Kaduna State University (KASU) successfully hosted its 13th Professorial Inaugural Lecture on Thursday, 30th October 2025, at the 1000-Seater Auditorium, Kaduna. The lecture was delivered by Professor Auwal Farouk Abdussalam, a distinguished scholar in Applied Meteorology, Environmental Sustainability, and Disaster Risk Management, and the current Director of Academic Planning at the University.
The event commenced with individual opening prayers, followed by opening remarks from the Deputy Vice-Chancellor (Strategy, Innovation and Service Delivery), Professor Helen Afang Andow, who chaired the occasion. In her address, she warmly welcomed guests and participants, commending the tradition of inaugural lectures in universities as an academic culture that promotes scholarly excellence and intellectual exchange. She praised Professor Abdussalam for his remarkable contributions to research and encouraged the audience to draw valuable insights from his presentation.
A detailed citation of the lecturer was presented by Dr. Asma’u Ahmed, Head of the Department of Geography and Sustainability Studies. She described Professor Abdussalam as a prolific researcher and a mentor to many young scholars. His professional achievements include leading the Climate Change Research Unit and securing national and international research grants, such as the TETFund National Research Fund. His work has significantly contributed to understanding climate impacts on public health, agriculture, and infrastructure in Nigeria.
During his presentation titled “Climate Dynamics, Environmental Sustainability and Public Health: Navigating the Impacts of Climate Change,” Professor Abdussalam explored the complex interconnections between the environment and human health. He emphasized the urgent need for proactive climate adaptation policies and community-based approaches to mitigate the effects of extreme weather events. He further discussed topics such as Climate Smart Agriculture, Local Knowledge Integration, and the Consequences of Inaction on Climate Change Adaptation in Nigeria, stressing that “talking without action heightens vulnerability.”
In his vote of thanks, the Deputy Vice-Chancellor (Academic), Professor Yushau Ibrahim Ango, congratulated Professor Abdussalam for his scholarly achievements and impactful research contributions to both KASU and the broader academic community.
A presentation of plaque and certificate was made to the lecturer by Professor Helen Afang Andow, in recognition of his outstanding scholarly contributions.
The Chairman of the Inaugural Lecture Committee, Professor Bala Dogo, delivered the closing remarks, appreciating the university management, the organizing committee, and all attendees for their participation and support.
The event concluded with individual closing prayers, marking the successful end of another milestone in the university’s academic calendar.