LETTER OF MOTIVATION

Few months to the completion of my undergraduate studies, the Academic Staff

Union of Universities (ASUU) – the umbrella body of university lecturers in Nigerian
Public Universities embarked on industrial action. Instead of waking up daily to
complain, I converted the ugly event into an opportunity by discussing with one of the
Ph.D. students in my department about acquiring more skills in groundwater
exploration and exploitation. I was glad when he offered me the opportunity to intern
with his company. During this period, I participated in more than two hundred and
fifty geophysical survey investigations and later supervised three borehole drilling
projects. This experience did not only expose me to the technical aspects of
groundwater exploration and exploitation, but it also opened my mind to the
enormous water challenges faced by the citizens of my country. This experience
instilled the love of groundwater management and protection in me, hence my desire
to take on a post-graduate study in this line.

I obtained a bachelor's degree in Water Resources Management and Agrometeorology

(Hydrology Option) from the Federal University of Agriculture, Abeokuta and
graduated with a First class and as the Best student in my class with a CGPA of
4.64/5.00. Additionally, I gained excellent teaching skills as a result of tutorial
sessions I organized to help my classmates and students at lower levels in difficult
courses. These experiences have helped me to solidify the theoretical and practical
knowledge I have acquired in my discipline and granted me the ability to tackle
challenges and manage people of different mindsets and backgrounds.

Going forward, my belief in giving back to society has pushed me to join some
organizations voluntarily. Out of the desire to serve and give back to the society, I,
alongside with some like-minded young Nigerians founded Safe Environment
Initiatives Group – a group of young minds working towards environmental
sustainability, tutoring of the younger generation and improvement of Public
awareness on Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) related to environmental
management and climate change (Goals 3, 6, 14 and 16). These are done in line with
the concept of leaving no one behind in the implementation of the Sustainable
Development Goals. Some of the actions we have taken are going to Elementary and
High schools to sensitize younger ones on basic hygiene practices such as proper
hand-washing habits and organizing clean-up events periodically in our community.
Being a member of this group has improved my interpersonal relationship and
communication skills especially, in relating with people of diverse backgrounds and
the common man on the street.
Thousands of people have lived without love, not one person has ever lived without
water (Auden, 1957). As such, water is at the center of Sustainable Development
Goals (SDGs). There is no gainsaying that groundwater provides an immediate source
of water in Nigeria. It is used for domestic activities, agriculture, and industrial
supplies. In 2013, the Ministry of Water Resources estimated the groundwater
extraction points in Nigeria to be about 65,000 and daily extraction estimated at 6.34
million cubic meters per year (Ministry of Water Resources, 2013; JICA, 2014). The
shift towards groundwater in Nigeria is because of the general conception that it is a
pure source of water supply that requires no treatment hence, the widespread
consumption of water from the so-called boreholes without assessment or treatment.

This is however very wrong as groundwater is exposed to pollution and degradation

in Nigerian cities and rural communities due to increased urbanization, rapid
population growth, saltwater intrusion, climate change, intensive agricultural practices,
indiscriminate disposal of waste and wastewater, metal contamination,
re-contamination during withdrawal, and lack of structured groundwater monitoring
activities. The World Health Organization reported that globally, at least two billion
people use a contaminated drinking water source and consumption of this
contaminated water is estimated to cause 485,000 diarrhoeal deaths each year (WHO,
2019). Also, lack of accessible, reliable and safe drinking water with poor sanitation is
estimated to cost Nigerians about the US $3 billion annually in access time, loss due
to premature death, loss of productive time and health care costs (WSP, 2012). At
present, Nigeria is diversifying her economy from being oil-dependent to agriculture
and non-oil sectors. This will lead to further pressure on groundwater resources as
agriculture and industries take 44% and 16% of the total available freshwater in
Nigeria (FAO, 2016).

To many Nigerians, groundwater is a gift from nature, hence lack of actions to protect
its quality and quantity as well as its sustainable management. Taking these into
consideration, I wish to further my research in the Prevention and Remediation of
Groundwater Contamination to provide research-oriented solutions to groundwater
contaminations. As clean water is essential in many aspects of life, including the
economic activities, maintenance of human health and life. It is thus, imperative to
conserve groundwater quality for safer health and environment.

It will be a dream come true to be taught by an outstanding faculty and a strong

research team to have a broad-view of knowledge on this subject matter in a suitable
and supportive teaching and learning environment. In particular, the opportunity to
study in IHE Delft – the largest water education institute in the world amongst other
outstanding universities of the GroundwatCh consortium. Getting enrolled in this
programme will also give me an opportunity to meet, interact and synergize with vast
and vibrant international graduate students' communities from different related fields.
I believe this will further expose me to a well-rounded preparation for a successful
future career and connection.

Conclusively, upon my return to my country, I believe strongly that the skills and
knowledge this programme would have imparted into me will put me on a sound
footing in becoming a leading academic in this field; working hand in hand with the
government, industries, and public. This will help to bridge the gap between research
and practice in my country. This programme would have also prepared me for
doctoral studies which I hope to enroll after working 2 to 3 years.