Redeemer’s University Promotes Fresh-Water Ecosystem Conservation and Sustainable Fisheries Through Research and Community Education

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Introduction

In a world where access to clean water and sustainable aquatic resources remains a global challenge, Redeemer’s University, Ede, stands as a model of academic commitment to environmental stewardship. Through the pioneering work of its Africa Centre of Excellence for Water and Environmental Research (ACEWATER), the university has extended its mandate beyond research and innovation leading impactful community education and outreach programmes on fresh-water ecosystems, sustainable fisheries, aquaculture, and water management across Nigeria and the West African subregion.



Empowering Communities Through Water Education

At the heart of these efforts lies ACEWATER’s mission: to develop a generation of experts capable of addressing Africa’s pressing water challenges. The Centre’s community programmes and research dissemination activities provide free access to knowledge on water resource management, irrigation practices, and environmental conservation. By partnering with local and regional stakeholders, including state water agencies, rural cooperatives, and community associations, Redeemer’s University ensures that the results of its research are translated into practical, locally adaptable water management solutions.

For instance, ACEWATER has organized training sessions and stakeholder dialogues on topics such as sustainable water use, groundwater conservation, and climate-resilient agriculture, where findings from the Centre’s cutting-edge research are shared freely with the public. These sessions strengthen local capacity for fresh-water conservation and promote behavioural change that benefits both communities and ecosystems.



Promoting Sustainable Fisheries and Aquaculture Practices

While Redeemer’s University does not currently offer a standalone degree in fisheries or aquaculture, the Environmental Management and Toxicology programme, alongside ACEWATER-led research initiatives, provide education and outreach on aquatic ecosystem sustainability and pollution control in inland water systems. Workshops and symposia regularly organized by the Centre expose participants to best practices in sustainable aquaculture, pollution mitigation, and biodiversity protection topics closely linked to SDG 14: Life Below Water.

Through these community-oriented activities, Redeemer’s University and ACEWATER have raised awareness about overfishing, illegal and unregulated fishing, and the impact of destructive practices on Nigeria’s riverine ecosystems. Their research dissemination forums are open to both academic and non-academic audiences, ensuring that knowledge on aquatic conservation is shared widely and freely.



Research-Driven Solutions for Water Sustainability

Redeemer’s University’s strong focus on applied research enhances its educational outreach. Faculty and postgraduate students within ACEWATER and the Department of Biological Sciences have published multiple studies addressing fresh-water pollution, climate impacts on aquatic biodiversity, and water treatment innovations—many of which are accessible through open-access journals and the university’s digital repositories.

These scholarly works contribute to global conversations on sustainable water governance and reflect the university’s dedication to bridging the gap between research, education, and policy implementation.

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