EKSU’s 102nd Inaugural Lecture Seeks Urgent Push for Science-driven Water Education, Ecosystem Protection

Gbenga Sodeinde in Ado Ekiti

Ekiti State University’s 102nd inaugural lecturer, a Professor of Ecology and Environmental Biology, Josephine Edward, has called for the integration of scientific knowledge into policy, community practices and environmental stewardship to safeguard inland water ecosystems.

Delivering a thought-provoking lecture titled ‘The Synergy of Physicochemical Parameters, Plankton, Macroinvertebrates and Fish as Indicators of Aquatic Health’, Prof. Edward underscored the role of academic research as a critical tool for addressing environmental challenges and shaping sustainable development.

She stressed that universities must go beyond theoretical instruction by producing actionable knowledge that directly impacts society, particularly in the management of vital natural resources such as rivers and reservoirs.

Using case studies from major water bodies, including Elemi River, Ureje Reservoir and River Ogbese, Edward demonstrated how scientific assessment of water quality and biodiversity can serve as a foundation for policy decisions, environmental education and community engagement.

According to her, understanding the interaction between physicochemical properties and biological indicators, such as plankton, macroinvertebrates, and fish, provides a comprehensive framework for monitoring aquatic health and training the next generation of environmental scientists.

She stressed the importance of incorporating field-based learning and research into the academic curriculum,  saying that organisms like ephemeroptera, plecoptera, and trichoptera are not only ecological indicators but also valuable teaching tools for students studying environmental sustainability.

“Education must drive our response to ecological decline. When students and communities understand how aquatic systems function, they are better equipped to protect them,” she said.

Edward further advocated for stronger collaboration among academia, government, and local communities, emphasizing that research findings should inform environmental policies, agricultural practices and conservation strategies.

Her recommendations included stricter pollution control, promotion of eco-friendly farming, establishment of riparian buffer zones, and community-based watershed management, particularly around critical ecosystems such as the Egbe Reservoir and degraded areas like Odo Ayo River.

She also called for the protection of economically important fish species, including clarias gariepinus and tilapia zillii, noting their relevance to food security, research and local livelihoods.

She further challenged stakeholders to translate knowledge into action, stressing that education must inspire responsibility and long-term commitment to environmental preservation.

“What is required now is not just awareness, but the application of knowledge – policies guided by science, informed communities, and a collective resolve to sustain our aquatic ecosystems,” she said.

In his remarks, the Vice-Chancellor, Prof. Joseph Ayodele, commended Edward for her outstanding academic contributions, describing her inaugural lecture as a reflection of the university’s commitment to research, innovation and societal impact.

He noted that her work exemplifies the transformative power of education in addressing real-world challenges and advancing sustainable development.