PASSING ON THE BATON TO FUTURE WATER RESOURCES SCIENTISTS & ENGINEERS IN DEVELOPING NATIONS

Education is important for the proper management of water resources in any nation, especially in developing nations that are faced with other equally important competing issues. In West Africa, as a developing region, in addition to other economic problems, there exists severe groundwater related issues. Working with students in those nations is one way of training qualified water professionals to manage water resources in developing nations. Some of these problems may stem from improper sewage and waste disposal due to lack of adequate structures. Also, in coastal regions, with indiscriminate well drilling, uncontrolled growth, and urbanization, water quality is a serious issue. During a rain event, a low-lying area was turned into a fast flowing river, carrying with it surface contaminants. In areas where water supply is not limited, for example in coastal regions in Nigeria, seawater intrusion is becoming a serious problem. Examples that qualified personal use include mentoring, teaching, and training, which will be presented. Qualified personal embody the skills of mentoring, teaching, and training of local nationals.