A Professor of Ecology at Abubakar Tafawa Balewa University (ATBU), Bauchi, Prof. Ahmad Abdulhameed, has advocated the use of biological solutions to reverse environmental pollution and ecological degradation driven by human activities.

Abdulhameed made the appeal on Tuesday while delivering the institution’s 48th inaugural lecture titled, “The Earth on Overdose: The Anthropocene and the Call for Ecological Restoration.”

Speaking during the lecture, he explained that the Anthropocene describes a period in which human activities have become the primary force shaping the Earth’s environment.

“The idea is the human activity and the resultant effect of human activity on mother earth and the environment,” he said.

According to the ecology professor, industrialisation, urbanisation, domestic pollution, aquatic pollution and atmospheric pollution are among the major environmental impacts resulting from human activities.

“So, these cause a lot of pollution through industrialisation. Urban pollution, domestic pollution, aquatic pollution and atmospheric pollution are all consequences of human activities,” he said.

Abdulhameed observed that while humanity continues to exploit the Earth’s resources in pursuit of improved living standards, those activities have inflicted serious environmental damage, accelerating climate change and global warming.

“And the resultant effect is damaging the earth itself. We have seen the consequences of climate change and the resultant global warming,” he added.

Despite the environmental challenges, the professor maintained that ecological restoration remains achievable through sustainable biological interventions.

“It is not a call for despair, but we still have hope. The use of biological solutions such as bio-pesticides, bio-fertilisers and bio-stimulants will help solve the problem,” he stressed.

He also urged greater commitment to environmental conservation through a change in human attitudes.

“We have not inherited this world from our grandparents; we borrowed it from our children. So, we need to conserve nature for the future of our children and grandchildren,” he cautioned.

Earlier, the Vice-Chancellor of ATBU, Prof. Ibrahim Garba, reaffirmed the university’s commitment to sustaining its inaugural lecture series, noting the steady progress made in recent months.

“During the last two inaugural lectures, I mentioned and repeated our commitment to sustain this important academic exercise. I am glad that today we are witnessing the third inaugural lecture being held in quick succession, and we shall not be complacent until every professor in the service of this university is given the opportunity to deliver his inaugural lecture,” Garba said.

The vice-chancellor, however, expressed concern over the low level of participation among eligible professors.

“In spite of this encouraging development, I still urge our professors to come forward and apply for the presentation of their individual inaugural lectures, as the response to this call is still not encouraging enough.

“By this time, we should have several requests lined up for the exercise, which is exactly what is expected from eligible presenters,” he added.

Garba also praised the university’s Ceremonies Committee for supporting the lecture series and encouraged members to intensify awareness of the institution’s revised application process, which replaced the previous seniority-based presentation system.

He further urged the committee to broaden the lecture platform by inviting distinguished academics alongside experienced administrators from both the public and private sectors to deliver periodic public lectures.

“There are academics in public service and seasoned administrators who are leading sensitive organs of government and private organisations and have a lot to share with us on this platform. I am sure the committee will do the needful in this regard,” the vice-chancellor said.

source: Punch