Climate Change: DELSU VC Urges Youths To Study Geography

The Vice-Chancellor of Delta State University, Abraka, Prof Andy Egwunyenga, has called on Nigerian youths to show more interest in the study of Geography in universities to strengthen humanity’s effort to win the war of climate change and make our environment safe for habitation.

The Vice-Chancellor made the call on Wednesday in Abraka during the 108th Inaugural Lecture of the University titled “The War of Climate Change: Are the Troops Prepared?” which was delivered by Prof Sunday Efe, a professor of Climatology, Water Resources and Environmental Management.

Egwunyenga described inaugural lecture series as an academic culture that celebrates the research endeavours of lecturers and gives them an added platform to draw attention to critical societal issues in the interest of humanity.

He pointed out that the topic of the 108th Inaugural Lecture in Delta State University, Abraka, is apt as it is a clarion call forall to save the earth to avert graver consequences.

The Vice-Chancellor noted that everybody should consider himself/herself as part of the troops that should be prepared for the climate change war.

According to him, nobody should stand aside in the climate change war because of its implication on the environment that we all depend on for survival.

He therefore called on Nigerians to adopt environmental friendly decisions and actions at all times which include increase in the number of youths desirous to study Geography.

In the lecture, Efe revealed that the climate change war began long ago and is manifest in the ozone layer depletion, flooding, drought, and countless number of other natural disasters resulting from environmental degradation responsible for colossal losses of human lives and valuable resources.

The Climatology, Water Resources and Environmental Management expert pointed out that the troops in the climate change war include government policies/agencies, relevant Non-Governmental Organizations, groups and individuals.

However, he emphasised that government in Nigeria lacks the political will to lead the troop into battle.

According to him, Nigeria is signatory to many laudable environmental protection initiatives which are non-functionalin the country because of poor implementation and corruption by government officials who ignore the unpalatable consequences of their inadequacies.

He urged Nigerians to take control of their future by making both individual and collective efforts to ensure a sustainable environment.

This includes embracing renewable energy sources, reducing fuel combustion that releases harmful carbon emissions, planting trees and economic crops, seeking knowledge about climate change, and raising awareness about environmental conservation.

Present at the inaugural lecture were the Deputy Vice Chancellor (Administration), Prof (Mrs) Rosemary Okoh; Deputy Vice Chancellor (Academic), Prof Ochuko Anomohanran; Provost of Oleh Campus, Prof Eloh Ibagere; Registrar, Mrs Rufina Ufuoma Ufiofio, other principal officers, deans, staff and students of the university, family members of the inaugural lecturer and invited guests.

Meanwhile, the Vice-Chancellor of Delta State University, Prof. Andy Egwunyenga, has declared that the university will continue to explore opportunities to enhance the ability of its students to perform excellently in the industry after graduation.

The Vice-Chancellor made the declaration on Tuesday in Abraka while welcoming a delegation from the Chartered Institute of Bankers of Nigeria (CIBN) to the university’s Abraka campus.