Education
Dr. Samuel Bem Umma holds a strong academic background in Fisheries and Aquaculture. He obtained his Bachelor of Fisheries (B.Fisheries) in 2010 from the University of Maiduguri, Nigeria. He pursued further specialization by completing his Master of Science (M.Sc.) in Fisheries and Aquaculture at the University of Ibadan in 2013. Recently, in 2024, he earned his Doctor of Philosophy (Ph.D.) in the same field from the University of Ibadan, one of Nigeria’s leading institutions. His academic journey is marked by a consistent focus on aquatic ecosystems, sustainable aquaculture systems, and fish nutrition, forming the theoretical and practical foundation of his current research pursuits. This educational progression reflects both his academic commitment and long-term investment in enhancing aquaculture research and practice in Nigeria and beyond. His education has equipped him with a multidisciplinary understanding of aquatic health, nutrition, toxicology, and biotechnology—all of which are central to his professional and research work.
Professional Experience
Dr. Umma began his academic career in 2015 as a Lecturer at the Department of Fisheries and Aquaculture, Federal University Wukari, Taraba State, Nigeria. Over the past decade, he has taught more than 20 specialized courses, including Fish Nutrition, Limnology, Aquatic Toxicology, Fish Genetics, Fish Biochemistry, and Advanced Aquaculture. He has served in multiple administrative roles such as Acting Head of Department, Departmental Examination Officer, SIWES Coordinator, and Secretary of the Postgraduate Committee. He has actively participated in departmental curriculum review, project guideline development, and student advising across all academic levels. His contributions extend to the organization of departmental resources, faculty IGR initiatives, and quality assurance in teaching and learning. Beyond classroom instruction, Dr. Umma’s hands-on involvement in research and academic leadership demonstrates a well-rounded professional commitment to both education and fisheries research, which is essential for capacity building in Nigerian aquaculture and higher education.
Research Interests
Dr. Umma’s research interests lie primarily in fish health and nutrition, aquatic toxicology, microbial biotechnology, and phytogenic feed additives. His work is at the intersection of sustainability, biotechnology, and aquaculture, with a focus on reducing antibiotic use in fish farming through natural alternatives. He explores the use of bioactive metabolite extracts from non-pathogenic Escherichia coli and plant-based compounds such as Heinsia crinita to improve fish immunity, growth, and environmental safety. His studies often incorporate water quality analysis, heavy metal bioaccumulation, and the impact of feed formulations on fish physiology. Furthermore, he is interested in optimizing aquaculture systems for rural and commercial fisheries in West Africa. His research aligns with global efforts toward sustainable food systems, addressing both productivity and environmental protection. He also contributes to understanding fish population dynamics, hatchery techniques, and post-harvest preservation—all vital for improving aquaculture output and food security in developing regions.
Research Skills
Dr. Umma possesses a diverse array of research skills that span aquatic sampling, nutrient analysis, microbial screening, toxicological assays, and fish growth performance trials. He is proficient in designing and conducting controlled feeding experiments using plant-based and microbial supplements, evaluating fish health via haematological and biochemical assays. His technical abilities include zooplankton biomass estimation, bioaccumulation studies of heavy metals, and water quality assessments under varying ecological conditions. He is experienced in formulating experimental fish diets and measuring feed conversion efficiency, survival rates, and immune responses. Dr. Umma also has advanced capabilities in data analysis using statistical software, scholarly writing, and scientific communication. His recent collaborative studies show his strength in interdisciplinary research, combining aquaculture with microbial biotechnology and pharmacology. He is adept at publishing in peer-reviewed journals and preparing research findings for conference presentations. These competencies position him as a capable and evolving researcher in sustainable fisheries science.
Awards and Honors
While Dr. Samuel Bem Umma has not yet received major international research awards, his growing academic record and recent Ph.D. conferment in 2024 mark significant milestones in his career. His selection as a speaker and presenter at national and regional conferences, such as the World Aquaculture Society (African Chapter), Aquaculture Ghana, and National Biotechnology Research Conference, reflects peer recognition of his work in sustainable aquaculture. He has also contributed a book chapter published by Springer—a notable academic achievement that demonstrates international engagement. Additionally, his research on plant-based diets and microbial metabolites in fish farming is gaining scholarly attention, as indicated by recent publications in indexed journals and a patent under process. As a member of professional bodies like FISON, ANIFS, and WAS, he is recognized within his field and continues to build his academic visibility and leadership. These achievements collectively position him as an emerging scholar of promise in fisheries research.
Conclusion
Dr. Samuel Bem Umma demonstrates solid credentials and emerging excellence in fisheries and aquaculture research. His work is particularly impactful in sustainable fish production and microbial therapeutics — areas of critical importance to food security and environmental sustainability. While certain metrics such as citation impact and international funding could be improved, his interdisciplinary innovation, growing publication record, and commitment to academic development make him a suitable and promising candidate for the Best Researcher Award.
Publications Top Noted
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Adeshina I., Sani R.A., Adewale Y.A., Tiamiyu L.O., Umma S.B. (2018)
Effects of dietary Moringa oleifera leaf meal as a replacement for soybean meal on growth, body composition and health status in Cyprinus carpio juveniles
Croatian Journal of Fisheries 76(4), 174–182 – Cited by: 39
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Umma S.B., Iyiola A.O., Adeshina I. (2023)
Relationship pattern of enteric bacterial load and assessed micronutrients in the gut of Clarias gariepinus fish sampled in the Ibadan municipal zone
Journal of Basic and Applied Zoology 84(1):23 – Cited by: 5
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Adeshina I., Umma S.B., Adesanmi O., Adewale Y.A. (2016)
Distribution of bacteria load in fish tissues, pond water and sediment in Oyo State, Nigeria – Cited by: 2
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Olukunle O., Umma S.B. (2016)
Evaluation of African Catfish Clarias gariepinus Responses to Graded Levels of Zinc Practical Diet
African Journal of Fisheries and Aquatic Resources Management 1, 90 – Cited by: 2
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Paray B.A., Adeshina I., Bhat E.A., Raji A., Umma S.B., Alliy R.O., Tiamiyu L.O. (2024)
Effect of dietary Lagnaria breviflora leaves extract on African catfish juveniles
J. Anim. Physiol. Anim. Nutr. 108(4):1164–1175 – Cited by: 1
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Tyokumbur E.T., Umma S.B. (2017)
Assessment of Heavy Metal Bioaccumulation in Wild Fish
American Journal of Agricultural Science 4(2):23–28 – Cited by: 1
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Tyokumbur E.T., Umma S.B. (2017)
Sarotherodon melanotheron from Alaro Stream in Ibadan, Nigeria
American Journal of Agricultural Science 4(6):120–125 – Cited by: 1
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Ogunremi J.B., Sadiq H.O., Umma S.B., Oshimagye M.I. (2016)
Perception on acceptability of extension agents among rural fish farmers
Nigerian Journal of Fisheries and Aquaculture 4(1):59–62 – Cited by: 1
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Umma S.B., Agbeja Y.E., Iyiola A.O. (2025)
Sustainable Extraction and Production of Raw Materials for Bio-based Products in the Global South
Book Chapter – Springer
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Iyiola A.O., Kolawole A.S., Umma S.B., Iriobe T. (2024)
Length-weight relationship of Oreochromis niloticus and Chrysichthys nigrodigitatus
Aceh Journal of Animal Science 9(2):53–59
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Umma S.B., Agbeja Y.E., Oyebola O.O., Ametefe G.D. (2024)
Growth optimization and metabolite yield of non-pathogenic Escherichia coli from African catfish gut
Tropical Journal of Pharmaceutical Research 23(12):2079–2087
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Umma S.B., Ujah S., Gani B., Agu R.Z. (2023)
Bacteriological diversity of organs of three fish species from Nigerian rivers
Nigerian Journal of Fisheries 20(1)
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Umma S.B., Adeshina I., Samuel S., Poirmozaffar S. (2025)
Growth and gut bactericidal potential of Heinsia cinita-based diet in Nile Tilapia
Scientifica
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Adeshina I., Bhat E.A., Fawole O.O., Paray B.A., Umma S.B., Tiamiyu L.O. (2025)
Herbal leaves mixture extract improves growth and Gyrodactylus resistance in hybrid catfish
Aquaculture Nutrition
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Umma S.B., Adeshina I. (2012)
Zooplankton production and biomass estimates in Maiduguri, Nigeria
Int. J. of Science and Development Studies
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Bem U.S., Omoniyi D.A., Ibagye O.M., Flourizel I., Mamndeyati U.N., Kida D.A.
Clarias gariepinus production study
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Iyiola A.O., Umma S.B.
Overview of triploid fish production processes for aquaculture
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Tyokumbur E.T., Okorie T.G., Umma B.S.
Appraisal of heavy and trace metals in sediments and fish
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Tyokumbur E.T., Okorie T.G., Umma B.S.
Bioaccumulation of metals in Clarias lazera and Tilapia zilli
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Tyokumbur E.T., Okorie T., Umma B.
Trace metal concentration in organs of Heterotis niloticus