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Lecture Series, Carrot and Stick Approach: LASU Department of History and International Studies and the students

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  The History department is an embodiment of strategy, which according to Professor Oluwatoki, "is an instrument of policy just as war is a means to achieving political objective." Inarguably, education is expensive everywhere in the world, especially university education. What is common in universities is paying tuition fees, bills and dues. Academic conferences, webinars, seminars, and several orientating programs are important to the development of an institution.   They are important means of creating awareness about the university. Thus, you find universities, like the Lagos State University, holding academic programs, while inviting dignitaries and academic juggernauts. At faculty and department levels, several programs were held at LASU, covering a wide range of topics essential for national development.   One of the foundation departments of the Lagos State University is the department of History and International Studies. The department is inarguably...

The Struggles of Young Chika:

  Chika, a 12-year-old girl from Lagos, is passionate about her education, but climate change is posing a severe threat to her dreams. During the rainy season, her school is often flooded, forcing closures and disrupting her studies. The polluted air in the city exacerbates her asthma, leaving her to wonder about her future health. Chika's story reflects the urgent need for action to protect the well-being and opportunities of Nigeria's youth in the face of climate change. Chika's struggles are not unique but emblematic of the countless young Nigerians facing similar challenges in the wake of climate change. Her determination to receive an education despite the obstacles paints a poignant picture of resilience amid adversity. Every morning, Chika dons her school uniform, packs her bag, and sets off for her school, which is a source of hope and opportunity. However, the climate crisis casts a long shadow over her journey. During the rainy season, the streets become rivers, a...

The Chronicles of Dwindling Resources:

  In the bustling city of Kano, Adebayo, a young father, navigates the daily challenges of providing for his family. He reminisces about a time when the city's water resources were abundant, but climate change has drastically reduced the water supply. Adebayo now spends hours each day waiting in long lines to collect water, leaving him less time to work and be with his family. His story exemplifies the scarcity of resources that many urban Nigerians face as climate change intensifies. Adebayo's daily routine is a heart-wrenching testament to the profound changes that have swept through Kano, one of Nigeria's largest cities. The city, once known for its fertile lands and a reliable water supply from the nearby river, has become a symbol of the challenges urban Nigerians face due to climate change. As Adebayo stands in line, his mind wanders back to his childhood, when the river flowed generously, and water was accessible to all. He reminisces about the laughter of children s...

The Last Stand of the Mangroves:

  In the Niger Delta, the mangrove forests once provided a natural barrier against storm surges and offered sanctuary for diverse marine life. However, oil spills and deforestation, exacerbated by climate change, have pushed these invaluable ecosystems to the brink of extinction. The loss of mangroves leaves coastal communities vulnerable to the devastating impacts of extreme weather, making their struggle for survival all the more challenging. The Niger Delta, a region of unparalleled natural beauty and ecological significance, has long relied on its lush mangrove forests for protection against the fury of the sea. However, as the climate crisis deepens, the once-vibrant mangroves are facing an existential threat, painting a bleak picture for both the environment and the communities that depend on them. Decades of oil spills and deforestation in the Niger Delta have taken a toll on these vital ecosystems, decimating the mangrove population. In the past, these resilient plants acte...

A Glimpse into Tomorrow

  Meet Adewale, a young Nigerian climate activist who's passionate about protecting his homeland. He believes in the power of education and grassroots movements to combat climate change. Adewale's story is one of optimism and determination. He is working tirelessly to raise awareness about the climate crisis and inspire fellow Nigerians to take action, planting the seeds of hope for a more sustainable and resilient future. Adewale's journey as a climate activist is one of hope and inspiration for the next generation in Nigeria. Growing up in Lagos, he witnessed firsthand the impacts of climate change, from the flooding of his neighborhood during the rainy season to the growing scarcity of clean water. These experiences fueled his passion for environmental advocacy. As a young student, Adewale started by organizing tree-planting campaigns in his community, encouraging his peers to take small steps to combat deforestation. He also used social media platforms to share educatio...

The Forgotten Voices: Indigenous Communities and Climate Change

  In the remote forests of southeastern Nigeria, the indigenous Uruan people have long relied on the forest's resources for their way of life. As the climate changes and deforestation continues, their unique culture is under threat. The emotional stories of the Uruan people, who fear losing their connection to the land and traditions passed down through generations, serve as a poignant reminder of the profound impact of climate change on indigenous communities and their struggle to protect their heritage. One clear morning in the Uruan forest, Nneka, an elder of the Uruan tribe, gathers her grandchildren around a flickering campfire. She looks deep into the flames, her eyes glistening with both pride and sadness. Nneka begins to tell a story—a story of a time when the forest was their haven, the source of their sustenance, and the heart of their identity. Nneka's voice trembles as she speaks of a world where the forest was their guardian, providing them with medicinal plants, a...

The Displaced: Climate-Induced Migration in Nigeria

 In northern Nigeria, Zainab and her family are among the thousands of climate refugees forced to leave their homes due to desertification and extreme heat. Their emotional story reveals the harsh reality of displacement caused by climate change and its devastating impact on communities, tearing them apart from their roots and cultural heritage. Zainab clings to the vivid memories of her childhood—the laughter of children playing under the shade of acacia trees, the songs of her grandmother recounting the tales of her ancestors, and the taste of the vibrant, traditional dishes that only her village could prepare. But those memories are now tinged with a bittersweet longing, for her family's home and way of life have been irrevocably altered by climate change. Once, their village thrived amidst the arid northern landscape of Nigeria, but the relentless advance of desertification and the unrelenting heatwave has transformed their cherished homeland into an unforgiving wasteland. With...