Abdul Malik Oladipupo’s exceptional journey from Nigeria to the forefront of aquaculture research at Auburn University in the United States is a testament to resilience, innovation, and a passion for sustainable food production.
Selected for an advanced study on one of the prestigious United States Department of Agriculture (USDA) research in Alabama, Abdulmalik has emerged as a young leading figure in global aquaculture, particularly in developing sustainable fish health solutions that address critical food security and environmental challenges associated with fish production.
Abdulmalik’s contribution to groundbreaking aquaculture projects in Nigeria, cutting across multiple state-of-the-art fish production facilities, marked his significant impact and activities in shaping West Africa’s aquaculture landscape.
Before his research journey in the United States, he worked with Patec Group as an Aquaculture Senior Supervisor, using his innovation at the forefront of fish production in recirculatory aquaculture systems (RAS).
Patec group, operating the RAS project in Nigeria, was among his profound operational leadership in a facility that could produce over 5,000 metric tons of fish annually in a closed, environmentally friendly system.
This achievement not only revolutionized local fish farming but also positioned Patec Group as a model of sustainable aquaculture in West Africa. Abdulmalik’s dedication to developing cost-effective and eco-friendly aquaculture systems is integral to ensuring food security and economic stability across the region.
Building on his success and significant contribution at Patec, Abdulmalik was awarded a prestigious graduate fellowship to pursue graduate studies at Auburn University, popularly known as a leading aquaculture research and learning citadels globally, where his research addresses challenges in fish health and nutrition. His innovative research on organic immunostimulants for fish immunity and the development of a practical, U.S.-grown soybean-based diet for high-value species like California yellowtail has earned significant recognition.
These research breakthroughs support fish producers and offer an alternative to antibiotic use in producing globally traded fish food.
In addition to the impact of his research, Abdulmalik’s research has gained national attention, mainly recognized by the U.S. National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA). His recent award from the NOAA Sea Grant Consortium for his outstanding paper at Aquaculture America 2025, which contributed to developing the Great Lakes or marine conservation through his work on California yellowtail production, underscores his outstanding research of the Great Lakes or marine environment.
This recognition was also recently promoted in the World Aquaculture Society (WAS) Magazine.
With his continued effort as a Doctoral student at Auburn University, Abdulmalik has published four research publications and given six international conference presentations among global stakeholders and researchers in aquaculture.
Looking ahead, Abdulmalik is eager to continue expanding the reach of his research, with plans to investigate further novel options to optimize the health of multiple aquaculture species and to ensure eco-friendly and sustainable aquatic food production globally.
With his unwavering commitment to sustainable food production, which started from Nigeria to the global front, Abdulmalik Oladipupo is poised to make lasting contributions to the aquaculture industry, ensuring a safer, healthier, and more sustainable future for all.
Vanguard
