OAU Professor Urges Tech-Driven Monitoring to Tackle Water Pollution

A professor of Environmental Chemistry and Environmental Management at Obafemi Awolowo University, Aderonke Okoya, has called for the adoption of technology-driven solutions to combat water pollution in Nigeria.


Okoya specifically recommended the use of Internet of Things (IoT) technologies to monitor water quality, noting that such tools can provide real-time data and improve pollution control efforts. She made the call while delivering the university’s 415th inaugural lecture titled “Managing the Secret Life of Waters for One Health: A Waste to Wealth Approach.”


The professor highlighted the severe health risks associated with polluted water, stating that many Nigerians die daily due to the consumption of contaminated water. She explained that untreated urban runoff and industrial wastewater are major contributors to surface water pollution.


According to her, research has shown that IoT-based systems can offer a cost-effective solution for developing countries by enabling timely assessment of water quality. She revealed that two years of surface water data from the Opa reservoir within the university have already been archived using such technology.


Okoya further noted that pollution affects not only aquatic life but also humans, as harmful bacteria, chemicals and pathogens enter water bodies, posing serious health hazards.


She added that waste mismanagement remains a major driver of water pollution in Nigeria, with millions of tonnes of solid waste generated annually and a large portion improperly disposed of in water bodies.


The professor stressed the need for sustainable water management and conservation practices to ensure safe and adequate water supply for future generations.

Share to: