Ms Mfon Obot

Mfon Samuel Obot is a Nigerian analytical chemist, researcher and lecturer with a growing academic and professional profile in chemistry, environmental analysis and laboratory science. She is currently a Lecturer II in the Department of Science Laboratory Technology, School of Applied Sciences, Federal Polytechnic, Ukana, Akwa Ibom State, Nigeria, where she combines teaching and research with departmental and academic administrative responsibilities. She has served in her present institution since 2025 and was appointed Departmental Examination Officer for the 2025/2026 academic session, having also undertaken examination-related responsibilities during the 2024/2025 academic session.

Mfon's academic training reflects a progression from foundational science education to specialised training in chemistry and analytical chemistry. She obtained her First School Leaving Certificate from Q.I.C Primary School, Ishiet Erong, Etinan, in 1998, followed by the West African Senior School Certificate Examination (WASCE) from St. Theresa's Secondary School, Edem Ekpat, Etinan, in 2004. She subsequently earned a Bachelor of Science (B.Sc.) degree in Chemistry from the University of Maiduguri, Borno State, in 2015. Her academic development continued with a Master of Science (M.Sc.) degree in Analytical Chemistry from Akwa Ibom State University, Ikot Akpaden, in 2026.

Her postgraduate research demonstrates a strong interest in environmental contamination and analytical assessment. Her M.Sc. thesis, titled “Dry Season Evaluation of Total Hydrocarbons and Heavy Metals in Iko River, Akwa Ibom State, Nigeria,” investigated environmental contaminants in a riverine system and formed the basis of subsequent scholarly work. Her undergraduate research focused on the preliminary phytochemical screening of aqueous and ethanolic extracts of desert date (Balanites aegyptiaca) fruit pulp, demonstrating an earlier interest in the application of chemical analysis to natural products.

Before joining Federal Polytechnic, Ukana, Mfon accumulated diverse scientific and educational experience. Between 2023 and 2025, she worked with the Ministry of Science and Digital Economy as a Scientific Officer, where her responsibilities included conducting scientific research and experiments, calibrating equipment, supporting laboratory-based investigations, and teaching Information Technology students. This role strengthened her practical experience in scientific instrumentation, laboratory operations and applied scientific training.
Earlier in her career, she worked with the Kabian International Research Center, Kano, from 2018 to 2022 as a Research Team Member. Her duties included conducting scientific research and experiments, calibrating laboratory equipment and supporting laboratory investigations. She also contributed to academic assessment through the preparation and administration of continuous assessment tests and examinations, including invigilation and marking.

Her professional experience also includes a period of national service. During her NYSC placement at Sheik J'affer Secondary School, Darazo, Bauchi State, from April 2016 to April 2017, she worked as a Chemistry Teacher. In addition to classroom teaching, she participated in community development activities and served in the Road Safety Club, including responsibilities associated with the Darazo Sector Zone.

Mfon has also acquired administrative and organisational experience outside the laboratory and academic environment. She previously served as Secretary at Classic Associates Insurance, where her responsibilities included assisting with the processing of insurance applications, renewals and endorsements, managing confidential policy information, and organising and distributing official messages.

As a researcher, Mfon has contributed to the scientific literature through publications addressing environmental chemistry, water quality, pollution assessment, phytochemistry and related areas. Her publications include the 2025 study on total hydrocarbons and heavy metals in Iko River, derived from her postgraduate research, and a 2026 study assessing the physicochemical properties and quality of borehole water in Ikot Ekpene and Essien Udim Local Government Areas of Akwa Ibom State. She has also contributed to studies on the phytochemical composition of Persea americana and Dacryodes edulis seeds, air pollutants and meteorological parameters in Abak Market, sand chemistry using electrical sounding, and heavy-metal contamination of soils from dumpsites in Yenagoa Metropolis.

Her publication record demonstrates an emerging research profile centred particularly on environmental monitoring and chemical analysis. Her work on hydrocarbons and heavy metals in the Iko River is especially significant within this profile because it connects analytical chemistry with the assessment of environmental quality and potential pollution in aquatic systems. Her work on borehole water, air pollutants and contaminated soils similarly reflects an interest in evaluating environmental media using scientific and analytical approaches.
Mfon has also actively participated in academic and professional conferences. She has presented research at conferences organised by the Academic Staff Union of Polytechnics (ASUP), including the 3rd, 4th, 5th and 1st Maiden International Conferences held between 2023 and 2026. Her presentations have addressed topics including sand chemistry, phytochemical composition, hydrocarbons and heavy metals in the Iko River, and the determination of ascorbic acid in selected fruits. She has additionally participated in the 2nd Conference of the Chemical Society of Nigeria (CSN), Akwa Ibom State Chapter, where she presented research on total hydrocarbons and heavy metals in the Iko River.

Beyond conferences, she has undertaken professional training relevant to scientific practice and career development. These include training on modern career counselling practices, as well as specialised training organised by the Ministry of Science and Technology in collaboration with the Nigerian Institute of Science Laboratory Technology (NISLT) on environmental sample analysis using Atomic Absorption Spectrophotometry (AAS), flame photometry and ultraviolet/visible spectrophotometry. Such training complements her academic background in analytical chemistry and her practical experience with laboratory instrumentation.

Mfon is a member of professional scientific organisations, including the Chemical Society of Nigeria (CSN) and the American Chemical Society (ACS). Her membership of these organisations reflects her engagement with the broader chemistry community and professional development in the chemical sciences.

In her current academic role at Federal Polytechnic, Ukana, Mfon contributes to the education and development of students through teaching, research and academic administration. Her responsibilities as a lecturer, together with her previous experience in scientific research, laboratory investigations, equipment calibration and secondary-school teaching, provide her with a multidisciplinary professional foundation that bridges chemistry education, analytical laboratory practice and environmental research.

Her scholarly trajectory suggests an expanding interest in the application of analytical chemistry to environmental and public-health-related questions. Through research on hydrocarbons, heavy metals, water quality, air pollutants, contaminated soils and natural products, she has developed experience across several areas of applied chemistry. Her continuing involvement in research publications, conferences, professional organisations and scientific training further demonstrates an active commitment to academic and professional development.
Outside her professional activities, Mfon enjoys reading, singing, playing volleyball and handicraft, particularly beading, among her interests. These activities complement a professional profile characterised by scientific inquiry, teaching, research, laboratory practice and academic service.

Overall, Mfon Samuel Obot is an emerging academic and analytical chemist whose career combines higher-education teaching, environmental research, laboratory science, scientific administration and professional engagement. Her academic progression from B.Sc. Chemistry to M.Sc. Analytical Chemistry, together with her research publications and practical experience in environmental sample analysis and laboratory investigations, positions her within the growing community of Nigerian scientists working at the intersection of analytical chemistry, environmental assessment and science education.