WATER SECURITY COOPERATIONS WITH LOCAL, NATIONAL AND GLOBAL GOVERNMENTS

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Redeemer’s University, Through ACEWATER, Strengthens Commitment to Water Security: A National, Regional, and Global Partnership Approach

Water security is a critical issue in today’s world, and Redeemer’s University, through its African Centre of Excellence for Water and Environmental Research (ACEWATER), is at the forefront of tackling these challenges through research, collaboration, and innovation. ACEWATER’s commitment to water security is demonstrated by years of continued research activities in Nigeria and beyond, focusing on sustainable water management, environmental protection, and public health. Through national leadership, regional partnerships, and global cooperation, ACEWATER is playing a pivotal role in addressing water security challenges at multiple levels.



National Leadership in Water Security Research

At the national level, ACEWATER is recognized as the premier laboratory for water security research in Nigeria. The laboratory is equipped with state-of-the-art technologies and works in close collaboration with the Nigerian government on critical water security issues, including water quality monitoring, pollution control, and sustainable water resource management. This cooperation ensures that ACEWATER’s research is directly aligned with Nigeria’s national water security goals, contributing valuable data and expertise to national policies and strategies.

A testament to the center’s national leadership is the recognition of Professor Emmanuel Unuabonah - The Center’s Director, who was recently inducted as a Fellow into the Nigerian Academy of Science (NAS). This prestigious honor underscores Professor Unuabonah’s contributions to scientific research and water security in Nigeria, further cementing ACEWATER’s reputation as a leading institution in the field.

Professor Unuabonah and his team work closely with Nigerian governmental bodies to develop and implement solutions that address the country’s water security challenges, such as biotreatment technologies for improving water quality and ecosystem monitoring systems that provide crucial data for managing water resources. These collaborative efforts help ensure that Nigeria’s water systems are managed sustainably for both present and future generations.



Regional Partnerships: Building Capacity and Collaborating Across Africa

Beyond its national impact, ACEWATER actively engages in water security research across Africa, partnering with regional governments, universities, and research institutions to foster capacity-building and knowledge exchange. These collaborations are essential to tackling the continent’s shared water challenges, which are exacerbated by climate change, population growth, and industrialization.

A key aspect of ACEWATER’s regional collaboration is its involvement in academic exchange programs, which promote the sharing of research findings and technological advancements in water security. Two of ACEWATER’s PhD students, Miss Dolapo Bamigboye and Miss Esther Amaka Nnamani, were recently awarded the prestigious 2023 African German Network of Excellence in Science (AGNES) Junior Researcher Category. As part of their research journeys, Miss Dolapo visited Prof. Titus Msagati’s Laboratory at the University of South Africa (UNISA), while Miss Esther collaborated with Prof. Philiswa Nomngongo at the University of Johannesburg.

These student exchanges are a prime example of how ACEWATER fosters regional cooperation, allowing students to gain valuable insights from other leading researchers in Africa while contributing their own expertise. The relationships built through these programs strengthen regional ties and ensure that Africa is equipped with a well-trained workforce capable of addressing the continent’s water security challenges.

Through these partnerships, ACEWATER supports governments in Africa by providing research-based solutions and training future leaders in water management. The center’s work helps ensure that regional water security strategies are informed by the latest scientific research and tailored to the unique needs of African countries.



Global Cooperation Through the International Scientific and Industry Advisory Board (IS&IAB)

ACEWATER’s commitment to water security extends beyond Africa, reaching into the global community through partnerships with international governments, research institutions, and industry leaders. A key platform for this global cooperation is the International Scientific and Industry Advisory Board (IS&IAB), composed of scientists and industry managers of international repute in water and environmental management.

The IS&IAB plays a crucial role in guiding the education and research activities of ACEWATER, providing valuable input on work plans, performance, and the center’s impact on water security in Africa. The board’s members, who hail from countries such as Cyprus, France, Germany, South Korea, and Brazil, meet biannually to advise on academic programs and future research directions, ensuring that ACEWATER’s efforts are aligned with global best practices and advancements in water management.

Through its collaboration with global partners, ACEWATER has access to cutting-edge research and technology in water security, enabling the center to apply global innovations to local and regional challenges. This cross-border exchange of knowledge ensures that ACEWATER remains at the forefront of water security research, contributing to the global fight against water scarcity, pollution, and climate-related water challenges.

Global partnerships also provide opportunities for ACEWATER to influence international water security policy, as the center’s research findings are shared with governments and organizations worldwide. The collaboration between ACEWATER and international partners such as France’s Institut de Recherche pour le Développement (IRD) and South Korea’s Korea Institute of Science and Technology (KIST) has led to the development of new strategies for improving water access and quality in Africa and beyond.



Conclusion: A Commitment to Collaborative Water Security

Redeemer’s University, through ACEWATER, remains steadfast in its commitment to addressing water security challenges through collaboration with national, regional, and global governments. As the premier laboratory for water security research in Nigeria, ACEWATER continues to provide critical data and innovative solutions to national policymakers. Regionally, ACEWATER’s partnerships with African universities and governments, such as the student exchange programs with South Africa, ensure that the continent is better equipped to tackle water-related challenges. On the global stage, the center’s work with the International Scientific and Industry Advisory Board (IS&IAB) connects ACEWATER to international expertise, ensuring that its research remains relevant and impactful.

Through these national, regional, and global partnerships, ACEWATER is making significant strides in ensuring sustainable water security for Africa and the world. The center’s dedication to research, collaboration, and capacity-building will continue to drive progress in water management, protecting this vital resource for generations to come.



Regional Evidence:here

Global Evidence:here

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