Ministry partners universities to boost water sector performance

IN an effort to reposition the sector for effective service delivery to the populace, the Federal Ministry of Water Resources has entered into partnership with six federal universities from different geopolitical zones in the country.

The partnership entails the establishment of Capacity Building Centers through academic programmes up to Master’s Degree level on Integrated Water Resources Management, in addition to other capacity building courses in the participating universities.

The project being implemented by the National Water Resource Institute (NWRI) would among others foster the creation of water-related jobs, such as irrigation, aquaculture, hydropower, water supply and sanitation, to enhance expertise in water management in the country.

The Minister of Water Resources, Mrs. Sarah Ochekpe during signing of Memorandum of Understanding on the National Water Resources Capacity Building network with the participating universities noted that the MOU would not only renew the relationship, but strengthen it for the achievement of the set objectives.

She stated, “My dream for the water sector is to have adequate capacity for the equitable, beneficial, equitable, beneficial, efficient and sustainable management and use of the nation’s surface and groundwater resources, I wish to enjoin both NWRI and the capacity Building centers to help in actualizing this dream”.

Reiterating the commitment of the federal government to providing all necessary support to ensure that the National Water Resources Capacity building Network flourishes, she said the partnership would among others boost effective educational programs on water for women, children and the youth.

In his remark, the Executive Secretary of NWRI, Dr. Olusanjo Bangboye pointed out that Education and awareness on water capacity development in water related activities and programs and programs at all levels are essential for reducing inequality and empowering the civil societies.

He disclosed that during the first phase of the project, which span between 2010-2013 about 200 university students acquiring different skills in water resource integrated mana Bangboye noted that with the MoU in place and Operational Guideline effectively implemented by capacity building institutions and the National Water Resources institute, the network is well positioned to provide the needed manpower for the industry.

The participating universities include Nnamdi Azikiwe University, Akwa, Federal University of Agriculture Abeokuta, Ahmadu Bello University Zaria, University of Ilorin, University of Maiduguri and University of Calabar.