courses like Environmental Geology,
Structural Geology, Geochemistry and Engineering Geology. It wasn’t an easy task at the start but was
a great experience because my communication and listening skills improved which I believed will
journey me into becoming better young academia. If given the opportunity to work in your lab, I will
have no difficulty fitting into the role of team player or leader while carrying out my research because
it’s akin to what I am currently doing with a research group here in Nigeria.
On a personal level, most of my research focused on field-based geological studies. My BSc project
focused on the palynology and kerogen analysis of the Campano-Maastritchian sediments: a case study
of Ohafia and environs in Abia State, southeastern Nigeria. Here we studied fossils in sedimentary rocks
and assessed kerogen content of some shales and limestones within the study region to know its oil and
gas potential. However, my MSc integrated geospatial, statistical and limit equilibrium stimulation in
assessing the Erodibility, Hydrogeomorphological and Slope stability characteristics of erosive soils
from two erosion-prone geologic formations (the Ajali and Nanka geologic units) in southeastern
Nigeria. The MSc research was done to aid in solving environmental challenges threatening my and
neighbouring communities, as stated earlier in the introductory part. In work, we analyzed some key
Geotechnical parameters, modelled the gully slope by determining different slope failure mechanisms,
modelled the geomorphology to determine the possibility of landslide in the area and assessed
groundwater depth to help determine its impact on the gullying processes. Furthermore, through GIS, I
produced spatial maps to predict stable and unstable gully slopes within the area of study. Finally,
multivariate statistical analysis was employed to determine the key geotechnical parameters facilitating
gullying in the area. Notably, within the space of two years, I have collaborated with a research team to
write over twenty scientific research articles focusing on water sustainability, polluted soils, health risk
assessment and hazard risk assessment published in top reputable international journals and over six
more currently under review. I believe this helped me in fulfilling my desire in solving environmental
problems and also in improving my writing and research skills. The PhD opportunity I seek in your lab,
is part of a quest to gain more technical and professional proficiency to afford me an excellent career in
academia and in solving environmental problems in Nigeria and Africa at large with the new trend of
climate change impacting Africa.
In the long-term, I see myself placed in a directory/advisory position at the Nigerian Geological Survey
Agency (NGSA). Having that, Nigeria is faced with several environmental challenges from soil loss
and landslide down to pollution in several areas of oil-producing communities, mining, agricultural and
industrial activities. These are problems needing to be fixed by integrating reboustly efficient method
in monitoring areas having environmental hazards. I also intend to return to the classroom to assist in
career building for younger scientist. All these I plan doing after acquiring a good graduate education
at the University of Missouri. it will position me better to learn best practices and replicate such, first
locally in my university, then nationally when I get to the NGSA. I strongly believe that my motivation,
leadership experience, and honest desire to effect positive change will improve my chances of being
considered for a PhD student position in your institution.
 UNIGWE, CHINANU ODINAKA
PERSONAL DETAILS
State/Country: Anambra State, Nigerian
Telephone: +234 (0) 7066635432
Email: unigwe.chinanu@funai.edu.ng or unigwechinau@gmail.com
LinkedIn ID: http://www.linkedin.com/in/chinanu-unigwe-3b9699149
ResearchGate ID: http://www.researchgate.net/profile/chinanu-unigwe
Orcid ID: http://orcid.org/0000-0002-5952-1551
Google Scholar ID: http://scholar.google.com/citations?user=uL5SQtQAAAJ&hl=en

EDUCATION
2019-2021 University of Nigeria, Nsukka
Master of Science in Environmental Geology

2013-2017 Chukwuemeka Odumegwu Ojukwu University.

Bachelor of Science in Geology (Second Class Upper Honours)

WORK EXPERIENCE

07/2021-Present Assistant Lecturer, The Department of Geology and Geophysics, Alex Ekwueme
Federal University, Ndufu-Alike Ikwo, Ebonyi State, Nigeria- took part in teaching
students, supervision of undergraduate students’ seminar and project.

01/2019-06/2021 Graduate Assistant, The Department of Geology and Geophysics, Alex Ekwueme
Federal University, Ndufu-Alike Ikwo, Ebonyi State, Nigeria- provided general
assistance to the Head of Department, assisted professors during lectures, tutored
students on practical and took part in invigilation, scoring and recording of
undergraduate students’ examination results.

08/2017-01/2019 Graduate Intern, UB Water Engineering Yola, Adamawa State, Nigeria- took part
in drilling of borehole, well rehabilitation, and geophysical surveys within the region
and assisted in creating borehole design and hydrogeological history.

01/2018-10/2018 Teaching Assistant, Lilly Model Secondary School Yola, Adamawa State, Nigeria-
worked as a classroom teacher in teaching Mathematics and Basic Technology.

12/2017-10/2018 Graduate Intern (during my National Youth Service Corp (NYSC), at Adamawa
State Waterboard, Yola, Nigeria- took part in drilling of borehole, well rehabilitation
and assisted in creating borehole design and hydrogeological history.

04/2016-10/2016 Undergraduate Intern, Nigeria Geological Survey Agency Awka, Anambra State,
Nigeria- worked as a field assistant during field mapping, took part in laboratory
analysis and interpretation, map production and digitization.

AWARDS AND PROFESSIONAL CERTIFICATION

 UNIGWE, CHINANU ODINAKA

 Certificate of National Service – National Youth Service Corps (2018)

 Certificate of Participation for Graphic Design (coral draw and Photoshop) at American University
of Nigeria- 2018.
 Certificate of Participation on Health, Safety and Environment Training with Pinnacle Coterie
International Yola, Adamawa State, Nigeria- 2018.
 Chukwuemeka Odumegwu Ojukwu University Team Leader for STCE Petro quiz, at University of
Uyo, Akwa-Ibom State, Nigeria- 2017.
 Certificate of Participation for Medical Geology Short Course at the 2017 NMGS International
Conference, Abuja, Nigeria- 2017.

SCIENTIFIC CONFERENCES ATTENDED

 The 36th Annual International Conference and Exhibition of the National Association of Petroleum
Explorationist: Evolving Strategies for a Sustainable Petroleum Business in a Fluctuating Oil Price
Regime. Lagos State, Nigeria. (18th – 22rd November 2018).
 The 53rd Annual Conference of the Nigeria Mining and Geoscience Society: The Extractive Industry;
Imperative for wealth creation and employment Generation. Abuja. (26th – 31st March 2017).
 The 15th Students Technical Conference and Exhibition UNIUYO: Entrepreneurship in the Nigerian Oil
and Gas Industry; Perspective, Challenges and Opportunities for the Petroleum Engineers. Akwa-Ibom
State, Nigeria. (March 2017).
 The 8th NAPE-NMGS Mini Conference at UNIBADAN: Strengthening Geoscience Training for Mineral
Resources Development in an Emerging Economy. Oyo State. (9th – 12th June 2016).

MEMBERSHIP OF PROFESSIONAL ASSOCIATIONS

2015-2017 Student member, Nigeria Association of Petroleum Explorationists (NAPE), an affiliation of the
American Association of Petroleum Geoscience (AAPG).

2015-2017 Student member, Society of Petroleum Engineers (SPE).

2013-2017 Student member, Nigeria Mining and Geoscience Society (NMGS).
2013-2017 Student member, Nigeria University of Science Students Association (NUSSA).

VOLUNTEERING AND COMMUNITY SERVICE

2017-2018 Environmental, Sanitation and Sustainability CDS Group, Adamawa State, Nigeria.
2017 Career Fairs Programs (Catch-them young) in secondary schools, under the SPE.
2017 Organized Tutorial classes for geologic students, under the SPE

TEACHING, LECTURING AND SUPERVISION EXPERIENCE

 GEY 492 – BSc Project

 GEY 491 – BSc Seminar
 GEY 464 – Mineral Resources and Environmental Geology
 GEY 483 – Engineering Geology
 UNIGWE, CHINANU ODINAKA
 GEY 481 – Hydrogeology
 GEY 411 – Applied Geochemistry
 GEY 391 – SIWES
 GEY 311 – Principles of Geochemistry
 GEY 222 – Structural Geology I
 Mathematics Classroom Teacher
 Basic Technology Classroom Teacher

LEADERSHIP POSITIONS AND RESPONSIBILITIES

2020 President, Amesi Improvement Union (A.I.U) Youth Wing Amuwo Village Amesi.
2018 President, Environmental, Sustainability and Sanitation CDS Group
2017 Programs Committee member, Society of Petroleum Engineers.
2016 Secretary, Nigerian Association of Petroleum Explorationists Southeastern Student Chapter
2016 President, Nigerian Association of Petroleum Explorationists Student Chapter. NAPE
2015 Financial Secretary, Nigeria University of Science Students Association. NUSSA
2014 Financial Secretary, Nigeria Mining and Geosciences Society. NMGS

SOFT SKILLS

 Microsoft suite office (Word, Excel and PowerPoint)

 ArcGIS for map production
 QGIS for map production
 Surfer for contour map production
 IBM SPSS for statistical analysis
 AquaChem for hydrogeochemical modelling
 Geochemist workbench for hydrogeochemical modelling
 MohrView for stress analysis
 Coral-Draw for graphical design
 Photoshop for graphical design
 Introduction to Python

RESEARCH PROJECT AND TECHNICAL REPORTS

1. Unigwe C.O (2021). Assessment of the Erodibility and Slope stability characteristics of soils from the Ajali
and Nanka geologic units in Udi and Aguata, southeastern Nigeria. M.Sc. Thesis. University of Nigeria, Nsukka,
Nigeria.

2. Unigwe C.O (2017). Palynology and Kerogen analysis of Campano-Maastritchian sediment of Anambra Basin,
A case study of Ohafia and environs in Abia State, southeastern Nigerian. B.Sc. Thesis. Chukwuemeka
Odumegwu Ojukwu University, Nigeria

3. Unigwe C.O (2016) A Technical Report on Students’ Industrial Work Experience Scheme at Nigeria
Geological Survey Agency Awka, Anambra State Nigeria. Submitted to the Department of Geology
Chukwuemeka Odumegwu Ojukwu University, Nigeria

PUBLISHED RESEARCH PAPERS

1. Egbueri, J.C., C.O. Unigwe, E.M. Omeka, &. D.A. Ayejoto (2021). Urban groundwater quality assessment
using pollution indicators and multivariate statistical tools: a case study in southeast Nigeria. International Journal
of Environmental Analytical Chemistry. https://doi.org/10.1080/03067319.2021.1907359.
 UNIGWE, CHINANU ODINAKA

2. Egbueri, J.C., O. Igwe, & C.O. Unigwe (2021). Gully slope distribution characteristics and stability analysis
for soil erosion risk ranking in parts of southeastern Nigeria: a case study. Environmental Earth Sciences.
https://doi.org/10.1007/s12665-021-09605-7

3. Egbueri, J.C., C.K. Ezugwu, P. D. Ameh, C.O. Unigwe, & D.A. Ayejoto (2020). Appraising drinking water
quality in Ikem rural area (Nigeria) based on chemometrics and multiple indexical methods. Environmental
Monitoring and Assessment. https://doi.org/10.1007/s10661-020-8277-3

4. Egbueri, J.C., & C.O. Unigwe (2020). Understanding the Extent of Heavy Metal Pollution in Drinking Water
Supplies from Umunya, Nigeria: An Indexical and Statistical Assessment. Analytical Letters.
https://doi.org/10.1080/00032719.2020.1731521

5. Egbueri, J.C., B.U. Ukah, O.E. Ubido, & C.O. Unigwe (2020). A chemometric approach to source
apportionment, ecological and health risk assessment of heavy metals in industrial soils from southwestern
Nigeria, International Journal of Environmental Analytical Chemistry.
https://doi.org/10.1080/03067319.2020.1769615

6. Egbueri, J.C., P.D. Ameh, M.T. Enyigwe, & C.O. Unigwe (2020). Entropy-Based Analysis of the Impact of
Environmentally Sensitive Elements on Groundwater Quality of the Ameka Region of Southeast Nigeria: Medical
Geology Implications. Analytical Letters. https://doi.org/10.1080/00032719.2020.1797076

7. Egbueri J.C., C.K. Ezugwu, C. O. Unigwe, O.S. Onwuka, O.C. Onyemesili, & C.N. Mgbenu (2020).
Multidimensional Analysis of the Contamination Status, Corrosivity and Hydrogeochemistry of Groundwater
from Parts of the Anambra Basin, Nigeria. Analytical Letters. https://doi.org/10.1080/00032719.2020.1843049

8. Egbueri, J.C., P.D. Ameh, & C.O. Unigwe (2020). Integrating entropy-weighted water quality index and
multiple pollution indices towards a better understanding of Drinking water quality in Ojoto area SE Nigeria.
Scientific African. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.sciaf.2020.e00644

9. Ukah, B.U., J.C. Egbueri, C.O. Unigwe, & O.E. Ubido (2019). Extent of heavy metals pollution and health risk
assessment of groundwater in a densely populated industrial area, Lagos, Nigeria. International Journal of Energy
and Water Resources. https://doi.org/10.1007/s42108-019-00039-3

10. Egbueri, J.C., C. K. Ezugwu, O.S. Onwuka, C.O. Unigwe, & D.A. Ayejoto (2019). Multi-criteria approach to
water quality and health risk assessments in a rural agricultural province, southeast Nigeria. HydroResearch.
https://doi.org/10.1016/j.hydres.2019.11.005

11. Egbueri, J.C., & C.O. Unigwe (2019). An integrated indexical investigation of selected heavy metals
in drinking water resources from a coastal plain aquifer in Nigeria. SN Applied Sciences
https://doi.org/10.1007/s42452-019-1489-x

12. Ukah, B.U., P.D. Ameh, J.C. Egbueri, C.O. Unigwe, & O.E. Ubido (2019). Impact of effluent-derived heavy
metals on the groundwater quality in Ajao industrial area, Nigeria: an assessment using entropy water quality
index (EWQI). International Journal of Energy and Water Resources. https://doi.org/10.1007/s42108-020-00058-5

HOBBIES
 Research, Field work/studies, Football, Travelling/Road-trips and Mentorship

REFEREES

Professor Gordian Chuks Obi, Dr. Amobi .C. Ekwe,

Department of Geology, Chukwuemeka Odumegwu Department of Geology and Geophysics, Alex Ekwueme
Ojukwu University Uli, Anambra State. Federal University Ndufu-Alike Ikwo, Ebonyi State.
Email: gordianobi@yahoo.com Email: amobi.ekwe@funai.edu.ng
Contact number: +234 (0) 8037038557 Contact number: +234 (0) 8038099920
Dr. Okechukwu .P. Aghamelu,
Department of Geology and Geophysics, Alex Ekwueme
Federal University Ndufu-Alike Ikwo, Ebonyi State.
Email: aghameluokeey@gmail.com
Contact number: +234 (0) 8037988323
MASTER’S DEGREE CERTIFICATE
MASTER’S DEGREE TRANSCRIPT