FUTMINNA, Future Earth Water Cluster Sensitize Secondary School Students on Chanchaga River Water Conservation

The Federal University of Technology, Minna (FUTMINNA), in partnership with the Future Earth Water Science Cluster Programme (FEWSCP), has organised an outreach programme for secondary school students on the protection and conservation of the Chanchaga River water quality.  

The event, held on Monday, 13th July 2026 at FUTMINNA Model Secondary School, Bosso Campus, was in collaboration with the Niger State Ministry of Water Resources and Irrigation Services. Students from FUTMINNA Model Secondary School and Bosso Day Secondary School participated in the sensitization and a field trip to Tagwai Dam and the Chanchaga Water Works.  

In his opening remarks, Prof. Akobundo N. Amadi of the Department of Geology said the programme was designed to sensitize students on ways to protect and preserve water resources. He stated that the field trip was aimed at showing students how to identify and test water quality and the various processes involved in water treatment. He expressed confidence that the knowledge gained would equip them as ambassadors of FEWSCP.  

Presenting on “Protection of Earth Water Quality”, Dr. M. A. Dan-Hassan emphasized the need to protect water from harmful micro-organisms, noting that “every drop counts and every student matters.” He discussed the critical linkages between water, human and environmental health, and urged students to protect water in their schools, homes, and communities. He charged them to become champions of clean water for a sustainable and climate-resilient Nigeria.  

Representing the Niger State Ministry of Water Resources and Irrigation Services, the Director of Planning, Research and Statistics, Mr. Philemon Danladi, explained the processes involved in water treatment and testing before distribution. He highlighted challenges facing some dams and called for conservation measures such as tree planting and prevention of illegal mining. He affirmed that the State Government and the Ministry are committed to improving water quality in the state. Also present was the Director of Dams and Water Resources, Mr. Mansur Aliyu Goro.  

In a practical session on the Nigeria Aquatic Scoring System, Dr. Victoria I. Chukwuemeka of the Department of Animal Biology, guided students on how to identify, measure, and test water. She said the aim of the outreach was to advocate for quality water systems, create awareness on harmful environmental practices, and teach students practical ways to conserve and protect water. She stressed the need to enforce regulations and penalties against activities that degrade water quality.  

The Future Earth Programme is a global research and sustainability initiative. Its African activities are coordinated through the African Leadership Centre at Rhodes University and supported by the National Research Foundation (NRF), South Africa. The initiative targets riverine communities, schools, government agencies, illegal miners, and other stakeholders to promote river conservation.  

The objectives include raising awareness on good water quality, educating communities and students on environmental stewardship, discouraging illegal mining and indiscriminate waste disposal, and encouraging stakeholder collaboration in river conservation.  

The FUTMINNA team for the programme comprised Prof. Akobundo N. Amadi, Department of Geology; Associate Prof. Victoria I. Chukwuemeka, Department of Animal Biology; and Prof. Francis O. Arimoro, Department of Animal Biology.