Professor of Zoology at UNIJOS, Prof. Goselle Obed Nanjul
Professor of Zoology at the University of Jos (UNIJOS), Prof. Goselle Obed Nanjul, has called for the adoption of a one health approach to address emerging challenges affecting humans, animals and the environment.
Nanjul made the call on Tuesday in Jos while delivering the 128th Inaugural Lecture of the University of Jos, titled: “ _Demodex Transition from Parasitic to Symbiotic Lifestyle: A Lesson for the New Geological Era (Anthropocene)”.
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He said the interconnectedness of humans with other organisms and ecosystems made it necessary for society to rethink its approach to health, environmental protection and survival in the Anthropocene.
“It is not realistic to maintain a perspective that we are detached from the Earth’s ecosystem, acting merely as custodians. We have to also face them and understand that we, as a society, are inexplicably connected with all ecosystems,” he said.
According to him, the relationship between humans and other organisms, including parasites and symbiotic organisms, provides important lessons on adaptation and survival.
Nanjul, who is a Professor of Zoology specialising in Parasitology and Vector Biology, said his research on Demodex mites had provided insights into how organisms adapt from parasitic to symbiotic relationships.
He explained that the lessons from such biological relationships could help humanity understand its own relationship with the natural world and respond better to environmental and health challenges.
The don also advocated greater investment in research, environmental conservation and innovative approaches to health, stressing the need to understand the interaction between humans, animals, microorganisms and their environments.
He disclosed that one of his future research goals was to advance drug activity simulation and molecular docking, while expressing hope that a One Health Master’s programme would be introduced in the Department of Zoology, University of Jos.
Nanjul also identified artificial intelligence as an emerging tool that could support research and content creation relating to parasites, vectors and their interactions with humans and the environment.
He further called on the Nigerian government to develop policies that would prepare younger generations for emerging global challenges through quality education, scientific skills and critical thinking.
“The Nigerian government must ensure that they fashion out practicable policies that will equip our next generation with quality skills, support them to critical thinking, independently question deeply, still evaluate the best ideas that solve the world’s problems from today’s challenges and possibly empower the world,” he said.
Earlier, the Vice-Chancellor of the University of Jos, Prof. Tanko Ishaya, represented by the Deputy Vice-Chancellor (Academics), Prof. Joshua Pam Chollom, said the inaugural lecture provided an opportunity for Nanjul to share his years of intellectual engagement, research output and professional experience with the academic community.
Chollom said the lecture was expected to provide participants with knowledge that would help them better understand humanity’s relationship with the planet.
“It is an opportunity for the scholar who has been working over the years and decades of years to be able to show his intellectual engagement, his research output, even his professional experience. He has brought it to share with all of us that are gathered in the discipline to receive from him, and the wide academic community that is here,” he stated.
