Prof. Babajide Alo, a professor of Chemistry with the University of Lagos, has called for articulated control and management of chemical use in Nigeria.
Alo made the appeal at the 3rd Annual Prof. Musbau Akanji, Faculty of Pure and Applied Sciences’ Lecture of Kwara State University (KWASU), Malete.
He presented a lecture titled: “Leveraging on participative global treaties and strategies – imperatives for pollution control and sustainable development”.
Alo cautioned on the increasing global demand for chemical-based products and processes which lead to substantial misuse with adverse effects on human health and the environment.
He added that while there were global regulations to address and control chemical production, use and disposal; proper enforcement continued to pose a great challenge to African nation.
According to him, Nigeria has taken active part in all major global initiatives and programs aimed at alleviating global environmental problems.
”But lack of political will and poor human and institutional capacities continue to hinder effective management of chemical use,” Alo said.
He however proffered solutions such as increased financial support for bodies overseeing chemical use, the stoppage of waste dumping in Africa and working towards a pollution free Africa.
Earlier, the KWASU Acting Vice-Chancellor, Prof. Shaykh-Luqman Jimoh, described the annual Prof. Musbau Akanji Faculty of Pure and Applied Sciences Lecture as a forum for critical engagement with topical societal concerns.
Jimoh reiterated that the immense contributions of Prof. Musbau Akanji to scholarship, administration, and mentorship led to the University naming the Faculty Lecture after him.
Also speaking, the Dean of the Faculty of Pure and Applied Sciences, Prof. Emmanuel Ajani, described the Faculty Lecture as one way to continue sharing knowledge among the town and gown.
