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.
