A Professor of Environmental Chemistry at Adekunle Ajasin University (AAUA), Isaac Ayodele Ololade, has raised alarm over the growing contamination of rivers across southwestern Nigeria, warning that continuous exposure to polluted water sources poses serious health risks and threatens human existence.
Prof. Ololade delivered the warning on Tuesday while presenting the university’s 55th Inaugural Lecture titled “Environmental Chemistry: The Science Behind a Healthier Planet.” He said
findings from years of research on major rivers in the region revealed that both direct contact with polluted water and its domestic use for cooking, bathing and recreation expose communities to carcinogenic substances.
“Both dermal and ingestion routes are practically significant in the carcinogenic risk assessment to human health in all the rivers investigated in our studies,” he said.
“Hence, attention should be paid to the domestic use of these rivers for cooking and recreational activities, including swimming, to limit exposure to pollutants.”
According to him, the reliance of many communities on untreated river water has heightened the danger. “Based on the results of our several studies on important rivers within southwestern Nigeria and the dependence of many on river resources, either directly or indirectly, I can say authoritatively that our existence is being threatened because of continuous exposure to avoidable risks,” he added.
The professor called for the urgent implementation of a zero-discharge policy to curb industrial and urban waste entering water bodies.
He stressed that unregulated point sources of pollution and poor attitudes toward environmental protection undermine marine conservation, tourism and sustainable development.
“The current data suggest that it is high time to take appropriate steps toward the protection of our water resources,” he said. “The zero-discharge policy has to be implemented to reduce contamination of our river bodies.”
Prof. Ololade also presented findings from a study of auto mechanics in Ondo State, where blood and urine tests reportedly revealed unacceptably high levels of carcinogenic substances and toxic metals.
He attributed the contamination to improper disposal of workshop waste and prolonged exposure to hazardous materials.
He recommended strict monitoring of auto mechanic workshops, proper segregation of waste using designated containers, development of spill response plans, training of mechanics and apprentices, and regular air quality assessments in workshop environments.
To address broader environmental hazards, the don urged governments at all levels to adopt a multi-pronged strategy, including stricter enforcement of environmental regulations, heavy penalties for violators, and sustained public awareness campaigns.
He further advocated a ban on single-use plastics, provision of adequate waste disposal bins, and the establishment of robust recycling programmes for paper and plastics. Investment in modern sanitary landfills with proper containment systems, he said, is critical to prevent soil and groundwater contamination, warning that open dumpsites “slowly poison soil and water.”
In addition, he encouraged waste-to-wealth initiatives such as controlled incineration to reduce waste volume and generate energy, alongside the deployment of digital platforms to optimise waste collection routes and improve tracking efficiency.
While acknowledging the significant challenges faced by developing countries like Nigeria — including inadequate funding, poor infrastructure and shortage of trained personnel — Prof. Ololade emphasised that no single solution would suffice.
“Securing funding for advanced technologies and ongoing maintenance remains a persistent challenge,” he noted, adding that an integrated mix of policies, innovation and community participation is required.
Despite the grim outlook, the environmental chemist expressed cautious optimism, urging collective action from citizens, communities and government institutions.
“As we confront the pressing challenges of environmental degradation, the vision of a pollution-free world feels increasingly distant,” he said. “However, through collective efforts and innovative solutions, this ideal can shift from being a mere fantasy to a tangible goal.”
Introducing the lecturer, the Vice-Chancellor of AAUA, Olugbenga Ige, described Prof. Ololade as a distinguished scholar whose research has earned the university both national and international recognition.
He explained that the institution’s inaugural lecture series provides professors a platform to present their research findings to the public with a view to driving societal development through innovative ideas.
