AGBOGE ENIYE ESTHER

A Professor of Climatology at Adekunle Ajasin University, Akungba-Akoko (AAUA), Prof. Oyenike Mary Eludoyin, has warned that climate change poses a growing threat to environmental sustainability, public health and national development, urging urgent, science-based interventions to address its worsening impact across Nigeria.

Speaking at the university’s 68th inaugural lecture titled, “The Human Element in the Climate Equation: Navigating Thermal Stress and Environmental Health in a Warming Nigeria,” Eludoyin said rising temperatures, heat waves and changing climate patterns are already affecting agriculture, food security and human health. She described the increasing heat across the country as “a silent and invisible biological crisis,” stressing that Nigeria must shift from being a victim of climate change to taking proactive action.

The climatologist noted that decades of research have confirmed a steady rise in global and local temperatures, warning that climate change is advancing faster than existing infrastructure can withstand. She added that Nigeria’s environment is becoming increasingly humid and less ventilated, creating more stressful conditions for human survival.

Eludoyin, however, said communities can successfully adapt when supported with scientific knowledge and practical environmental solutions. She called for stronger institutional commitment, sustained investment in climate research and closer collaboration among governments, universities and communities to ensure research findings translate into effective public policies.

Among her recommendations was a review of Nigeria’s National Building Code to incorporate bioclimatic designs suited to the country’s tropical climate. She argued that conventional concrete-and-glass buildings retain excessive heat and reduce natural ventilation.

She also advocated the introduction of a national cool-roof policy that would encourage the use of solar-reflective roofing materials capable of lowering indoor temperatures by between three and five degrees Celsius. In addition, she urged the adoption of precision agriculture to help farmers cope with unpredictable rainfall and called on regional universities to function as climate information centres for farming communities.

To combat rising urban temperatures, Eludoyin proposed preserving at least 10 per cent of land in new residential, commercial and industrial developments as indigenous forest areas, describing them as vital “urban green lungs” that can reduce the Urban Heat Island effect.

She further called for comprehensive climate-health surveillance systems, insisting that climate change should be treated as a public health emergency requiring coordinated action from environmental, health and policy institutions. She also urged AAUA to establish a Climate Change Centre to strengthen research, support evidence-based policymaking and develop sustainable strategies for protecting vulnerable communities.

Earlier, the Vice-Chancellor of AAUA, Prof. Tomola Obamuyi, reaffirmed the institution’s commitment to promoting quality scholarship, innovative research and knowledge-driven initiatives that contribute to national development. He also pledged to sustain the university’s inaugural lecture series in line with global best practices.

The lecture attracted academics, traditional and religious leaders, members of the university community, as well as family members, friends and well-wishers of the inaugural lecturer.