“Batiacasphaera obohikuenobeae”: Ancient Fossil Species Named After Nigerian Professor, Francisca Oboh-Ikuenobe

Dr Francisca Oboh-Ikuenobe, a professor of earth sciences and engineering at Missouri University of Science and Technology (Missouri S&T), has been honoured with the naming of a newly discovered ancient microscopic fossil species

Dr Francisca Oboh-Ikuenobe

Dr Francisca Oboh-Ikuenobe, a professor of earth sciences and engineering at Missouri University of Science and Technology (Missouri S&T), has been honoured with the naming of a newly discovered ancient microscopic fossil species, Batiacasphaera obohikuenobeae. This tribute recognises her significant contributions to the field of marine palynology—the study of microscopic organic-walled fossils such as pollen, spores, and dinoflagellate cysts.

The discovery was made by Dr Appy Sluijs of Utrecht University and Dr Henk Brinkhuis from the Royal Netherlands Institute for Sea Research. The two researchers identified seven new species and two genera of dinoflagellate cysts, dating back over 50 million years, naming them in honour of accomplished female marine palynologists across the globe.

Dr Oboh-Ikuenobe, who joined Missouri S&T in 1991, expressed her surprise and gratitude upon receiving news of this unique recognition. She emphasised the vital role of palynology in reconstructing ancient climates and ecosystems. Despite their microscopic size, she explained, these specimens hold great significance in deepening our understanding of past environmental changes.

Profile: Dr Francisca Oboh-Ikuenobe

Dr Francisca Oboh-Ikuenobe, a geologist from Ubiaja in Esan South East Local Government Area of Edo State, Nigeria, has earned global recognition for her expertise in palynology and sedimentology. Born in August 1962, she currently serves as Professor of Geology in the Department of Geosciences and Geological and Petroleum Engineering, as well as Associate Dean of Academic Affairs in the College of Engineering and Computing at Missouri University of Science and Technology (Missouri S&T).

Oboh-Ikuenobe began her academic journey at St. Maria Goretti Girls Grammar School in Benin City, Nigeria. She graduated with a first-class BSc in Geology in 1983 from the University of Ife (now Obafemi Awolowo University). After graduation, she gained valuable industry experience, working as a production geologist for Shell Petroleum Development Company in Lagos and later as a palynologist at Shell’s geological laboratory in Warri, Delta State.

In 1987, she returned to the University of Ife to complete an MSc in Applied Geology, following which she was appointed an assistant lecturer at the institution. Her academic potential was soon recognised with a prestigious Commonwealth Scholarship, which enabled her to pursue a PhD at the University of Cambridge, UK. At Cambridge (New Hall, now Murray Edwards College), she completed her doctoral thesis in 1991, titled ‘Palaeoenvironmental Reconstruction of the E2.0 Reservoir in the Kolo Creek Field, Niger Delta (Nigeria)’.

In 1991, Oboh-Ikuenobe joined the Department of Geology and Geophysics at Missouri S&T as an assistant professor of geology. Over the years, she has risen through the academic ranks, making significant contributions to research in palaeoenvironmental reconstruction and biostratigraphy. Her work has focused on the study of microscopic fossils to better understand ancient climate systems and geological processes.

Dr Oboh-Ikuenobe has also played a key role in mentoring postgraduate students, including many from Africa, and promoting diversity in the geosciences. Her research has been supported by major grants and has led to numerous publications in respected scientific journals.

In 2025, her achievements were further recognised when a newly discovered species of ancient dinoflagellate cysts, Batiacasphaera obohikuenobeae, was named in her honour by Dutch scientists. This accolade underscores her standing as one of the foremost marine palynologists in the world.

Beyond her academic and research contributions, Dr Oboh-Ikuenobe is committed to advancing earth sciences to address global challenges such as climate change and environmental sustainability. Through her leadership and collaboration with institutions worldwide, she continues to inspire the next generation of scientists.

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