By Abdullahi Lukman
The Federal Government has announced plans to integrate water quality education into Nigeria’s national school curriculum to promote sustainable water management and environmental stewardship.
The Minister of Water Resources and Sanitation, Prof. Joseph Utsev, disclosed this on Wednesday at the 2026 Annual Water Quality Conference in Abuja.
He said the initiative is being developed in collaboration with the Federal Ministry of Education and the Nigerian Educational Research and Development Council.
According to Utsev, the programme aims to equip future generations with the knowledge and skills needed to protect water resources and adopt sustainable practices.
He noted that the decision aligns with the conference theme, “Water Quality in a Changing Climate: Policies, Innovation and Practice,” which underscores increasing threats to water systems.
The minister warned that climate change is already impacting water quality through shifting rainfall patterns, flooding, drought, pollution, and rapid urbanisation across the country.
He explained that recent flooding has led to contamination of water sources, while prolonged drought, particularly in northern Nigeria, has worsened pollutant concentration.
These developments, he said, highlight the need for integrated and science-based water management approaches.
Utsev added that climate change is no longer a distant threat but a present challenge, stressing the importance of innovation, partnerships, and knowledge sharing to safeguard Nigeria’s water resources.
