By Archibong Mfon and Deborah Akassa
The Anthony Nyony Climate Change Centre of Excellence (ANCCE) in collaboration with the Directorate of Alumni Relations and Faculty of Environmental Sciences, University of Jos has held its inaugural seminar on climate, human, and environmental change at the Red Chamber Hall, Faculty of Social Sciences University of Jos.
The event compelled both local and global attention to addressing the pressing issues of climate change, human impact, and environmental degradation for a sustainable future.
Sequel to this, Professor Tanko Ishaya, the Vice Chancellor, University of Jos, opened the seminar with a welcoming address speech and emphasized the urgency of addressing climate change on a global scale. He said that the seminar was intended to educate not just the University community but to also increase awareness at the state, national, and global level.
In the same vein, Laurent De Boeck, the Chief of Missions in Nigeria for the United Nations International Organization for Migration (IOM), highlighted the relationship between climate change and migration, hence stressed the need for proactive measures to address these challenges.
Professor Nuhu A. Gworgwor, the Dean of the Faculty of Agriculture, gave insights on the detrimental effects of climate change on food production. He said “proactive measures must be employed to mitigate these impacts through open dialogue and collaborations”.
Similarly, Professor Daniel D. Dabi, the Director of Planning and Management, shared insights into the establishment of the Anthony Nyong Climate Change Centre of Excellence. He acknowledged the effective leadership of the current Vice Chancellor in revitalizing the center to conduct research and raise awareness on climate change issues.
Naadye Dabugat, the Director of Alumni Relations, assured the University of their readiness to support its initiatives and foster collaboration. He emphasized the importance of research in advancing institutional development.
Professor Gideon Baklit, the Dean of the Faculty of Environmental Science, reiterated the urgent need to address the interconnected challenges of climate change and migration.
He emphasized the role of human activity in driving environmental changes and underscored the necessity of sustainable practices in the face of rapid population growth and technological advancement.
