Prince Abubakar Audu University, Anyigba, has held its 18th Inaugural Lecture, with Professor Adesola Ogidiolu delivering a thought-provoking presentation on environmental sustainability and the critical role of geographers in forest management.
The lecture, titled “Geographers in the Forest: Issues, Concerns and Tasks,” held on Wednesday 21st April, 2026 at the University Auditorium examined the complex relationship between humans and the natural environment, with particular focus on forest ecosystems, resource management and sustainable development.
In his presentation, Prof. Ogidiolu explained the multidisciplinary nature of geography, describing it as a field that integrates human and physical environments in understanding spatial patterns and ecological interactions.
He noted that his specialization in biogeography focuses on the distribution of plants and animals in relation to environmental factors and plays a crucial role in ecosystem analysis and management.
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The inaugural lecturer identified key areas of concern for geographers in forest environments, including forest resource distribution, soil and site productivity, nutrient cycling, vegetation change, biodiversity conservation, climate change and the growing threat of deforestation.
He emphasized that forests remain indispensable to human survival, providing economic value, ecological balance, climate regulation and livelihood support.
Prof. Ogidiolu warned that Nigeria remains amongst countries with high rates of deforestation, driven by agricultural expansion, logging, urbanization and overdependence on fuelwood.
He noted that the consequences of forest loss include biodiversity depletion, climate change, soil degradation, food insecurity and disruption of livelihoods.
Drawing from his body of research, including studies on forest soil productivity and the growth performance of indigenous tree species, he demonstrated how environmental factors such as soil nutrients, moisture and climate conditions influence forest growth and sustainability, underscoring the importance of scientific data in forest management.
He further addressed emerging concerns such as forest-related insecurity, the role of forests in poverty alleviation and the need to explore alternative energy sources to reduce pressure on forest resources.
As part of his recommendations, Prof. Ogidiolu called for coordinated efforts towards sustainable forest management through stronger government policies, improved agricultural practices and increased public awareness on conservation.
He advocated afforestation, restoration of degraded forests, community participation and the adoption of alternative energy sources, whilst also urging policymakers to give greater recognition to geography as a core subject in Nigeria’s education system.
Earlier, the Chairman of the Inaugural Lecture Committee, Prof. Sunday Salifu Arogba noted that he had the privilege of delivering the Maiden inaugural lecture of the University in 2008 under the administration of Late Profe7Francis Sulaiman Idachaba of blessed memory.
He commended the Vice-Chancellor for his strong commitment to revitalizing the inaugural lecture series and restoring its place in the academic culture of the University.
Prof. Arogba also congratulated the inaugural lecturer, Prof. Ogidiolu, for marking the 18th inaugural lecture of the University.
In his address, the Vice-Chancellor, Professor Salisu Ogbo Usman, described the inaugural lecture as a defining moment in the intellectual tradition of the University and the first to be delivered under his administration.
He reaffirmed his commitment to revitalizing the inaugural lecture series and positioning it as a central pillar of academic excellence in the institution.
The Vice-Chancellor disclosed that the University Senate has approved a structured schedule to deliver more inaugural lectures by October 2027, as part of efforts to strengthen scholarship and intellectual engagement within the University.
Prof. Usman further announced an increase in the stipend for inaugural lecturers as a way of encouraging participation and rewarding academic excellence, adding that the University is determined to align its practices with global best standards.
He commended Prof. Ogidiolu for delivering a timely and impactful lecture, noting that the topic addresses critical global and local environmental challenges, including climate change and ecological imbalance.
He emphasized the need for interdisciplinary collaboration in addressing environmental issues and ensuring sustainable development.
The Vice-Chancellor further charged the Inaugural Lecture Committee to sustain the momentum by encouraging more Professors to participate, whilst assuring the University community of his administration’s unwavering commitment to academic excellence, institutional growth and global relevance.
The event, attracted members of the academic community, stakeholders and guests amongst others.
