The organization's attention is geared towards institution building which involves providing technical assistance and support to institution and community based network of projects. The International Research and Development Institute Research are focus on specific issues and are communicated through publications, conferences, workshops, seminars, meetings, policy briefings and formal Education. The result of the institution's research, training and other programs are employed by government, policy makers, the media, the academic community, action groups, non-governmental organizations and all those concerned about third world development in general and as they relate to the entire international community. In general the policies, programs and activities of the International Research and Development Institute are aimed at increasing the understanding of the development problems facing the developing countries and to promote awareness of the importance of these countries to he developed countries in the increasingly interdependent international system. International Research and Development Institute's financial support comes from government, cooperation, foundation, international agencies and private individuals. The organization receives with pleasure monetary and non monetary gifts and assistance such as books, journals, computers, teaching/training aids and materials. The Director General, International Research and Development Institute, No. 210/212 Calabar-Itu High Way, Urua-Ekpa Junction, P.O. Box 790, Uyo, Akwa Ibom State, Nigeria. Tel: +2347086617610, E-mail: irdimanagement@yahoo.com.

Prof. Aniekan Offiong	Mrs. Janet Offiong

History

The International Research and Development Institute (IRDI) was established in 1997 by a leading scholar Professor Aniekan Offiong as an authoritative institution for the purpose of increasing understanding of development problems confronting the developing world through research and education. The first council of the Institute was a three man council made up of Prof. Aniekan Offiong, Prof. Joseph E. Eyo and Prof. E. S. Samuel. The first office of the Institute was located at White House, Olivert Hill, Ibagwa Road, Nsukka and was headed by Dr. Francis Okafor now Lecturer at the University of Nigeria Nsukka. In 2001, the Headquarters of the Institute was official move by Engr. Daniel Nnadi, a Director of the Institute and Business Consultant, now Lecturer at the Michael Okpara University of Agriculture, Umudike, to No. 66 Ikot Ekpene Road Uyo. Dr. Idorenyin Markson now a Lecturer at the University of Uyo became the first Director General of the Institute. In 2003, Dr. Nseobong Okpura succeeded Dr. Markson as Director General and was replaced by Engr Victor Mbom after he was offered employment as a Lecturer in the University of Uyo. Engr. Victor Mbom, now Research Officer in the National Agency of Science and Technology, was replaced by Mr. Ubong Boniface who was replaced by Mr. Nsibiet John, now publisher of the Ink News Paper, who was replace by Dr. Emmanuel Isaac Akpan, now Lecturer at the Ambrose Alli University Ekpoma who was replaced by the present Director General, Mr. Unyime Bassey Asuquo in 2012. During the appointment of the present Director General, the administration of the organization was reorganized and the post of Executive Secretary was created. Mrs. Ekaette Etukikpa (Nee Ekaette Umoikpe) was the first Executive Secretary. She was succeeded in 2017 by Mrs. Nkoyo Ubong Ekwere (Nee Nkoyo Hanson Sam) the present Executive Secretary. In 2018 to further strength the administration, the appointment of Mr. Imo Amos Udo as Deputy Director General was confirmed.

He has been on acting capacity since 2014 when the organization was movement to its permanent site By the 2006, the International Research and development Institute which was a dream in 1997 metaphorsed into a truly International Organization having over 15,000 members spread over 20 countries. IRDI Conferences have attracted more than 20,000 participants from over 30 countries in the last 10 years. The IRDI is publishing and sponsoring the publication of over 70 Journal titles in nearly all the fields of studies. The Institute also set up the Pan-African Book Company that has published many secondary and tertiary education text books. In 2007, the IRDI completed and moved into its first Presidential lodge, a two storey building located in the heart of Uyo, capital city of Akwa Ibom State, Nigeria at No. 63 Itiam Street. This building served as the Secretariat and Implementation office from 2007 to 2012 when the Institute moved to its permanent site at 210/212 Calabar Itu Highway, Urua Ekpa Junction, Uyo, Akwa Ibom State, Nigeria. The IRDI Permanent site is a model Intellectual Community Centre located on a beautiful 20,000 square meter site along Calabar Itu Highway by the Science and Technology Park, Uyo, Akwa Ibom State, Nigeria. The first phase of the construction work which began in 2006 was completed in 2012 and these included parameter fencing, office blocks, conference hall, church auditorium, guest house, farm house and restaurant/bar. The second phase of construction include a three storey multipurpose building named “Palace of Learning”. This building which houses the Deltona International Schools set up by the Institute in September 14, 2015 was completed in 2014. Educational facilities and Schools were to be added to the Institute Facilities in order to stimulate interest in Scholarship from Nursery/Primary School through Secondary School to the University level. Poineering Members of the Institute at council Level includes Mrs. Janet Offiong, Air Commodore Charles Usoh, Prof. J. E. Eyo, Prof. E. S. Samuel, Prof. E. V. Clark, Prof. Edith Chukwu, Prof (Mrs.) Mary Iwundu, Prof. Mohammed, I. Bazza, Dr. (Mrs.) Frida Menka Mbunda-Nekang, Dr. Paul B. Okon-Inyang and Dr. Bede Asuquo of Blessed Memory.

Prof. Aniekan Offiong President	Prof. Aniekan Offiong FNIMechE

Prof. Aniekan Offiong and Family President and Family

Profile of Professor Aniekan Offiong, President IRDI

Early Life: Prof Aniekan Offiong is Professor of Industrial Engineering and Management in the Department of Mechanical and Aerospace Engineering, Faculty of Engineering, University of Uyo, Nigeria. He was born on the 26th day of June 1969 to the Family of Late Mr. Offiong Etim Akpan and Mrs. Akon Offiong Akpan of Afaha Ikot Obio Nkan, Ibesikpo in Ibesikpo Asutan Local Government Area of Akwa Ibom State, Nigeria. Mr. Offiong Etim Akpan was a renowned School Principal in the Akwa Ibom State Secondary School System who headed several schools before his death on active service in 1997. His mother, Mrs.Akon Offiong Akpan still alive, was a renowned Headmistress in Akwa Ibom State Primary School System before her retirement in 2013. At four years, Aniekan started his Primary Education at the Lutheran Practicing School, Ibakachi, Ikono Local Government Area. The primary school was the demonstration arm of the Lutheran Teacher’s Training College, where his father was a Tutor. His days in the Lutheran Practicing School ended in 1977 when his father left for further studies at the University of Ibadan and his mother moved to the Teacher’s Training College at Ifuho, Ikot Ekpene for further training. Prof Offiong completed his primary education at Saint Ann Primary School Ifuho, Ikot Ekpene in the year 1979. That same year he was admitted into the prestigious Federal Government College, Ikot Ekpene for his secondary education. Federal Government College, Ikot Ekpene was the best Secondary School for boys and girls at the time in Cross River. It was the school for the sons and daughters of the elites in Nigeria. At Federal Government College, Ikot Ekpene Aniekan received excellent education though he was a “book worm”.In the year 1984 aged fifteen years, Aniekan was admitted into the University of Nigeria, Nsukka and he graduated in June 1989 with a Bachelors of Engineering degree in Mechanical Engineering. From there, he proceeded to serve the Nation under the National Youth Service Corp (NYSC) scheme in Enugu for one year. There, he worked as an Engineer and his work experiences were rewarding. On completion of the NYSC programme in 1991, he was admitted for a Master in Mechanical Engineering with specialization in Industrial Engineering and Management at University of Nigeria, Nsukka where he successfully defended his Master’s Thesis and graduated in 1993. In February 1994, he was employed as a Lecturer II in the Department of Mechanical Engineering, University of Nigeria, Nsukka and in the same year, he enrolled for Doctor of Philosophy (PhD) in Mechanical Engineering, University of Nigeria, Nsukka with specialization in Industrial Engineering and Management which was successfully awarded him in 1997.



Prof. Aniekan Offiong	Mrs. Janet Offiong

Work Experience: His father and sponsor died immediately after he was awarded PhD. This was a serious blow to the career of young Dr Aniekan Offiong as he suddenly became a family Head and could no longer stay and work in Nsukka. He was fortunate that University of Uyo began established the Department of Mechanical Engineering and on March 17, 1998, he accepted appointment with the University as a Lecturer I in the Department of Mechanical Engineering. Fortunately, was appointed Acting Head of the Department the same year. This was a very huge challenge for the young Dr Aniekan Offiong as he was only 28 years old, despite unmarried. Aside aged and single marital status, Dr Aniekan Offiong proved himself as a great Faculty Builder. In building the new Department put under his care, he relied on the assistance of his Professors at the University of Nigeria, Nsukka as most of the them volunteered to accept adjunct appointment and even arranged for some laboratory works to be done by students of the new Department at Nsukka. After the first batch of Mechanical Engineering students had graduated in 2002, he was relieved of his position as Acting Head of Department and promoted to the rank of Senior Lecturer. He became an associate Professor in the year 2011 and full Professor in the year 2014.In the year 2017, Professor Aniekan Offiong (the Faculty Builder per excellence), was elected Dean, Faculty of Engineering, University of Uyo, Nigeria. The work experiences of Professor Aniekan Offiong do not end in the University of Uyo, Nigeria but span through other Universities in Nigeria. He has been on sabbatical leave at the Federal University of Technology Owerri (2004-2005) and the Cross River University of Technology Calabar (2012-2013). He has been visiting Adjunct Professor to the University of Calabar, Federal University Otuoke, Akwa Ibom State University, Delta State University and Rivers State University of Science and Technology. Prof Aniekan Offiong has been an External Examiner in many Universities including: University of Nigeria, Nsukka; Michael Okpera University of Agriculture, Umudike; and University of Ibadan.



Prof. Aniekan Offiong	Mrs. Janet Offiong

Publications: Prof Aniekan Offiong is an intellectual and a dedicated Faculty member who believes that intellectual life is a calling. He envisions intellectual life directed by passion for truth seeking as a service to humanity and God the creator of all things. This principle is reflected in all his ways of life and publications. Prof Offiong has written six (6) Research Books and published over sixty-five (65)Journal Articles. He has attended over fifty (50) National and International Conferences and presented Papers. The Professor has been Editor to many reputable Journals and Proceedings including: i. Editor-in-Chief, Journal of the Nigerian Institution of Mechanical Engineers (2020-Date) ii. Editor-in-chief, Journal of Research and Innovations in Engineering (2020-Date), Faculty of Engineering, University of Uyo, Nigeria. iii.Editor-in-Chief, Global Journal of Mechanical Engineering(2000-date), Department of Mechanical Engineering, University of Uyo, Nigeria. iv. Editor-in-Chief, Journal of Science and Technology Research (2002-date), International Research and Development Institute, Uyo, Nigeria. v. Editorial Consultant, Nigeria Journal of Mechanical Engineering(2002-date), Department of Mechanical Engineering, University of Ado-Ekiti, Nigeria, vi. Editor-in-Chief, Proceedings of the First National Conference of the Department of Mechanical Engineering, University of Uyo, Nigeria, May 2001. vii. Editor-in-Chief, Proceedings of Annual Conference of Science and Technology Forum, November 16-17, 2005, University of Uyo, Nigeria. viii. Editor-in-Chief, Proceedings of Annual Conference of International Research and Development Institute (IRDI), Research and Development Network, June 28-29, 2006, University of Calabar, Nigeria. ix. Associate Editor, Proceedings of International Conference on Scientific and Industrial Studies, March 13-16, 2017, University of Uyo, Nigeria. x. Associate Editor, Global Journal of Engineering Research (2002-date). xi. Associate Editor, Journal of Research and Innovations in Engineering(2016-date) xii. Associate Editor, International Conference on Research and Innovations in Engineering (2018-2020). Faculty Engineering, University of Uyo, Nigeria.



Community Service: In 1999, Professor Aniekan Offiong was appointed a member of the Akwa Ibom State Transition Committee on Public Utility. He is a Christian and a member of the Lutheran Church of Nigeria. In 2009, he was appointed member of the Governing Council of the Lutheran Hour Ministry, the Evangelical Arm of the Lutheran Church of Nigeria. In community services, Prof Offiong is well known for his campaign to enhance sustainable development through his activities as President and Founder, International Research and Development Institute, Owners of several Educational Institutions, Publishers of several Journal titles, Research books, Educational Books and Books of General Interest. With the help of this organization and other community partners he has been able to provide thousands of Educational Books and Journals to several institutions across the country free of charge or at reduced rates. His book, “Complete Mathematics for Senior Secondary School” which thousands of free copies have been distributed across the country since it publication in 2012, is designed to give the basic foundation for the study of Engineering and other allied disciplines in tertiary institutions. Prof. Aniekan Offiong has given scholarship to hundred of students in primary, secondary and tertiary institutions. Prof Offiong loves education and is the Chairman Board of Governors of the Deltona International Schools. Deltona International School is a community project of the International Research and Development Institute, Deltona is an acryrum for Dedicated Education and Learning to Nations. The construction work for Deltona International School started in 2007, by 2014 the Palace of Learning a magnificent three story building judge to be the biggest and most beautiful school building in Akwa Ibom was completed and Deltona International Schools opened in September 14, 2015 with over 600 nursery and primary pupils. On September 5, 2016 the Deltona International Secondary School opened it doors to over 400 students. In recognition of his contribution to educational development the local government named a newly opened road passing the back gate of the institute Aniekan Offiong avenue. By nature, Aniekan Offiong is a teacher. He has imparted knowledge at various other levels, even as he contend with his day job as a full-time Professor and university lecturer. He envisaged his country as a whole becoming more advanced through the provision of affordable world-class education at all levels. He currently working on a new school project at Ikot Itie Udung, Nsit Atai L.G.A. Akwa Ibom State, Nigeria.



Professional Bodies: Professor Aniekan Offiong belongs to many professional bodies including the following; i. Council for the Regulation of Engineering in Nigerian (COREN) ii. Nigerian Society of Engineers (NSE) iii. Nigerian Institution of Mechanical Engineers (NIMechE) iv. Nigerian Institution for Production Engineers (NIProdE) v. Committee of Deans of Engineering and Technology(CODET)in Nigerian Universities



Family Life: As a Christian, Prof. Aniekan Offiong is a person of amiable character. He is unassuming, humble, friendly, simple, respectful, decent, diligent, thorough and orderly. He is happily married to the Wife of his youth, Mrs. Janet Aniekan Offiong and is blessed with six lovely and adorable children: Jacqueline Datimfonabasi, Josephine Dianabasi, Alexander Abasiodion, Emmanuel Sinende, Emmanuella Daramfonabasi and Anita Anietietabasi.



Autobiography: On Professor Aniekan Offiong 50th Birthday in June 26, 2019 few months to his inaugural lecture, Dreams: The autobiography of Professor Aniekan Offiong was lunched. The book was an amalgamation of the three autobiography books written by Professor Aniekan Offiong. The Power of the Dreams, Living the Dream, and Dream come true



The Power of the Dream: In the Power of the Dreams Dr. Aniekan Offiong tells his inspiring story from his early childhood to his position as a pioneer Head of Department of Mechanical Engineering University of Uyo, Nigeria at aged Twenty Eight. Taking you through his Primary Education at Practicing School Ibackchi, through his Secondary Education at Federal Government College, Ikot Ekpene to his University Education at the University of Nigeria, Nsukka. In a candid manner he gives detailed account of his eventful National Youth Service and a brief working experience as an Engineer in Ferdinand Group Companies. In the Power of the Dream Dr. Aniekan Offiong gives an insight into the life of his parents, siblings, and other relation detailing their rolls in the actualization of his dreams. The book is filled with fascinating stories of his relationships, engagement and eventual marriage to his beautiful wife Janet. The book end with Seven Lessons to be learnt from the early life and times of Dr. Aniekan Offiong, President, and Founder International Research and Development Institute.



Living the Dream: Dr. Aniekan Offiong is well known for his campaign to enhance sustainable development through his activities as President and Founder of the International Research and Development Institute (IRDI). In Living the Dream he tells this inspiring story of his IRDI dream and his commitment to fulfilling it. Taking you through the formative years of IRDI to the opening of the Deltona International Schools at the Institute’s Palace of Learning. The book is filled with fascinating narrative of the intimate and supportive relationship he has with his wife Janet and their 6 children. In Living the Dream Dr. Aniekan Offiong reveals his relationship with IRDI Directors, Staff, members and visiting scholars. He gives in a candid manner the internal working of the Pan-African Book Company the Book machine and one of the Institute’s money machines. In Living the Dream, Dr. Offiong gives an existing account of his return to his alma matter the University of Nigeria, Nsukka to lunch the Institutes Programme, the nationalization of the programme and the internationalization of the phenomenon. The book provides a detail account of the construction and running of both the Institute’s Presidential lodge and the Palace of Learning. He opens up on the dreams he shared with his wife Janet on providing decent housing and world class education at affordable cost to as many people as possible. The Book ends with seven lessons to be learnt from the life of Prof Aniekan Offiong on achieving personal and corporate dreams.



Dreams come true: In Dream Come True, Professor Aniekan Offiong narrates his intellectual journey from his decision to enter for postgraduate studies to his present position as Professor and Dean, Faculty of Engineering, University of Uyo, Nigeria. He takes you through his days as one of the youngest brains in the University of Nigeria, Nsukka teaching staff to his days a young Head of Department in the University of Uyo, Nigeria. He eloquently and vividly details how his career nearly ended because the peer review process initially fail to identify him as Mechanical Engineering genus taking him through over 10 years of endless investigation and persecution. In a candid manner he described his 10 years trial as a scholar and how he stood firm refusing to denounce any of his papers, intellectual property or innovative ideas insisting that the peer review process has been delayed simply because as a visioner he lives several years ahead of his times. He also movingly recalls the momentous events leading up to his triumph in the same peer review process and his unconditional/backdated promotion to the rank of Professor in the Department of Mechanical and Aerospace Engineering of the same University of Uyo, Nigeria. He eloquently gives the account of how he emerge the Dean of the faculty even before his letter of promotion as a full professor was released to him. He gives a detail account of how the university system works and maintained that in no other human organizational system could his success story have been possible. He vividly recounts his sudden realization that only a dream comes true while the dream is endless. The book ends with a four point exhortation to intellectuals together with the seven lessons to be learned from the life of Professor Aniekan Offiong on making your dream come. Even as we might wish to reject or modify particular aspect of Professor Aniekan Offiong thinking his work and autobiography remains invaluable for its account of the shaping of a new path to intellectual living aimed at achieving personal and corporate destiny.



Intellectual life: As a university teacher, Prof. Aniekan Offiong live and work in strict adherence to the four principle of intellectual life he proposed since 1996 when he was a doctorate student at the University of Nigeria, Nsukka. The principles are i. Recognize the intellectual life as a calling and envisions the intellectual life directed by a passion for truth-seeking as a service to God and humanity; ii. Shape and guide your life according to the highest ideal no matter how powerful or powerless you may be in the system; iii. Let positive change begin in and around you in any system you want to change and Make arrangement for the positive change you have introduce into my system to be sustainable On November 28, 2019 Prof. Aniekan Offiong became the 75th Inaugural lecturer of the University of Uyo. His lecture titled: The Engineer and his Experiments: Decade of Design and Development of Engineering Systems ex-rays his sixty-five published research works in engineering which he refers to as his experiments Prof. Aniekan Offiong research and teaching methods endeared him to his student, colleagues and the general and the general public who turn out en mass to witness his inaugural lecture. On this day the University of Uyo 1000 capacity Seater Auditorium was already filled by 2.45pm for event that was schedule by 3.00pm. by 3.00pm there were more people outside than inside. Professor Aniekan Offiong give his long standing 15-point agenda on the way forward to engineering development in Nigeria which include the election and appointment of visionary leaders, involvement of engineers in decision making, development of anti-corruption programmes, etc. He shade light on his future research efforts which include 3D Printing Technology, Solar energy Technology and Drone Technology. At his inaugural lecture, the audience was electrified as several drones developed by the Aniekan Offiong Drone Research Team were released to demonstrate their ability to work in places that will have been impossible or hazardous for humans to access and do work. Prof. Aniekan Offiong conclude his inaugural lecture with an air of spirituality thus: As an Engineer I am not only creative, but had also imparted knowledge to the people as I pondered, researched and developed many Engineering systems. As an Engineer, I searched to found just the right solutions for Engineering problems as they arrive, and what I have written is upright and directed by a passion for truth-seeking as a service to God and humanity. As a Christian scholar, I am compelled to give the warning in Ecclesiastes 12:12-14 “Of making many books there is no end, and much study wearies the body. Now all has been heard, here is the conclusion of the matter: Fear God and keep His commandments, for this is the duty of all mankind, for God will bring every deed into judgment, including every hidden thing, weather it is good or evil”. The Grace of the Lord Jesus be with God’s people – Amen. Revelation 22:21,



Future research interest: It is important to note the following about Prof. Aniekan Offiong future research interest. 1. Prof. Aniekan Offiong is the principal researcher in an ongoing research project. At the faculty of engineering, university of Uyo to build a integrated 3D printing technology workshop. This project seeks to gather plastic waste from environment and shred them into an input which can be used by the 3D printer developed in the project to produce valuable product. 2. Prof. Aniekan Offiong is the lead researcher in a techno-economic research team believes that given the needed funding, in the next ten (10) years every households will have purchase it solar power system, gasoline generators would have disappeared and “NEPA” will go the way of “NITEL”. 3. Prof. Aniekan Offiong is he leader of the Aniekan Offiong Drone Research Team in the Faculty of Engineering, University of Uyo, experimenting on flying robots.