An environmental health specialist and chemical engineer, Nko Okina Solomon has made significant waves in environmental regulation and public health, both in the U.S. and her home country.
Based in Baltimore, Maryland, Nko who works at Morgan State University has transformed environmental practices and public health systems.

Drawing from a wealth of experience gathered in Nigeria, her initiatives have improved safety standards and environmental management, benefitting communities on both sides of the Atlantic.
Speaking with The Guardian, Nko opened up about her key projects and the driving force behind her work.

“Environmental health goes beyond technicalities—it’s about safeguarding lives and preserving ecosystems,” she emphasized.

Her primary focus at Morgan State University involves ensuring that the institution adheres to federal, state, and local environmental regulations. This includes the management of hazardous materials, a critical aspect of public safety and ecological protection.

Her work extends to maintaining systems that track hazardous materials, coordinating safety investigations, and developing comprehensive environmental safety programs. In her role, she works closely with organizations such as the Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA), the Maryland Department of the Environment (MDE), and the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), ensuring the highest standards are met.

A standout aspect of Nko’s work is her emphasis on sustainable wastewater treatment.

She notes: “Effective wastewater treatment is essential to reducing pollution and safeguarding our water resources.”

Her ongoing projects aim to enhance these processes, ensuring they meet regulatory standards while prioritizing long-term sustainability.

Her work in Nigeria has also left a profound impact. In Port Harcourt’s Obagi community, an area severely affected by an oil spill, Nko led an ambitious environmental remediation program in partnership with Total E&P Nigeria. Large portions of land once rendered barren and unfit for farming were gradually rehabilitated, restoring the area to its natural state and allowing farmers to resume their livelihoods. “Seeing the land come back to life was a defining moment for me,” she recalls. “It was inspiring not just for me but for the entire community. This is what drives me as a chemical engineer.” In Obite, another Port Harcourt community, her role in monitoring and ensuring the safe discharge of treated water has contributed to safer water sources for both local residents and aquatic life.

Nko’s work has not only improved local environments but also contributed to global discourse on environmental health. Her publications on environmental safety and the application of nanotechnology in water treatment have attracted academic interest, with her research now accessible on Google Scholar.

At Morgan State, her role has had far-reaching implications, particularly in ensuring that the university’s campus remains a safe environment for students, staff, and the surrounding communities. “Compliance isn’t just about following rules, it’s about taking responsibility for the people and places we affect,” Nko explained.

Her proactive approach demonstrates how environmental engineering can serve as an effective tool for mitigating risks and addressing public safety concerns.

Through her innovative work and leadership, Nko is shining a spotlight on the role of Nigerian professionals in advancing global standards for environmental health. In an era where environmental issues are becoming increasingly urgent, her efforts at Morgan State University highlight the pivotal role that trained engineers and specialists can play in shaping a more sustainable future for the world.