Don calls for massive climate change education for Nigerians

Professor of Analytical and Environmental Chemistry, Department of Chemistry, University of Lagos, Kehinde Olayinka, has called on the Federal Government to create a policy that would ensure Nigerians understand what climate change is all about.

Presenting a paper titled “Consequences of climate change in Nigeria: strategies for mitigation and adaptation,” at the 23rd annual lecture, award of honours and postgraduate scholarships of Stephen Oluwole Awokoya Foundation for Science Education (SOAFSE), Olayinka said proper education on climate change, will enable everyone understand, adapt and engage in practices that will mitigate the consequences.

Since man’s behaviour and activities contributes to global warming, and other climatic changes, man’s perfect understanding of it will help in adaptation in mitigation.

She said: “Climate change is here, it is global and its effects also localised. Even if we do not emit greenhouse gases, the level in the atmosphere will affect us. The extent of its effects on regions depends on ability to mitigate or adapt to change. What we need is massive climate change education to help us adapt and mitigate the future trends of emission.

Also at the event, Chairman, Arkleen Oil and Gas Limited, Dr. Gregory Ero; Chairman, The Tricontinetal Group, Chief Olabintan Famutimi and Chief Executive Officer, Northwest Petroleum & Gas company Limited, Dame Winifred Akpani were honoured for their contribution to science education in the country.

Chairman, Board of Trustees of the foundation, Senator Olabiyi Durojaiye, said the awardees are role models and distinguished Nigerians who have achieved so much in the society without any scam.

Calling on good spirited Nigerians to help the foundation with more funds, he admitted that, “inadequate funds limit the extent we can go by way of annual awards of scholarship. Limited by funds, we are only able to award seven scholarships this year as against eight in 2017.”

Another member of the board, Dr. Fola Awokoya, said the scholarship is awarded to the best students nominated from all the participating universities.

“This year, we have seven postgraduate scholarship awardees chosen from the nominations received. They will pursue various master programmes in science education. The scholarship covers tuition and board, and the value is N300, 000 per student per annum.

It is renewable each year, for a maximum of three years provided the awardee maintains a good record of academic performance as attested by the authorities of the university he or she attends.

So far, the foundation has made a total of 105 postgraduate scholarship awards,” Awokoya explained.

The award recipients are Ayomide Moyib, Patience Abafor, Abisola Oyelere, Inioluwa Adedapo, Mmesoma Mgboko, Abigail Makolo and Mr. Chimaoge Chukwudi.