Varsity Don Calls for Restoration of Nigeria’s Forest landscapes

From Joseph Amedu, Lokoja

A Professor of Geography at the Prince Abubakar Audu University, (PAAU), Anyigba, Adesola Ogidiolu has called on government at all levels to embark on immediate restoration of Nigeria’s Forest landscapes and their sustainable management

Professor Ogidiolu who made the call while delivering the 18th Inaugural Lecture Series of the University held at its Auditorium yesterday, said that the call has become necessary in view of their economic value to humanity.

The Varsity Don in his Lecture titled “Geographers In The Forest: Issues, Concerns, And Tasks” noted that restoration of those forest landscapes that had been lost or degraded is highly desirable. This, Professor Ogidiolu said may involve more reafforestation and regeneration using more ecologically adaptive and fast-growing species.

Professor Ogidiolu who expressed joy that he is privileged to deliver the first Inaugural Lecture under the incumbent Vice Chancellor, Professor Salisu Usman, since assumption of office three months ago, stressed the need to combating deforestation to achieve Zero-NetDeforestation and Forest degradation.

Other recommendations made by the Varsity Don include; “keeping more forest landscape in view of the several importance of forest resources and the diverse forest ecosystem services, there is the need to expand forest to even marginal lands. This can be through a deliberate effort by the three tiers of
government and private sector organizations.

“Managing more forests sustainably through adopting a number of conservative measures and best silvicultural practices such as, good harvesting techniques, delayed harvesting, etc. This will also involve safeguards against misuses and misapplications.

“Mitigating climate change proactively by complying with various treaties and conventions e.g. the Kyotol protocol, Montreal convention on reduction of carbon emission-and the use of environmental friendly energy alternatives.

“Ensuring community participation through the formation of Forest Protection Communities (FPCs) and volunteers. This will proactively prevent destruction of forest through illegal cutting and engender the spirit of co-ownership of the natural resource.

“Unlocking forest potentials through the development of more environmentally friendly utilization of forest resources.

“Practice of social forestry, where forest plantations are established in non—forest area for the benefit of the society.

“Forest monitoring and evaluation especially to predict possible forest hazards such as climate hazards e.g. storms, floods etc for proactive management plan and policies. Frequent and periodic monitoring of the susceptibility of forest to pests and diseases have produced wonderful results in Brazil and training and retraining of forest workers.

“Bioprospecting, otherwise known as biodiversity prospecting is highly recommended. This involved the exploration of wild plants and animals for commercially valuable genetic and biochemical resources.

“Sustained research on forest dynamic to further understand the complexities of forest ecosystem and the emerging frontiers in the science and management of forest.

“Politically, the solution to some of the concerns of geographers about forest ecosystem will involve government making deliberate efforts to remove administrative and operational bottlenecks to good forest management and provide inter sectoral collaboration in forest management and conservation. Government should promote good forest governance, eliminate poverty among the poor forest ” communities and create alternative livelihoods.

“It is clear that geographers are among the frontliners in forest science and studies. Geographers are, infact, in the leading position in the study, analysis and management of natural resources including forest.

“Therefore, for sustainable and pragmatic management of natural resources especially forest, it is recommended that geographers and hence geography as a discipline be given greater recognition and attention by educational policy makers through making geography a core and mandatory subject in our early educational levels of training particularly primary, junior and senior secondary schools in Nigeria.

In his welcome address, the Vice Chancellor of PAAU, Professor Salisu Ogbo Usman gave an assurance that his administration is committed to ensuring that inaugural lectures become a central pillar of our academic identity.

The VC commended Professor Ogidiolu for his scholarly presentation describing him as a living legend for this historic role particularly, his willingness to set the pace.

He also praised the Chairman and members of the Inaugural Lecture Committee for their diligence, professionalism, and commitment to excellence.

He said that the topic of today’s lecture, “Geographers in the Forest: Issues, Concerns and Tasks,” is both timely and profound.

“It speaks directly to the intersection of environmental sustainability, resource management, and human survival. In an era marked by climate change, deforestation, and ecological imbalance, the role of geographers becomes indispensable.

“This lecture challenges us to rethink how we engage with our natural environment and highlights the urgent need for interdisciplinary solutions to global and local environmental problems.

“In recognition of the importance of inaugural lectures and to encourage wider participation among our Professors, this administration has approved an increase in the stipend for inaugural lecturers from ₦250,000 to ₦500,000.

“This is not merely a financial gesture; it is a demonstration of our commitment to rewarding scholarship, encouraging academic excellence, and motivating more Professors to share their research with the wider community.

“Furthermore, we are determined to introduce innovative approaches in the delivery of inaugural lectures, aligning our practices with global best standards.

“We envision a system that enhances visibility, encourages wider participation, and elevates the overall prestige of these lectures. Our goal is to make inaugural lectures not just academic obligations, but celebrated intellectual events that reflect the nobility of scholarship.

“To sustain this momentum, I urge the Inaugural Lecture Committee to commence the immediate receipts of submissions from eligible Professors. This will enable us to extend our timetable beyond 2027 and cover up to the end of 2028.

“Let us remain open to flexibility and innovation – even if it means hosting lectures twice monthly – to ensure that our University remains vibrant, productive, and intellectually competitive.

“I assure the entire University community of our unwavering commitment to academic excellence, institutional growth, and global relevance.

“Together, we shall build a University where ideas flourish, scholarship thrives, and excellence is the standard.

Let us continue to work collectively to elevate Prince Abubakar Audu University to greater heights.