KWEPA, Kwara Poly Partner to Launch National Diploma in Environmental Health

The Kwara State Environmental Protection Agency (KWEPA) has entered into a landmark partnership with the Kwara State Polytechnic, Ilorin, to establish a National Diploma (ND) programme in Environmental Health.

The collaboration, sealed through a memorandum of understanding (MoU) signed in Ilorin, is aimed at equipping young Nigerians with the technical skills and practical knowledge required to address growing environmental challenges in the country.

Speaking at the signing ceremony, the General Manager of KWEPA, Jide Aina, described the initiative as a strategic step toward building a new generation of skilled environmental health officers.

He explained that the programme would focus on critical areas such as waste management, pollution control, sanitation, and environmental sustainability.

“This partnership is about investing in the future. By training young Nigerians in environmental health, we are not only empowering them with employable skills but also strengthening the state’s capacity to tackle pressing environmental issues,” Aina said.

He added that KWEPA will provide technical support, mentorship, and hands-on field experience for students, ensuring that the programme goes beyond classroom theory to deliver practical, real-world expertise.

Officials of Kwara State Polytechnic expressed optimism about the collaboration, noting that the ND programme will open up new academic and career opportunities for students while supporting the state government’s environmental protection agenda.

Environmental experts have welcomed the development, stressing that Nigeria urgently needs more professionals in the field to address issues ranging from urban waste management to climate-related health risks.

The ND programme in Environmental Health is expected to commence in the next academic session, with KWEPA and Kwara Poly working closely to design a curriculum that meets both academic and industry standards.