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Humans have been advised to protect rivers for their survival or face the consequences of their actions.
Presenting his lecture during the 25th Inaugural Lecture series titled, “Social Relations of Rivers and Smart Sustainable River Management: A Serendipitous Journey of A Fluvial Geomorphologist”, at the Auditorium, Main Campus, Lapai, Professor Sheikh Danjuma Abubakar of the Department of Geography, spotlighted the urgent need to protect rivers through sustainable management and recognition of their rights, warning that continued neglect could have dire consequences for human survival.
The scholar explained that fluvial geomorphology, the study of river shapes, forms, and processes offers critical insights into how rivers shape landscapes, regulate climate, and sustain ecosystems.
“Fresh water is alarmingly scarce. Less than three percent of the Earth’s water is fresh, and most of it is locked in glaciers or deep underground. What remains accessible is vital to human life and must be managed wisely,” the lecture stressed.
According to him, tracing the history of fluvial geomorphology from 19th-century river landform studies to the modern use of satellite imaging and modeling, the lecturer underscored the importance of rivers to social, economic, and environmental stability.
Professor Sheikh advocated a paradigm shift from exploitation to stewardship, urging Nigeria to adopt the Universal Declaration of the Rights of Rivers into law and stressed that it should be complemented by Community Coalitions (CCs) that bring together governments, local communities, and river users to ensure sustainable management.
Professor Abubakar argued that rivers, much like humans, possess social relations that must be respected. He warned that unsustainable practices such as indiscriminate damming and poor management often trigger destructive floods, citing Sokoto (2010), Lokoja (2022), Maiduguri (2024), and Mokwa (2025) as case studies.
“When rivers are poorly managed, they react and the consequences are devastating for communities, agriculture, and the environment,” he cautioned.
“There is an urgent need to regulate the activities of companies, institutions, and individuals around rivers so they do not cause irreversible damage,” he said, echoing the findings of Eniolorunda & Abubakar (2022) on building mutually beneficial relationships with rivers.
He called for Legal recognition of rivers’ rights for long-term sustainability, Adoption of Integrated Water Resources Management (IWRM) to coordinate water, land, and resource development, Policy enforcement to curb harmful practices that degrade river systems as well as mindset change from exploitation to respect and responsible care of rivers.
The Inaugural Lecturer lamented that failure to respect rivers could trigger devastating consequences, including flooding, displacement, waterborne diseases, and widespread socio-economic disruptions.
“Protecting rivers is not optional, it is a matter of survival for humans, for ecosystems, and for the future.” he said
Earlier in his welcome address, the Vice- Chancellor Professor Mohammed Hadi Sulaiman, has warned that Nigeria must urgently adopt smarter and sustainable river management practices to tackle the devastating effects of climate change and flooding.
Professor Sulaiman gave the charge while declaring open the University’s 25th Inaugural Lecture, stressing that research in geography and other specialised fields must move beyond theory to provide practical solutions for society.
“Research in areas of specialisation can yield geographical, economic, health, social, and political gains for a country. With climate change threatening our existence, geographers must connect the recommendations of their research to real-life challenges,” the Vice-Chancellor said.
He applauded the diligence of the Senate Committee on Seminars and Conferences, led by Professor Victor A. Kolawole, for sustaining the lecture series despite challenges, and commended the Institution’s Visitor, Governor Mohammed Umaru Bago, for his unwavering support to the University.
Also, the Chairman of the University’s Conferences and Seminar Committee, Professor Victor A. Kolawole applauded the Vice Chancellor for agreeing to sustain the timetable for inaugural lectures series.
He appreciated the 25th Inaugural Lecture presenter, Professor Sheikh Danjuma Abubakar for his meticulous and dexterous ways of handling the topic of the lecture.
He Chairman appreciated the University Management for the continuous support to the Committee and called for sustained efforts.
Dignitaries present included Honourable Abdullahi Mahmud, Member representing Agaie/Lapai Federal Constituency at the House of Representatives, who pledged legislative support for environmental research, and Honourable Muhammed Sani Idris, Chairman of the Niger State House Committee on Education, who assured that the Assembly would strengthen its backing for scholarship and sustainable development.
Speaking in an interview after the presentation, the Emir of Agaie, Alhaji Yusuf Nuhu described the lecture as “timely and socially relevant,” affirming that traditional institutions will partner with academia in addressing flooding and land degradation.
In a vote of thanks, the Registrar, Alhaji Idris Saleh Kusherki appreciated the Governor of Niger State, Council, Management of the University and all other people present at the event, noting that their presence was a demonstration of unflinching support and commitment to IBBU Lapai.