The Society for Human Ecologists in Nigeria (SHEN) held its 6th International Conference with the theme, “Food Security, Agriculture, and Human Ecology in a Changing Environment,” on Monday, 28th April 2025.
The event, which took place at the S.B. Mohammed Auditorium, School of Postgraduate Studies, Nasarawa State University (NSUK), Keffi, attracted key stakeholders in the field of human ecology, agriculture, and food security.
Declaring the conference open, the Vice-Chancellor of the University, Professor Sa’adatu Hassan Liman, represented by the Deputy Vice-Chancellor (Academic), Professor Abdullahi Sallau Modibbo, congratulated the Faculty of Agriculture for their consistent diligence and prompt responses to academic and administrative calls within the University. Speaking on the theme of the conference, Professor Modibbo emphasized the importance of food security to the stability of the nation and expressed appreciation for the conference’s role in providing a platform for addressing agricultural challenges.
Earlier in her opening remarks, the National President of SHEN, Professor Elizabeth Mngusen Kembe, thanked the management of NSUK under the leadership of Professor Sa’adatu Hassan Liman for creating an enabling environment to host the 6th edition of its annual conference in the University. The President explained that this year’s conference focused on pressing issues related to food security, agricultural practices, and the challenges posed by global warming within the context of human ecology.
The 6th International Conference featured a keynote address delivered by Professor Keziah V. Absalom, current Head of Zoology Department, University of Jos, who emphasized the urgency of preparing for the anticipated population increase by 2050. She underscored the importance of proactive measures in ensuring long-term food security.
Professor Dehinde Makanjuola, Head of Department, Nutrition and Dietetics, at Nasarawa State University, Keffi, who was the lead paper presenter, focused on the pivotal role of nutrition in human development and the national economy. He also gave recommendations for improving food security in Nigeria, stressing the need for technological innovations, biotechnology interventions, and increased funding in agricultural initiatives.
The event concluded with the presentation of awards to distinguished individuals in recognition of their contributions to the growth and development of societal values and humanities. Awardees included the Vice-Chancellor of NSUK, Professor Sa’adatu Hassan Liman, the Vice-Chancellor of Federal University of Lafia, Professor Shehu Abdulrahman, Provost of the College of Agricultural Science and Technology, Lafia, Dr. Yahaya Musa Maikafi, and the founder of CSS Farms, Professor John Kennedy Opara.
Information and Protocol Unit, 2025.Nasarawa State University, Keffi.