The University of Maiduguri (UNIMAID) has signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with the National Water Research Institute (NWRI), Kaduna, to enhance water resource management and capacity building in Nigeria.
The agreement was formalized on Monday at the Vice Chancellor’s office in the Muhammadu Buhari Senate Building. It aims to foster collaboration in research, training, and innovation to address water-related challenges in the region and beyond.
The MoU was signed by UNIMAID Vice Chancellor, Prof. Mohammed Laminu Mele, alongside Prof. Babagana Kolo, Zonal Coordinator of the North East Regional Center of the National Water Resource Capacity Building Network (NWRCBN), and Dr. Michael O. Nwude, Director-General of NWRI, Kaduna. The event was attended by stakeholders, academics, researchers, and government representatives.
Prof. Mele stated that the partnership would strengthen water resource professionals’ capacity, promote advanced research, and develop solutions for issues such as water scarcity, pollution, and climate change. He noted that knowledge sharing and joint research projects would be prioritized, especially in addressing the North East region’s water challenges, which have been exacerbated by insurgency and environmental degradation.
Prof. Kolo described the MoU as a milestone in efforts to build a sustainable water future for the region and the country. He emphasized the need for collaborative expertise to develop innovative solutions and train professionals to tackle pressing water issues.
Dr. Nwude highlighted the collaboration’s significance in advancing Nigeria’s water research agenda. He reaffirmed NWRI’s commitment to supporting initiatives that promote sustainable water management, stating that the partnership with UNIMAID would help pool resources, share knowledge, and address regional water challenges effectively.
