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UNESCO CHAIR IN INTEGRATED FLOOD MANAGEMENT AND WATER RESOURCES

Federal University of Technology Minna > UNESCO CHAIR IN INTEGRATED FLOOD MANAGEMENT AND WATER RESOURCES

Background of UNESCO Chairs Programme

A UNESCO Chair is a prestigious designation awarded by UNESCO to a university or research institution that demonstrates excellence in a strategic area aligned with UNESCO’s mandate. Established under the UNESCO UNITWIN/Chairs Programme. It serves as a platform for international academic cooperation, knowledge exchange, capacity development, research, innovation, and policy engagement.

UNESCO Chairs promote collaboration among universities, research institutions, governments, and development partners to address global challenges through interdisciplinary research and education. They strengthen institutional capacities, enhance academic mobility, and facilitate North–South, South–South, and triangular cooperation, contributing to the advancement, dissemination, and application of knowledge for sustainable development.

 UNESCO Chair in Integrated Flood Management and Water Resources

The UNESCO Chair in Integrated Flood Management and Water Resources was established at the Federal University of Technology Minna in March 2024. The Chair serves as a regional centre of excellence dedicated to advancing research, education, capacity building, innovation, and policy support in flood risk management and sustainable water resources development.

Under the leadership of the Chairholder, the Chair contributes to the implementation of the UNESCO Intergovernmental Hydrological Programme by promoting integrated approaches to flood management, climate resilience, water security, disaster risk reduction, and river basin management. Its activities include conducting applied research, supporting evidence-based policy development, strengthening professional and institutional capacities, fostering international partnerships, facilitating knowledge sharing, and promoting community-based solutions to water-related challenges in Nigeria, Africa, and beyond.

After Inauguration, the Chair has developed training materials and practical guidance tools to facilitate the application of CRIDA principles in flood risk assessment, adaptation planning, and infrastructure decision-making in Nigeria. Successfully sensitized and built the capacity of 30 water resources professionals, planners, and sector stakeholders on climate risk-informed approaches to project development and investment planning. Led the preparation of a CRIDA-based project proposal integrating climate uncertainty, risk management, and adaptive pathways. The assignment provided strategic technical support for mainstreaming CRIDA principles into UNESCO-supported water and flood resilience initiatives in Nigeria.

 

Mission

Advancing knowledge and promoting cooperation to enhance institutional capacities in flood management and water resources

Vision

To act as promoter of studies and strategies concerned with flood management and water resources development in the country

Contact Details

 

+238
actu@futminna.edu.ng

Social Info

Objectives

  • Provide improved understanding of the hydrological system in the Niger Basin,
  • contribute to innovations in the field of flood management by developing a flood early warning system and a multi-hazard flood response strategy and raise awareness through web-based portal;
  • promote knowledge and understanding for policymakers to make informed decision in these areas;
  • build capacity of water scientists and managers through postgraduate trainings and collaborative workshops focused on integrated flood management and water resources; and
  • cooperate closely with UNESCO, other UNESCO Chairs and UNITWIN Networks on relevant programmes and activities.

Profile of the Chairholder

Professor O. D. Jimoh

Chairholder

Professor O. D. Jimoh is a scholar, researcher, and consultant in Water Resources Engineering, Hydrology, Flood Risk Management, Dam Safety, and Climate Resilience. He is a Professor at the Federal University of Technology, Minna (FUT Minna), Nigeria, and serves as the Chairholder of the UNESCO Chair in Integrated Flood Management and Water Resources, a prestigious platform dedicated to advancing research, capacity development, policy engagement, and international collaboration in sustainable water resources management.

Professor Jimoh holds a PhD in Civil Engineering (Water Resources Engineering) from the University of Birmingham, an MSc in Water Resources and Environmental Engineering from Ahmadu Bello University, and a First-Class Bachelor of Engineering degree in Civil Engineering from University of Ilorin. With more than three decades of distinguished academic, research, consultancy, and leadership experience, he has made significant contributions to hydrological sciences, integrated water resources management, flood forecasting and early warning systems, river basin planning, climate change adaptation, and sustainable infrastructure development.

A prolific researcher and mentor, Professor Jimoh has supervised numerous MSc and PhD candidates and has published extensively in leading international journals, including the Journal of Hydrology, Hydrological Sciences Journal, Climatic Change, Water and Environment Journal, IEEE Access, and Physics and Chemistry of the Earth. His research has contributed to scientific advancement, informed public policy, strengthened institutional capacity, and supported operational water resources management across Nigeria and Africa.

Professor Jimoh has served as Principal Investigator and Technical Lead on several nationally and internationally funded projects supported by UNESCO, the World Bank, UNICEF, TETFund, UNICEF, NIHSA, and other development partners. His expertise has been sought in areas such as flood resilience, dam safety regulation, climate risk assessment, water security, and disaster risk reduction. Through research excellence, strategic partnerships, professional leadership, and knowledge transfer, he continues to promote innovation, foster international cooperation, and contribute to building resilient and sustainable water systems for present and future generations.

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