Federal Govt To Introduce Water Quality Education In School Curriculum

The federal government has hinted at plans to integrate water quality education into Nigeria’s national school curriculum as part of  efforts to promote sustainable water management and long-term environmental stewardship.

The minister of Water Resources and Sanitation, Prof. Joseph  Utsev, disclosed  this at the 2026 Annual Water Quality Conference held in Abuja yesterday.

Utsev said the move to embed water quality education in schools is being pursued in partnership with the Federal Ministry of Education and the Nigerian Educational Research and Development Council.

According to him, the initiative is designed to equip future generations with the knowledge and skills required to protect water resources and adopt sustainable practices.

The minister noted that the decision aligns with the conference theme, “Water Quality in a Changing Climate: Policies, Innovation and Practice,” which highlights the growing threats posed by climate change.

He warned that shifting rainfall patterns, flooding, drought, pollution and rapid urbanisation are increasingly affecting both surface and groundwater quality across the country.

He explained that recent flooding incidents have contributed to the contamination of water sources, while prolonged drought conditions, particularly in northern Nigeria, have intensified the concentration of pollutants. These challenges, he said, called for the need for integrated and science-based approaches to water resources management.

He said, “It is in recognition of the importance of education and awareness that the Ministry has partnered with the Federal Ministry of Education and the Nigerian Educational Research and Development Council towards integrating water quality education into the national school curriculum.

“Climate change is no longer a distant threat; it is a present reality that is already altering rainfall patterns, increasing extreme weather events, and placing additional pressure on water resources and water quality.

“As climate risks intensify, the need for innovation, partnership, and knowledge sharing has become even more critical to safeguarding Nigeria’s water future.”