Georgina Omonegho Onomuale Erifeta is a Professor of Ecotoxicology and Ecological Biochemistry at Igbinedion University, Okada, Nigeria. She obtained her B.Sc., M.Sc., and Ph.D. in Biochemistry from University of Benin, with specialization in Environmental Toxicology.
She is a 2024 Commonwealth Professional Fellow hosted at Lancaster University, United Kingdom. Her research focuses on environmental biochemistry, ecotoxicology, climate change, and circular bioeconomy systems. Her earlier research examined the ecological impacts of crude oil pollution in the Niger Delta, particularly its effects on biological systems and environmental health. More recently, her work has advanced sustainable waste valorisation strategies and biomaterial recovery, including the conversion of oil palm biomass into eco-friendly pelletised biocompost to support climate mitigation and circular bioeconomy practices.
Professor Erifeta has published over forty peer-reviewed scientific articles and serves as a reviewer and editorial board member for several international journals. She has supervised numerous undergraduate and postgraduate research projects and has served as an external examiner for several universities in Nigeria.
Beyond her academic work, she holds several leadership and policy roles. She currently serves as Head of the Department of Biochemistry, Member of Senate, and Member of the Governing Council at Igbinedion University Okada. She is also the Director of the Benin City Window on America, an initiative of the U.S. Department of State under the Bureau of Educational and Cultural Affairs, managed by the United States Mission Nigeria, and serves as Director of the Centre for Science, Innovation and Research at Igbinedion University.
Professor Erifeta is the South-South Zonal Coordinator for the United Nations Sustainable Development Solutions Network (UN-SDSN) Nigeria, where she leads the Climate Change Thematic Group and contributes to the domestication of the Food, Agriculture, Biodiversity, Land Use and Energy Initiative (FABLE Initiative) in Nigeria through the Office of the Senior Special Assistant to the President on Sustainable Development Goals.
She is also the Founder of the Redefining Tomorrow Empowerment Initiative, a women-focused leadership and mentorship platform through which she has engaged and mentored over 10,000 women and girls. In addition, she is actively involved in community engagement, media policy dialogue, youth mentorship, and international climate discussions.
Her overarching goal is to advance impactful research, strengthen climate resilience initiatives, and mentor the next generation of scientists while contributing meaningfully to sustainable development at both national and global levels. She is married to Kingsly Erifeta and their marriage is blessed with four lovely children.
