By Ify Mgbemena
The University of Abuja has strengthened its campaign for improved soil health and environmental regeneration, as the Department of Soil Science and Land Resources Management led a series of activities to equip students and researchers with deeper knowledge on Nigeria’s emerging soil challenges, especially in rapidly urbanising communities.
Speaking during the World Soil Day celebration on Friday, at the university of Abuja, themed “Healthy Soil for Healthy Cities,” the Head of Department, Professor Nkiruka Odoh, said the department is focused on re-educating students on responsible soil use, noting that Nigeria’s soil crisis is rooted in decades of abuse rather than the absence of modern technologies.
She explained that as part of the World Soil Day celebration, the department hosted a Career Day on December 2 to help students understand the broad opportunities within soil science and its central role in sustaining life.
Professor Odoh emphasised that soil science has evolved into a broader discipline, soil science and land resources management highlighting its connection to every sector linked to human existence.
She noted that harsh mechanisation, excessive use of agrochemicals, and continuous removal of crop residue are degrading the nation’s soils at alarming rates.
According to her, soil lost through wind, water, or human activity takes thousands of years to regenerate, underscoring the need for urgent behavioural change.
However, she added that climate change impacts are already evident, as rainfall patterns, harmattan timing, and general weather behaviour have become increasingly unpredictable.
Odoh stated that the department is promoting regenerative agriculture as a key mitigation pathway, encouraging practices that keep soils covered, increase organic matter, and minimise exposure to erosion.
She aligned this approach with the global theme for this year’s World Soil Day, “Healthy Soil for Healthy Cities,” stressing that soil abuse ultimately leads to environmental degradation, poor crop quality, and declining human health.
Reacting to the event, the Dean of the Faculty of Agriculture, Professor Hakeem, commended the department for its successful and timely intervention.
He described soil science as a cornerstone of Nigeria’s agricultural future and applauded the emphasis on sustainable practices that protect both the environment and public health.
