Universities and other tertiary institutions of learning have been advised to make the study of indigenous knowledge approaches to develop an integral component of the general studies programme.

Similarly, government and ministries of education are urged to introduce nature study and hygiene into primary and secondary schools education curricula.

These are some of the excerpts from the 591st Inaugural lecture of the University of Ibadan deliver by Professor Saka Jimoh of the Department of Social and Environmental Forestry on behalf of the Faculty of Renewable Forest Management.

Professor Jimoh while delivering the lecture entitled “Engaging African Traditional and Cultural Practices in Sustainable Forest Management” at the Tranchard Hall, University of Ibadan, Professor Jimoh stressed the importance of cultural and traditional in forest conservation.

According to him, “forests are critical to livelihood, biodiversity conservation and the economy, hence the need to protect them from threats”,

He noted that the influence of modernization, use of sophisticated hunting equipment and widespread poverty are eroding the authority of traditional institutions and diminishing the effectiveness of the indigenous conservation practices.

The academic however pointed out that respect for taboos and sacred places were indications that proper support and integration into conservation framework, traditional laws could play vital roles in sustainable forest management.

He called on educators, especially at the formative stage to cultivate the love for forest in children by guiding them to appreciate the beauty and wonders of nature, rather than instiling fear in them.

“Before the advent of formal laws, norms, taboos, and religious beliefs helped regulate resource use. Recognizing and engaging these practices can strengthen sustainable forest management in Africa, especially Nigeria”, he submitted.

Professor Jimoh equally advocated the adoption of poems, story books and cartoons by teachers and curriculum developers to promote environmental awareness.

The Inaugural lecturer urged policy makers to put in place guidelines that would align forest conservation strategies with local, cultural values and national sustainability goals.

He appealed to international agencies and donors to provide financial and technical support for projects that integrate indigenous practices into sustainable forest management.

Speaking on his community service and research contributions, Professor Jimoh said he had generated sustainable forest management ideas and contributed to the conservation of green plant of valuable non-timber products, engaged in tree planting campaigns, which is serving aesthetic and climate change mitigation in Lagos state, while serving as a seedlings production in the University of Ibadan community.