By CHRISTIANA LOT, Jos –
The Management of the University of Jos (UNIJOS) has approved the transformation of the Dr. Anastasio Paul Leventis Ornithological Research Institute (APLORI) at the University of Jos Biological Conservatory into a center of excellence in ornithological training and research.
The Vice Chancellor, Prof. Tanko Ishaya, announced that the decision was made in alignment with the recommendations and approval of the school’s Senate, coinciding with the 20th anniversary celebration of APLORI.
Commending the founder of the Institute, Dr. Anastasio Paul Leventis, for his visionary initiative, the VC acknowledged that the original purpose and vision for APLORI has been fully realized.
He stated, “The University of Jos has taken significant steps to show appreciation for the accomplishments of APLORI and to recognize the center’s maturity and success. As we commemorate the 20th anniversary, the Senate has decided that the center should now be known as the Dr. Anastasio Paul Leventis Center of Excellence. In addition, the Senate has approved the introduction of a PhD program at the Center, expanding beyond the previous scope of master’s level training”.
In a goodwill message, APLORI Founder, Dr. Anastasia Paul Leventis, represented by board chairman, Sir Phil Hall (OBE), commended the exceptional academic performance and successful careers of APLORI alumni. According to him, the combination of careful selection and dedicated teaching has resulted in significant contributions to conservation.
Also, Director APLORI, Dr. Adams Chaskda, highlighted the institute’s increasing research output and its impact on conservation biology in Nigeria.in his words.”As far as ornithology and conservation biology is concerned, our florist research trends have also diversified over the years.We are now doing more complex science than we used to do from the beginning.
“We are focusing more on species inventories and uploading is impacting the nigerian environment even more than it used to be.Now we are found in one health, we are gleaming our landscape and educating the Nigerian citizenry on the importance of maintaining a healthy ecosystem.”
During a lecture on intra-African migration of the woodland kingfisher, guest lecturer Dr. Samuel Temidayo Osinubi emphasized the importance of collaboration and interdisciplinary cooperation in conservation efforts, noting the interconnectedness between humans and the natural environment.
“Working together, we are able to do more. Whether it’s for conservation, research, or policy, collaboration is key. As we affect nature, nature also affects us”. He said
Dr. Osinubi’s research highlighted the genetic, behavioral, and phenotypic variations among woodland kingfisher populations across Africa.
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