The Federal Government on Wednesday signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with six Federal Universities to boost water capacity development in the country.
They are: Ahmadu Bello University Zaria, Federal University of Agriculture Abeokuta, Nnamdi Azikiwe University, Akwa, University of Ilorin, University of Maiduguri and the University of Calabar.
The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that this was the thrust at the National Water Resources Capacity Building Network (NWRCBNet) MoU signing ceremony in Abuja.
The Minister of Water Resources, Mrs Sarah Ochekpe, said the event underscores the value attached to advancing the water resources sector in Nigeria and globally.
According to her, water plays a significant role in the socio-economic development of any nation, due to its multiple links to virtually all sectors.
She said it was for this reason that international community placed importance on water development, saying this would be demonstrated when the Sustainable Development Goals becomes operational from 2016.
Ochekpe stressed the need to strengthen the management of Nigeria’s water resources, using integrated approach, saying the capacity building was welcomed.
“For us as a nation, we need to strengthen the management of our water resources by using an integrated approach; this is why I am happy about the capacity building centres.
“I am glad that through the water resources capacity building centres, academic programmes up to Masters Degree level on Integrated Water Resources Management in addition to other capacity building courses will be taken.
“My dream for the water sector is to have adequate capacity for an equitable, beneficial and efficient ways for sustaining the nation’s surface and underground water resources,” she said.
The minister urged the representatives of the six universities to sustain their commitment towards improving Nigeria’s water development.
The Executive Director, National Water Resources Institute (NWRI), Mr Olusanjo Bamgboye, said the basis for the MoU were recommendations from the just concluded seventh World Water Forum held in Korea.
He said the centre has also advocated for continuous education and awareness on water capacity development, saying that this will reduce inequality and empower civil societies.
According to him, effective educational programmes on water for women, children and youth are essential for an inclusive society.
Bamgboye called for continuous vocational training for sustainable financial mechanisms to strengthen national and international water.
He said with the MoU operational guideline in place, the universities would be well positioned to provide the needed manpower for the water sector.
The executive director also urged members of the NWRCBNet, to show commitment towards fulfilling all obligations and implementing the operational guidelines of the MoU.
Prof. Felix Salako, Deputy Vice-Chancellor, Federal University of Agriculture, Abeokuta, who represented the six universities, commended the World Bank and other donor agencies for taking ownership of the project.
He said the six universities which represented the six geo-political zones have commenced training on climate change and also on Water, Sanitation and Hygiene.
Salako pledged the commitment of the institutions to improving the lives of Nigerians, adding that they have the needed experts to bring development into the sector.
Dr Hassan Kida, a World Bank Water Specialist, reiterated the commitment of the agency to continue to support institutions for change, saying this has been in place for 15 years.
He urged all stakeholders to do all within their powers to ensure the full implementation of the MoU. NAN
Follow The Eagle Online Channel on WhatsApp
