Gombe State Governor, Muhammadu Yahaya, on Tuesday, attended the 19th Inaugural Lecture of Professor Muazu Usman Shehu, his Principal Private Secretary, held at the Haruna Kadir Rashid Hall, Gombe State University.
The lecture, titled “The Environment and Society in Northern Nigeria: Bridging Theory, Research and Policy,” examined the complex relationship between human behaviour, environmental sustainability, and societal development.
Representing the Governor, Deputy Governor Dr Manassah Jatau led a high-powered government delegation that included the Speaker of the Gombe State House of Assembly, Rt. Hon. Abubakar Mohammed Luggerewo; Secretary to the State Government, Prof. Ibrahim Abubakar Njodi; Chief of Staff, Alh. Abubakar Inuwa Kari; Head of Civil Service, Alh. Abdullahi Ahmed Kasimu; as well as Commissioners, heads of security agencies, and other senior officials.
In his remarks, Jatau congratulated Professor Shehu for delivering what he described as “an insightful and solution-oriented lecture” that addressed pressing environmental challenges.
He said, “To God be the glory and gratitude for granting us the privilege to witness this day and listen to such an important lecture. On behalf of His Excellency, Governor Muhammadu Inuwa Yahaya, the government, and the people of Gombe State, I bring you warm greetings and appreciation.”
The Deputy Governor, a sociologist by training, expressed personal delight at attending the event, recalling his shared academic background with the lecturer at Bayero University, Kano (BUK).
He stressed the importance of research-driven governance, stating that knowledge must be practical and relevant to societal needs. “When knowledge does not lead to solutions to our problems, then it is not beneficial to mankind,” he said. “People will begin to ask, what is the use of the university, the professors, their beautiful gowns, and their long grammar?”
Dr. Jatau further emphasized that universities should serve as hubs of innovation and problem-solving across critical sectors such as agriculture, education, and security. “You must be responsive, relevant, innovative, creative, and adaptive,” he urged.
Reiterating Gombe State’s commitment to education, the Deputy Governor highlighted the establishment of five universities in the state as evidence of Governor Yahaya’s focus on human capital development.
Delivering the lecture, Professor Muazu Usman Shehu identified climate change, nuclear threats, and disruptive technologies as some of the major global and regional environmental challenges requiring urgent intervention.
He said understanding human behaviour is essential to addressing environmental degradation, explaining that belief systems and worldviews shape how communities interact with their environment. “Environmental crises in Northern Nigeria—such as desertification, drought, and biodiversity loss—pose serious threats to livelihoods,” he noted.
Professor Shehu called for collaboration among academics, policymakers, faith leaders, and civil society organisations to find lasting solutions. “Every segment of society has a role to play in shaping a sustainable future,” he added.
In his welcome address, the Vice Chancellor of Gombe State University, Professor Sani Ahmed Yauta, described the lecture as “a celebration of intellectual excellence and scholarly contribution.” He commended Professor Shehu for his academic depth and applauded Governor Yahaya for his “visionary support toward transforming the university into a true centre of excellence.”
Also speaking, the Chairman of the Organising Committee, Professor Mohammed Gurama Dukku, explained that the inaugural lecture series provides a platform for newly appointed professors to present their research contributions. He noted that Professor Shehu’s presentation marks the 19th in the university’s history, underscoring the institution’s growing academic tradition.
