***Calls For Reintroduction of Subject in Schools
By Friday Idachaba, Lokoja.
Prof. Salihu Danlami Musa, a Professor of Geography and Environmental Studies, has called on policymakers to reintroduce the subject of Geography as a subject for both the Sciences and Humanities in all Nigerian Primary and Secondary Schools.
Prof. Musa made the call while presenting the 19th Inaugural Lecture of the Federal University Lokoja (FUL) with the theme: “Geography and Sustainability: Unraveling the Myths, Reality, and Practicability,” on Thursday in Lokoja.
The Inaugural Lecturer said Geography as a subject was taught at the Primary and Secondary Schools in Nigeria from the pre-independence period till sometimes in the 1980s.
“However today, Geography has been removed completely from the Primary school curriculum and it has become an optional subject for only a section of our students in Secondary Schools.
“This has not only cost some of our children the opportunity of securing admission into tertiary institutions, it has even more serious consequences for Nigeria as a nation.
“We are now raising geographically ignorant children; citizens who lack the basic knowledge of our culture and environment and cannot, therefore, interact sustainably with the environment
Civil Engineers who lack basic knowledge about the topography; Town planners who cannot read and produce simple maps; Politicians who do not have the basic spatial knowledge of his constituency”, he regretted.
Prof. Musa said the benefits of the study of Geography for society were overwhelming as it would among others, go a long way in addressing the problem of dwindling enrollment for Geography across tertiary institutions in the country.
“Geography plays a pivotal role in building resilience and fostering adaptation towards sustainability by providing essential insights into the spatial dimensions of environmental change, socio-economic vulnerabilities and complex interactions between human societies and natura systems.
“Geography helps in comprehending the diverse environmental processes and hazards, such as climate change, natural disasters, and ecosystem degradation, that pose risks to human communities.
“By ensuring fair access to resources, geographic considerations contribute to social equity and environmental justice”, the Don explained.
Speaking earlier, Vice-Chancellor of the University, Prof. olayemi Akinwumi described the inaugural lecture series of the University as a prestigious tradition instituted to highlight the scholarly accomplishments of academic members.
He said that the Inaugural Lectures series serve as a platform “for our distinguished professors to share their research, insights, and contributions with the wider academic community and the public.”
He said that the theme of the Lecture was both timely and vital saying, “As we navigate the complexities of our modern world, the concepts of sustainability and geography are increasingly interwoven.
Prof. Akinwumi noted that this is especially so with the challenges often faced from climate change to urban development and from resource management to social equity.
The Vice-Chancellor described the 19th Inaugural Lecturer, Prof. S.D. Musa as a scholar whose dedication to the field of Geography and Environmental Studies has been “Nothing short of exemplary” as it has also inspired countless students and colleagues.
The Vice-Chancellor expressed appreciation to the family, friends and colleagues of the Inaugural Lecturer for their immense contributions and commitment to his success. (Ends)