In The Fight Against Climate Change

By Oyinkansola Sadiq-Mabeko

Like a thief in the night, the reality of climate change, global warming and the effects they will have on the economy as well as the weather have gradually dawned on Nigerians and the world at large.

The Dons of University of Lagos, through the department of geography in collaboration with system for analysis, research and training coordinated by Dr. Shakirudeen Odunnuga recently held a workshop tagged “Mainstreaming Climate Change Adaption in University of Lagos Curricula”.

Held at the Julius Berger auditorium, the scholars emphasized on the need to absorb the study in the courses studied by students of higher institution.

Speaking on the role of the university’s academic and research office on climate change adaption, prof. Babatunde Alo advocated for developing effective strategies to combat the situation. In his words “ it is possible to prepare for climate change and to avert the worst effects of it, but to do so we need to understand why climate change is happening and make informed choices”

Speaking further on the threat posed by climate change to the society, the don stated that the scholarly community was in a good position to offer strategic solutions to the situation. He said “universities and allied research communities have always shouldered a tripartite function of teaching, research and ensuring integrated town gown relationship. The academics must utilize the opportunity to engender scholarship that bridges the gap between the society and the academia”

In the same vein, Professor Ademola Omojola of the Geography department UNILAG explained that Nigeria has also been experiencing negative impacts of climate change situation.  He warned on the future consequences of the increasing global warming and what might happen if not curbed. “in the absence of adaptation, climate change could result in a loss of between 2 per cent and 11 per cent of Nigeria’s GDP by 2020 and may rise to between 6 per cent and 30 per cent by the year 2050” Omojola said.

Speaking on challenges and opportunities of mainstreaming contemporary climate change topical issues in existing academic curricular, Prof Adegbite of the faculty of education said that incorporating the study into the curriculum would help in producing graduates who are well versed in the situation and are aware of the consequences. 

“If climate change is a defining issue in our era according to the UN Secretary-General Banki Moon and if it will be riskier to do nothing, UNILAG cannot but play a strategic leading role in combating climate change through its highly diversified academic programmes and robust experience” he submitted.