The Nation Newspaper

Category: Education

  • Laboratory technologist drives a quiet revolution in Electrical engineering research infrastructure

    Laboratory technologist drives a quiet revolution in Electrical engineering research infrastructure

    The Electrical and Electronics Engineering Department at the University of Lagos has recorded marked gains in the organisation and reliability of its laboratory operations following an internal restructuring led by its Chief Technologist, Kolawole Adisa. The changes have strengthened the department’s capacity for practical teaching, advanced research, and specialised testing, positioning its laboratories as stable platforms for academic and industry-relevant work.

    During a visit to the department’s laboratories by this correspondent as part of activities marking World Engineering Day on March 4, 2021, operations were observed to be governed by clearly defined safety, maintenance, and workflow procedures. Equipment required for practical sessions was available and operational, workspaces were orderly, and demonstrations followed sequenced routines consistent with the demands of high-risk electrical testing environments.

    The impact of the restructuring is most pronounced in the department’s High Voltage section, which houses the specialised 600 kV and 200KV high-voltage laboratories. The facilities support training, research, and specialised testing and remain the only high-voltage laboratories in Nigeria, placing the University of Lagos in a rare national position within a field central to power transmission, grid stability, and industrial equipment reliability.

    High-voltage testing underpins the performance and safety of transformers, switchgear, power cables, insulators, and circuit breakers used across the national grid. For years, limited access to functional local testing facilities increased reliance on offshore laboratories, adding cost and time to power projects. The sustained functionality of the University of Lagos laboratories has addressed a critical infrastructure gap, providing domestic capacity for testing and research tailored to local operating conditions. The laboratories support high-voltage AC, DC, and impulse testing, alongside diagnostic evaluations of critical power equipment. They also provide controlled environments for teaching, research, and commercial engagements requiring precise measurement and strict safety control. Given their ratings and sensitivity, the facilities demand disciplined operation, consistent calibration, and carefully managed workspaces.

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    Within his responsibilities at the University of Lagos, Kolawole Adisa led systematic audits of laboratory equipment, restored dormant instruments, recalibrated faulty units, reinforced ageing electrical points, and reorganised work areas to improve safety and efficiency. These measures stabilised test sessions that require precise timing and control, reduced avoidable interruptions, and ensured consistent access to core laboratory resources.

    Explaining the approach behind the changes, Adisa said his focus was on embedding systems that support serious research and advanced training. “My aim has been to turn the laboratory into a working research environment, not a teaching showroom, so that every upgrade directly supports publishable research, advanced training, and industry-facing innovation,” he said, noting that the work placed equal emphasis on process, discipline, and safety.

    Independent assessments within the department attribute the operational gains directly to the Chief Technologist’s leadership. The Head of the Department of Electrical Engineering, Dr. S.O Adetona, noted that the restructuring altered how the laboratories function. “The leadership provided by Kolawole Adisa has fundamentally changed our laboratory operations, raising them to a level that supports sustained research activity, external collaboration, and international visibility for the department,” he said.

    Students who rely on the facilities for core practical work also point to the effects of the changes. A final-year student in the department said laboratory sessions had become more predictable and effective. “With the systems put in place by Mr. Adisa, we are able to complete practicals as scheduled, and the equipment we need is ready when required,” the student said. A postgraduate researcher added that clearer safety procedures and equipment stability had improved the quality of experimental work conducted in the high-voltage laboratories.

    Further checks by this correspondent showed that Kolawole Adisa is also the Chief Executive Officer of September Engineering and Energy Limited, a firm linked to high-voltage laboratory development outside the University of Lagos. Records indicate that the company installed, as well as provided technical input and calibration support for the 200 kV high-voltage laboratory at Covenant University, a facility that has drawn attention and was highly celebrated in the Electrical Engineering community as the third functioning high-voltage laboratory in Nigeria. The laboratory is regarded within the engineering community as a significant addition to the country’s limited high-voltage testing capacity and one of the few such facilities operating in West Africa.

    The availability of functional high-voltage laboratories has reduced dependence on offshore testing, shortened project timelines, and supported research tailored to Nigeria’s operating conditions. Such facilities also provide a basis for improved maintenance planning and more informed equipment procurement across the power sector.

    Today, the laboratories at the University of Lagos support a broader range of projects and experiments than was previously feasible. Improved equipment stability, structured governance, and consistent safety oversight now allow the department to undertake work that once required external partnerships or offshore facilities. The developments reflect sustained technical leadership and an approach to laboratory management that continues to strengthen Nigeria’s capacity in high-voltage engineering and power-systems research.

  • Naval chief, Kwara community laud NOWA school

    Naval chief, Kwara community laud NOWA school

    By Adekunle Jimoh, Ilorin

    Chief of Naval Staff Awwal Z. Gambo and Offa community in Offa Local Government Area of Kwara State have applauded the giant stride of Naval Officers Wives Association (NOWA) Secondary School in Offa.

    The naval chief hailed Governor AbdulRaman Abdulrazaq for the peaceful atmosphere in the state.

    The military top brash said peace is a major contributor to the success of any developmental project.

    Rear Admiral Gambo said this in Offa, Offa Local Government Area of Kwara State at the inauguration of 12-bedroom girls hostel of Navy Officers Wives Association (NOWA) Secondary.

    Represented by Director, Naval Education Commodore IA Ahmed, Admiral Gambo added that “I also want to use this opportunity to thank the stakeholders in the education community in the state.

    “The success of NOWA secondary school is as a result of your support and patronage. The peaceful environment is a major contribution to any success and as such I most humbly thank Governor Abdulrazaq, local government area chairman and the Olofa of Offa, Oba Muftau Gbadamosi for the peace and continuous support.”

    Oba Gbadamosi said the community was ready to assist any initiative that is progressive in the community.

    Represented by the Ojomu of Offa, Chief Bayo Akinlola, the monarch said “Offa community is poised to support any developmental projects and initiatives championed by organisations and individuals that are progressive.

    “We have proven to the world that we are a community of equity and Justice as enshrined in our ancestral panegyrics. The good people of Offa are grateful to NOWA for these projects in ameliorating the hardship of students while staying in school.”

    Also, the immediate President of NOWA, Theresa Ibas said the project was borne out of the need to address the increasing accommodation problems of the students as well as improve students learning environment.

     

  • More girls exposed to science through EKOEXCEL

    More girls exposed to science through EKOEXCEL

    As the world marked the International Day of Women and Girls in Science last week, the achievements of women in the sciences, as well as the challenges that limit the chances of the girl-child in excelling in the sciences came into focus.

    Chairman of the Lagos State Universal Basic Education Board (SUBEB), Mr. Wahab Alawiye-King has, however, said that the state is poised to change the narrative through its EKO Excellence in Child Education and Learning (EKOEXCEL) project.

    The initiative which uses technology to enhance teaching and learning outcomes in the state’s 1,016 public primary schools, implements a curriculum that exposes pupils to age-appropriate science lessons as well as provides for practical science experiments.  This early exposure to science helps stimulate interest in the sciences.

    Alawiye-King said the Lagos government places a high premium on the education of children.  Accordingly, he said the Board would ensure that no child, especially the girl-child, is left behind in the access to quality education.

    He said EKOEXCEL’s design to make quality education available to all irrespective of socio-economic makes the goal all the more achievable.

    He added that the technology enhanced teaching and classroom management of EKOEXCEL enables teachers to identify and better support pupils including girls with natural STEM acumen.

    Last year, the Covid-19 pandemic forcing the extended closure of schools led the government to implement a remote learning system which included the provision of EKOEXCEL@Home learning MP3 Players free-of-charge to all 450,000 pupils in the 1,016 primary schools.  This provided essential remote learning access during a difficult time.

     

  • NUC approves Law, 13 others for Atiba varsity

    NUC approves Law, 13 others for Atiba varsity

    The National Universities Commission (NUC) has given Atiba University, Oyo a nod to begin Law and 13 other programmes on its main campus located in Oyo Town.

    This approval followed the successful conduct of resource verification exercise between December 6 and 13, 2020 by 19 panels consisting of 48 members from the NUC at the University.

    The approved programmes are all expected to commence academic activities from the 2020/2021 academic session.

    The other programmes are: Public Health, Transport Management, Physics with Electronics, Physiology, Entrepreneurship, Hotel Management and Tourism, International Relations, Marketing, Public Administration, Agricultural Extension and Rural Development, Library and Information Science, Theatre Arts and Educational Management.

    The programmes join 18 programmes being run by the University.  They include:  Nursing Science, Medical Laboratory Science, Microbiology, Biology, Biochemistry, Computer Science, Physics, Chemistry, Mathematics, Accounting, Banking and Finance, Economics, Business Administration, Sociology, English Language, Political Science, Criminology and Security Studies and Psychology. This brings the total number of approved programmes for Atiba University to 32.

    Founder of Atiba University, Dr. James Adesokan Ojebode praised the professional nature of the verification exercise, saying it showed that the Executive Secretary was indeed a dynamic administrator.

    Also speaking, the Vice Chancellor thanked Ojebode for his support and the confidence he reposed in him.  He promised to continue to work hard towards making Atiba University a Centre of Excellence in all ramifications.

     

  • Niger govt worried about decline in quality

    Niger govt worried about decline in quality

    By Justina Asishana, Minna

    Niger State government is worried over the decline in the quality of products from the educational systems despite huge resources infused into the system.

    The Deputy Governor Alhaji Ahmed Mohammed Ketso lamented that yearly, a lot of money is put into the education sector and yet, the turnouts continue to fall below expectation which is very disappointing.

    He stated this during the National flag-off of the 2017/2018 quality assurance workshop for SUBEB/LGEA in Minna, Niger State.

    “The continued decline in the quality of products from our educational systems despite the huge investments in the sector is worrisome.

    “There is an urgent need for major stakeholders to come to a round table with predictable ways to improve the standard of our education system as it relates to free and compulsory basic education in Nigeria.”

    Ketso stressed the need for quality assurance managers in the education system to be given due attention to ensure the sustainability of the gains recorded in the implementation of the educational strategies and plans.

    “If we are to achieve our overall target for education through the creation of a purposeful and sustainable system, then we must pay due attention to the managers of the education system to drive quality and competitiveness in the system”, he stated.

    The Executive Secretary of the Universal Basic Education Commission (UBEC), Dr Hamid Bobboyi, said that the quality assurance training will transform the entire monitoring system of the commission to world-class evaluation.

    He added that improving the capacity of quality assurance officers at the SUBEB and LGEA levels will yield to efficient and effective evaluation of schools in order to enhance learning outcome.

    The Chairman, Niger State Universal Basic Education Board (NSUBEB), Dr Isah Adamu, said that the quality assurance function in basic education which was formerly in a comatose state, has been revived due to the change of narratives to  a more proactive and broad-based remediation.

    The Niger State Commissioner for Education, Hajiya Hanatu Jibrin, said that the state Ministry of Education and other agencies working under the ministry are working round the clock to ensure the quality and all-inclusive education to the common child.

    She said the importance of quality assurance to education could not be overemphasised as it boosts teachers’ performance, learners’ achievement and stakeholders’ participation to get a more robust system.

     

  • Sokoto family donates 10,000 books

    Sokoto family donates 10,000 books

    By Adamu Suleiman, Sokoto

    No fewer than 10,000 branded reading and written books were on Monday donated to the famous Waziri Model Primary School, Sokoto by the late Malam Balarabe Goronyo Foundation Family Initiative to commemorate the International Book Giving Day.

    The school is one of the oldest that has produced many personalities including the Sultan of Sokoto, Muhammad Sa’ad Abubakar.

    The categories of books donated to the school for distribution to nursery one to primary six pupils included: 20 leaves writing books, Mathematics for classes 1,2 and 3; Success with Grammar reading book 2; Islamic and Arabic language books and dictionary for understanding names and verbs translated in English and Hausa.

    The donor, Zayyanu Aliyu Balarabe Goronyo an alumnus of the Class of 1985 said there was the need to demonstrate a sense of belonging by actively contributing to his alma mater, especially the education of pupils from poor backgrounds as it would boost their morale and lessen the burden on their parents.

    Speaking on behalf of the family, Alhaji Bala Balarabe Goronyo said the essence of the initiative was to further support educational excellence by giving the pupils unfettered access to books.

    “Today is a very important moment especially to our kids, the future leaders of Nigeria and the world who will benefit from this noble gesture of our family,” he said.

    He explained that the family chose to pioneer the observance of the day by donating books as a measure to curtail the negative toll of poverty on the education of indigent pupils.

    Headmaster of the school, Nasiru Shehu thanked the family for choosing his school, especially those from the indigent homes.

    “I must say that most of us are from poor backgrounds who need support to access education which your family is fantastically championing in good faith. May God reward your intentions and good deeds to humanity.

    “Nothing symbolises premium value to humanity than education. We can’t thank you enough”, Shehu said.

    Expressing her joy, a Primary 1 pupil, Amira Nasiru Bazza who was first to be presented with the books said “today I have story to tell my parents about these books. I am happy. I will show my friends.”

    Dignitaries at the brief symbolic presentation to 25 pupils were Alhaji Ahmad Muhammad Bello who represented the Wazirin Sokoto, among many others.

  • Investment in education shapes future of African youths — Gift Iyioku

    Investment in education shapes future of African youths — Gift Iyioku

    Gift Iyioku, a dedicated scholar and advocate for education and human capital development in Nigeria, is advocating for more investment in education as it shapes “the future of African youths.”

    With a focus on translating research into actionable policies, she aims to address the pressing challenges faced by African youths in the context of a rapidly changing global landscape.

    In Nigeria, the youth population is growing at an unprecedented rate, representing a significant opportunity for national development. However, this demographic dividend can only be realised through substantial investments in education.

    She said, “By prioritising educational initiatives, Nigeria can equip its youth with the skills necessary to thrive in a globalized economy, thereby transforming the country’s socio-economic landscape.

    “Nigeria’s educational system faces numerous challenges, including inadequate infrastructure, poor teacher training, and limited access to quality learning resources.”

    According to a report by UNESCO, over 10 million children are out of school in Nigeria, which hinders the country’s progress. Investing in education is crucial for addressing these challenges and unlocking the potential of Nigeria’s youth.

    The report states the figure out-of-shool children at 10 million, with the youth literacy rate at 62 per cent and public spending on education (% of GDP) at 6 per cent.

    Iyioku, therefore, said investment in education can have transformative effects on the future of Nigerian youths.

    According to her, “Firstly, increasing funding for schools can lead to improved infrastructure and resources, enabling a conducive learning environment. Quality education is essential not only for personal development but also for fostering critical thinking, creativity, and problem-solving skills among young people.

    “Secondly, a focus on teacher training is vital. Educators play a crucial role in shaping the minds of future generations. By providing professional development opportunities for teachers, Nigeria can enhance the quality of education and ensure that students receive the guidance they need to succeed.

    “Moreover, integrating technology into the educational framework is imperative. As the world becomes increasingly digitised, equipping youths with technological skills can significantly improve their employability. Programs that promote digital literacy and access to online learning platforms can bridge the gap between education and the job market.

    “To maximise the impact of educational investments, collaboration between government, private sector, and non-governmental organizations is essential. Public-private partnerships can mobilize resources and expertise, fostering innovation in educational delivery. Initiatives that involve stakeholders at all levels can create a comprehensive approach to addressing the educational challenges in Nigeria.

    “Investing in education is not merely a matter of funding; it is a strategic imperative for the future of Nigerian youths. By enhancing the quality of education, promoting technological integration, and fostering collaborative efforts, Nigeria can empower its young population to become active contributors to society. The future of the nation rests on its ability to harness the potential of its youth through education, ensuring sustainable development and prosperity for all.”

  • Five experts bridging healthcare, media and social impact

    Five experts bridging healthcare, media and social impact

    In a world increasingly shaped by both science and storytelling, a new generation of professionals is bridging the gap between healthcare and communication. They are leveraging their medical knowledge and media skills to advance social impact, challenge inequities, and bring health information closer to the people who need it most.

    From Nigeria to the United States, these experts embody a movement that sees healthcare not only as treatment but also as education, empowerment, and advocacy. These five professionals represent a broader shift in how healthcare is practiced and communicated. They see medicine not just as a technical field but as a human one that requires clarity, trust, and engagement. By drawing from media, policy, advocacy, and clinical practice, they have expanded the boundaries of what it means to work in health.

    Voices like those of Funmi Ezeh, Vivianne Ihekweazu, LaShyra Nolen, Uché Blackstock, and Joel Bervell remind us that progress happens when knowledge is shared, barriers are broken, and communities are empowered. They are bridge builders, proving that the future of healthcare lies in the power of connection.

    Funmi Eko Ezeh: The connector of communities

    Funmi Eko Ezeh stands at the intersection of healthcare and communication. With over a decade of experience in public health, nursing, and broadcast media, she has used her diverse background to create meaningful impact. Her career began in media, where she trained at the Federal Radio Corporation of Nigeria and went on to host and produce programs at Raypower/AIT and Rainbow FM. She collaborated with major brands and institutions, learning how communication can influence society.

    Her curiosity about deeper social change led her into public health. After completing a Master’s degree at Imo State University, she pursued nursing when she relocated to the United States. That choice allowed her to combine clinical expertise with her natural ability to connect with people.

    In 2014, she founded RedConnectNG, a social impact initiative that organizes free health outreaches, promotes preventive health practices, and empowers healthcare workers. The group has campaigned for simple but life-saving habits such as handwashing while offering medical checks for chronic conditions like hypertension and diabetes in underserved communities. Through partnerships with hospitals and advocacy groups, RedConnectNG has amplified health awareness and reduced barriers to care.

    Ezehi’s work reflects her belief that knowledge is a transformative force. Whether through her book Everyday with Sickle Cell or her grassroots campaigns, she demonstrates how communication and healthcare can come together to build healthier communities.

    Vivianne Ihekweazu: Health communication strategist

    As Managing Director of Nigeria Health Watch, Vivianne Ihekweazu has made health communication her calling. With a background in communications and research, she has spent years shaping how health stories are told and understood in Nigeria. Her focus is on using journalism, advocacy, and campaigns to hold health systems accountable and to empower citizens with the information they need to make decisions.

    Vivianne’s work has cut across issues ranging from maternal and child health to epidemic preparedness. She believes that health communication is not simply about relaying facts but about creating trust and engagement. By curating narratives that speak to communities, she has amplified the importance of prevention, access, and resilience. In an age when information moves faster than ever, she has become a steady voice advocating for accuracy and relevance in health reporting.

    LaShyra “Lash” Nolen: The student advocate

    In the United States, LaShyra Nolen has emerged as a powerful young voice for equity in medicine. As the first Black woman elected class president at Harvard Medical School, she combined leadership with activism. At the same time, she pursued a Master’s in Public Policy at the Harvard Kennedy School, deepening her understanding of how health intersects with governance and society.

    Nolen founded the We Got Us Empowerment Project, a community health effort designed to increase trust and awareness among marginalized communities, particularly during the COVID-19 pandemic. The initiative mobilized students and young professionals to share accurate information, provide resources, and foster dialogue. For her, healthcare is not confined to clinics but extends into neighborhoods where people live and struggle.

    Her story shows how the next generation of physicians is redefining medicine as both a science and a service. By combining policy, clinical training, and grassroots communication, Nolen has become a model of how young leaders can use their platforms for social impact.

    Uché Blackstock: The physician advocate

    Dr. Uché Blackstock is an emergency physician and founder of Advancing Health Equity, an organization committed to fighting racial inequities in healthcare. She has already established herself as one of the leading voices drawing attention to the ways systemic racism affects patient outcomes in the United States.

    Beyond clinical practice, she has been active in media and public discourse, offering commentary, writing essays, and speaking at conferences about the intersection of race and health. Her approach is rooted in both evidence and empathy. She stresses that health disparities are not accidents but the results of long-standing social and structural inequalities.

    By challenging healthcare systems to confront bias and by using media platforms to amplify the issue, Blackstock has made health equity part of the national conversation. Her work underscores the role of physicians not only as healers but also as advocates for justice.

    Joel Bervell: The social media Eeducator

    A Ghanaian-American medical student, Joel Bervell found his calling in digital storytelling. Known as the “Medical Mythbuster,” he built a large following on social media by breaking down complex health topics and correcting misinformation. His content highlighted issues of racial bias in medicine, explained scientific developments, and tackled questions that often went unanswered in mainstream health communication.

    Bervell’s approach blends credibility with accessibility. As a future physician, he brings the authority of medical training. As a content creator, he understands how to engage audiences across age groups and cultures. His videos, widely shared during the pandemic, helped demystify health practices and built trust at a time when misinformation was spreading rapidly.

    His work has demonstrated how digital media could be a powerful tool for social impact. He showed that health education does not have to stay within classrooms or hospitals but can meet people directly on their phones and timelines.

  • Irene Boro revolutionises financial management for Nigerian companies, academic institutions

    Irene Boro revolutionises financial management for Nigerian companies, academic institutions

    Irene Boro has rapidly ascended to the forefront of financial management, with her innovative strategies transforming the way businesses and institutions approach their financial operations. As the Director of Finance and Investment at Soboma Ventures Limited, Irene has built a reputation for turning financial challenges into opportunities, enabling Nigerian companies to experience unprecedented growth despite a volatile economic climate. Her ability to develop forward-thinking financial strategies has had a profound impact on sectors ranging from healthcare to microfinance.

    What sets Irene apart from others in her field is her ability to balance practical financial management with visionary leadership. Her success in managing multi-billion naira portfolios speaks to her sharp analytical skills and her capacity to forecast market trends that others may overlook. Companies under her guidance have witnessed portfolio expansions in the billions, positioning them as industry leaders despite global financial uncertainty. Irene’s dynamic approach to managing risk while capitalizing on emerging market opportunities has made her a sought-after figure in corporate finance circles.

    However, Irene’s influence is not limited to the corporate world. Before taking on her current role, she was instrumental in leading academic programs at the National Open University of Nigeria (NOUN). As the Coordinator of the Commonwealth Executive Masters in Business Administration (CEMBA) and Commonwealth Executive Masters in Public Administration (CEMPA) programs in Abuja, she redefined how these postgraduate programs were delivered. Her leadership ensured that NOUN’s students received not only theoretical education but practical, market-ready skills that have since allowed them to excel in Nigeria’s evolving business environment.

    Irene’s tenure at NOUN was marked by her strategic initiatives aimed at improving the university’s academic output while ensuring that students were prepared to meet the demands of an increasingly competitive global market. Through her administrative foresight, she transformed NOUN’s business and public administration programs, introducing financial courses that bridged the gap between academia and industry practice. Her ability to innovate within academic spaces has set her apart as a thought leader who understands the importance of education in developing future business leaders.

    Whether in academia or the business sector, Irene Boro has continuously proven her ability to drive positive change. Her expertise has transformed the financial outlook of companies and institutions alike, positioning her as one of Nigeria’s most influential figures in finance and business education. Her impact is likely to resonate for years to come, as she continues to set new standards for excellence in financial management and leadership.

  • OAU first-class graduate leads research on impact of climate extremes on malaria, meningitis in Sub-Saharan Africa

    OAU first-class graduate leads research on impact of climate extremes on malaria, meningitis in Sub-Saharan Africa

    Ms. Isioma Jessica Nwayor graduated in 2019 as the first student to be named the best graduating student from the Faculty of Social Sciences at Obafemi Awolowo University. Her research, published as “Early warning climate indices for malaria and meningitis in tropical ecological zones”, focuses on the influence of temperature, precipitation, and aerosol concentrations on the prevalence of malaria and meningitis across sub-Saharan Africa. 

    This paper is the first of its kind to explore the combined effects of climate variability and air quality on the spread of these diseases in the region. Malaria and meningitis are two of the most devastating climate-sensitive diseases in sub-Saharan Africa. Malaria, transmitted by Anopheles mosquitoes, thrives in warm and humid conditions, making it highly sensitive to variations in temperature and rainfall.

    Increased precipitation can create breeding grounds for mosquitoes, while rising temperatures accelerate the parasite’s development within the vector, potentially expanding the transmission season and geographic range. In contrast, meningitis outbreaks are strongly linked to dry and dusty conditions, particularly in the Sahel region. 

    The dry season, characterized by low humidity and high concentrations of airborne dust and aerosols, has been associated with the weakening of mucosal immunity, making populations more susceptible to infection. 

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    Together, these diseases represent a significant public health burden, affecting millions annually, straining already limited healthcare resources, and hindering socioeconomic development. Understanding the complex interactions between climate variability, air quality, and disease dynamics is crucial for developing targeted early warning systems and adaptive public health strategies in the region.

    By identifying key climate and environmental triggers, Ms. Nwayor provides early warning indicators that could help improve disease surveillance and outbreak preparedness. It also offers valuable guidance for designing climate-smart public health strategies, particularly in vulnerable communities. 

    The findings are expected to support policy development at both national and international levels, aiding governments, NGOs, and global health organizations in allocating resources more effectively and planning ahead of seasonal disease peaks. Ultimately, the paper bridges a critical gap between climate science and public health, demonstrating how integrated data can lead to better health outcomes in the face of climate change.

    In addition, Ms. Nwayor analyzed landscape transformation over a 34-year period in Ibiono-Ibom, Akwa Ibom State, Nigeria, using a combination of remote sensing, GIS, and household surveys. The study found that agricultural intensification, urbanization, and population growth were the main drivers of significant land cover changes, including a major increase in built-up areas and losses in forests, wetlands, and water bodies. 

    Responses from the household survey supported the remote sensing results, with over half of the participants reporting a decline in both agricultural land use and forest areas. These patterns highlight the ongoing biodiversity loss and ecosystem degradation occurring in the region.

    Ms. Nwayor plans to continue in the atmospheric science field in the USA as a graduate student in the Department of Geography at Indiana University Bloomington, where she will be researching drought variability and its impacts on ecosystems and human systems under a changing climate.