On the 23^rd of February 2024, a significant milestone was achieved at the Obafemi Awolowo University (OAU) with the commissioning of the Installation of IoT-Based Real-Time Pollution Monitoring Sensor. This initiative marks a pivotal moment in the university’s commitment to environmental sustainability and technological innovation. The deployment of these sensors is poised to revolutionize pollution monitoring practices, providing invaluable data for informed decision-making and proactive environmental management.

 The primary objective of commissioning the IoT-based real-time pollution monitoring sensor at OAU is to enhance the university’s capacity to monitor and mitigate environmental pollution effectively. By leveraging advanced IoT technology, the project aims to establish a comprehensive monitoring system capable of capturing real-time data on various pollutants, including air quality parameters such as particulate matter (PM), carbon monoxide (CO), nitrogen dioxide (NO2), sulfur dioxide (SO2), and ozone (O3). This data will enable stakeholders to identify pollution hotspots, track trends over time, and implement targeted interventions to improve environmental quality and safeguard public health.

The commissioning ceremony commenced with an opening of the event by the Vice-Chancellor, Professor S.A. Bamire represented by the Deputy Vice Chancellors in the University. The Vice Chancellor underscored the university’s commitment to environmental stewardship and the adoption of innovative solutions to address emerging challenges. This was followed by a presentation by the project team, highlighting the technical specifications of the IoT-based pollution monitoring sensor network and its potential impact on environmental management.

Key dignitaries, including representatives from the West and Central African Research and Education Network (WACREN), resource persons from Ethiopia, South Africa, and Italy, researchers from Ghana, Cote d’Ivoire, Togo, and researchers in Nigeria from the University of Ibadan, FUTA and Bowen University. Also present were academic collaborators and Director of INTECU.

The event featured a live demonstration of the sensor deployment process, showcasing the seamless integration of the IoT devices into the university’s existing infrastructure.

The sensor for the research control site at Opa Dam, Obafemi Awolowo University Ile-Ife, was donated by the members of SwWECh group of the Institute of Ecology and Environmental Studies Obafemi Awolowo University. This group is coordinated by Dr. Mrs A.A. Okoya. In addition, two PhD students of Dr. Mrs A.A. Okoya paid for the other two sensors for installation at their research study sites on Eleyele River, Ibadan in Oyo State (Mr Saka Ayodele Oloyede), and Ogun – Osun River Basin, Abeokuta in Ogun State (Mr Victor Agbagu).

The resource persons for the programme were Dr. (Mrs) A.A. Okoya as the Principal investigator, Prof Clement Onime (an alumnus of the Obafemi Awolowo University) of the International Centre for Theoretical Studies, Italy as Co-Investigator, Prof Kingsley Obodo of the North West University, South Africa, and Dr Solomon Gizaw of the Department of Computer Sciences, Addis Ababa University, Ethiopia.

During the ceremony, stakeholders expressed their enthusiasm for the project and emphasized the importance of collaborative efforts in tackling environmental pollution. They applauded OAU’s leadership in spearheading such initiatives and pledged their support for the successful implementation of the monitoring system.

The Director of the Institute of Ecology who facilitated the entire process, Dr A. A. Okoya, expressed her joy at seeing this project inaugurated. She was particularly excited about the project as this is the first in Nigeria and arguably Africa. The installation is also leading to several side projects that should promote environmental management beyond Nigeria.

The commissioning of the Installation of IoT-Based Real-Time Surface water Pollution Monitoring Sensor at OAU represents a significant step forward in the university’s quest for environmental sustainability and technological advancement. By harnessing the power of IoT technology, OAU is poised to set a precedent for other institutions and organizations seeking to embrace data-driven approaches to environmental management. Moving forward, it is imperative to ensure the effective operation and maintenance of the monitoring system, as well as the utilization of the generated data to inform evidence-based policies and interventions. The link to viewing of the event can be obtained from: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=0o6NsFyQaqQ