Uduak Akpan, PhD.
Dr. Uduak AKPAN is a Development Expert and has worked extensively on multidisciplinary research projects in thematic areas such as energy access, rural energy planning, rural transport planning, as well as on data analyses, data visualizations, and geographic information systems. He has worked as a consultant for different organizations including ILC Africa (Ghana), African Governance and Development Institute (Cameroun) and the African Development Bank (AfDB). He is in charge of managing the Monitoring and Evaluation component of the World Bank – Supported Nigeria Erosion and Watershed Management Project (NEWMAP) in Akwa Ibom State, Nigeria where he contributed to the implementation of the projects with a portfolio of over US$50m spanning civil works, livelihood support, institutional capacity building, and project management. Uduak has a BSc in Statistics from University of Uyo (Nigeria); an M.Sc. in Energy Studies with specialization in Energy Economics (with distinction) from University of Dundee, United Kingdom; and a PhD in Development Economics from the School of Oriental and African Studies (SOAS), University of London, United Kingdom.
Salisu Isihak, PhD.
Dr. Salisu ISIHAK is multiple award-winning energy professional with over 10-year experience in Nigerian hydrocarbons and energy space. He is Lead Researcher/Senior Advisor at Rural Electrification Agency (REA) where he contributes in providing affordable, reliable, sustainable and modern energy to rural communities through combination of innovative renewable energy technologies to over 100million people that lack access to electricity in Nigeria. Before joining, REA, Isihak was at Nigerian National Petroleum Corporation where he developed and led a number of initiatives that increase the company’s profitability and streamline process for increased efficiency and productivity. He developed a platform for young professionals in energy industry to exchange ideas and proffer solutions to key energy challenges. Isihak has published papers in a high-ranking journal and received several travel grants to attend conferences and exchanges from organization such as UNIDO, Energy Institute, World Bank, European Union etc. He is member of International Association for Energy Economics and Society for Petroleum Engineers. Isihak holds B.Sc, with First Class Honors, in Economics from Usmanu Danfodiyo University, Sokoto, and MSc, with Distinction, in Energy Economics, from University of Dundee, UK; and a PhD in Sustainable Energy Development from De Montfort University, Leicester, United Kingdom