Climate change: ATBU Don called for a shift in human behavior to protect environment
By Sule Aliyu Bauchi
A Professor of Ecology at Abubakar Tafawa Balewa University (ATBU) Bauchi, Professor Ahmad AbdulHameed, has called for a change in human attitudes towards the environment to reverse the adverse effects of climate change and ecological degradation.
Professor AbdulHameed made the call while delivering the university’s 48th Inaugural Lecture titled, “The Earth on Overdose: The Anthropocene and the Call for Ecological Restoration.”
He attributed the growing environmental challenges to human activities associated with industrialisation, including aquatic, atmospheric, domestic and urban pollution, noting that such activities, though aimed at improving living standards, have contributed significantly to climate change and global warming.
The Academia explained that global warming results from the gradual increase in the earth’s average surface temperature caused by human activities that trap excess heat in the atmosphere.
He advocated reduced dependence on synthetic fertilisers, pesticides and insecticides, warning that excessive use could push nature beyond its ecological threshold.
He recommended biological alternatives such as biofertilisers, biopesticides and biostimulants to promote sustainable environmental management.
The professor also traced his academic journey over the past three decades, from forest ecology through biodiversity conservation, ecotoxicology, entomopathogenic fungi, mycorrhizal biotechnology, food safety, and finally ecological restoration and food security.
He disclosed that his research has contributed to agroforestry, environmental monitoring, heavy metal pollution studies, biological control, mycorrhizal biofertilisers and sustainable agriculture, while also fostering international collaborations, attracting research funding and mentoring postgraduate students.
Abdulhameed concluded that, “Solutions to today’s environmental crisis must themselves be ecological. It advocates harnessing beneficial microorganisms, developing microbial agro-input industries, strengthening ecotoxicology research, building scientific capacity, restoring degraded ecosystems, and promoting sustainable food systems.”
He also expressed his vision of establishing a microbial agro-input factory and a Centre of Excellence in Ecological Restoration, while encouraging scientists, students and policymakers to produce knowledge and technologies that protect nature and improve human well-being.
Earlier, the Vice-Chancellor of ATBU and Chairman of the inaugural lecture, Professor Ibrahim Hassan Garba, expressed concern over the relatively few inaugural lectures delivered at the institution, noting that counterpart universities had recorded well with over one hundred of such lectures
Professor Garba used the forum to call on professors in the institution to apply to deliver their inaugural lectures, noting that the response from eligible academics had not been encouraging, saying “By this time, we should have several requests lined up for the exercise which is exactly what is expected from eligible presenters.”
While commending the university’s Ceremonies Committee for its efforts, Garba called for wider awareness of the new policy under which professors interested in delivering their inaugural lectures are expected to apply, replacing the previous system based on seniority.
“Let me also repeat that the Committee should further explore outside academics in public and private sectors for the delivery of periodic public lecturers so that this aspect of the University education and elightenment is not allowed to die as well,” he added.
According to him, “There are Academics in public service and seasoned administrators who are leading sensitive organs of government and private concerns, who have a lot to share with us on this platform. I am sure the committee will do the needful in this regard.”
The event attracted academics, researchers, postgraduate and undergraduate students, as well as other members of the university community
