In a bold move to tackle the pressing issues of climate change and sustainability, Taraba State University (TSU) recently hosted the maiden edition of the Daniel Buba Colloquium. This ground-breaking event brought together esteemed scholars, researchers, and policymakers to explore innovative solutions to the challenges posed by climate change, and to chart a sustainable future for the region.
The Vice-Chancellor of Taraba State University (TSU), Professor Sunday Paul Bako, alongside the Deputy Vice-Chancellor, Administration, Professor Jonathan Rubean; Deputy Vice-Chancellor, Academic, Dr. Ahmad Baba; and Professor Mahmud H. Umar, attended the inaugural Daniel Buba Colloquium held at Lecture Theatre 1D (LT1D).
In his opening remarks, Professor Bako described the event as a historic milestone for the university, emphasizing the need for continuity and sustainability in knowledge-sharing platforms. He acknowledged the significance of the colloquium’s theme, “Nature’s Gift and Climate Change: Opportunities for Sustainable Development,” stating that it aligns perfectly with Taraba State’s identity as ‘Nature’s Gift to the Nation.’
Professor Bako attributed climate change to human mismanagement of the environment, leading to global temperature shifts, erratic weather patterns, and resource depletion. He noted that changing rainfall patterns and vegetation growth are major concerns for farmers and food production. Deforestation and land degradation contribute to desertification, reducing arable land and crop yields. The livestock industry is also affected, as climate change influences grazing conditions and increases the spread of animal diseases.
The Vice-Chancellor further emphasized the link between climate change and the spread of infectious diseases among humans and animals. Rising temperatures and shifting ecosystems create favorable conditions for disease-carrying vectors like mosquitoes, increasing cases of malaria, cholera, and other climate-sensitive illnesses.
Professor Bako also highlighted the impact of resource scarcity, driven by desertification, droughts, and deforestation, which has led to an increase in land disputes and farmer-herder conflicts. He stressed that proactive policies and environmental conservation efforts are essential to mitigating these conflicts and ensuring long-term sustainability.
To address these challenges, Professor Bako urged researchers, students, and policymakers to take urgent action by promoting environmental conservation and afforestation projects, encouraging sustainable agricultural practices to combat food insecurity, enhancing climate education and public awareness to foster a culture of eco-consciousness, and strengthening collaborations between academia, government, and industries to develop climate-resilient solutions.
The Vice-Chancellor concluded that the Daniel Buba Colloquium has set a precedent for intellectual discourse on climate change and sustainability at Taraba State University. With continued commitment, this platform will serve as a catalyst for innovative solutions, ensuring that Taraba State harnesses its natural resources responsibly while adapting to climate challenges.
The successful hosting of the Daniel Buba Colloquium underscores Taraba State University’s commitment to addressing the pressing issues of our time. As the university continues to blaze the trail in research and innovation, it is clear that the future of sustainability in Nigeria is bright, and that Taraba State University is at the forefront of this movement. 
