By Kevin Pepple
Rivers State University has inaugurated the nation’s first research centre for the study of water and sanitation- CeWASS.
CeWASS is among other institutes the university plans to establish in the coming years, according to the Vice-Chancellor of the university, Prof. Nlerum Okogbule.
Prof. Okogbule stated that uniqueness of CeWASS stemmed from the fact that it ranks as a forerunner in the research and studies on water and sanitation across the continent.
Speaking through the Deputy Vice-Chancellor Administration, Prof. Victor Akujuru, Okogbule said that, “we are delighted in the pursuit of excellence and creativity this graduate school is today,part of the efforts to make the university a citadel of learning.”
The Pinnacle Times gathered that already, the State Ministry of Health has pledged to leverage on the centre to improve public health delivery in the state.
The state commissioner for health, Dr. Adaeze Oreh said that the centre provides a promising future in the fight against tropical diseases that stems from poor sanitation and water.
Represented by Permanent Secretary in the Ministry, she said,”this is a critical area of public health, and the access to clean water and sanitation are key for an efficient health care.”
She expressed the hope that the Centre will provide expertise in driving WASH projects, as she commended the university authorities for establishing the centre for a sustainable WASH initiative.
A representative of the Lagos State Urban Water and Hygiene Programme. Kabiro Abbas lauded authorities of RSU for establishing such an important centre.
Abbas described water as an essential element of man’s survival, noting that the World Bank has established projects to focus on providing water in conflict prone areas.
In addition, he noted that water and sanitation have become challenging across the globe due to climate change challenges, underscoring the need for research in finding lasting solutions.
Acting Director of the CeWASS, Dr. Peter Cookey said the dream for setting up the centre begun in 2022, but was approved by the university senate in May 2023.
Barely one year after, Dr. Cookey disclosed that the centre which majorly focused on post graduate studies and research had made landmark achievements with over 300 students.
The center, he further informed provides cutting edge research and solutions to water and sanitation, and is the first of its kind in the nation.
Dr. Cookey expressed the confidence that soon CeWASS will be a reference point as it continues to produce experts and latest researches towards improving water and sanitation in Africa.
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