Entomology in Nigeria: The past, the present and the future
No Thumbnail Available
Date
2015
Journal Title
Journal ISSN
Volume Title
Publisher
Entomological Society of Nigeria
Abstract
Against the backdrop of the evolution of Entomology as an important science which
dates back to the establishment of Biology as a field of study, an attempt has been made in this paper to
define the relevance of the science of Entomology and to enunciate its essence in the past, its
potentials in the present and the prospects for the future with particular reference to Nigeria. Early
entomological imprints were typified by the activities of the foundation entomologists which led to
the inauguration of the Entomological Society of Nigeria (ESN) in 1965. The monumental roles
played by these fore bearers at building the agricultural economy of the newly independent Nigeria
positioned agriculture (through appropriate insect pest management) as the main stay ofthe nation's
economy at the time. The ESN which started in lbadan as a branch has grown significantly to over 18
branches with over 600 members. The past of Entomology revealed the activities and support of
expatriates mainly from Great Britain who provided the much needed national pest management
services. However, this past gradually terminated and ushered in the first generation Entomologists
between 1960 and 1969 with significant achievements reflected in high agricultural exports in
Nigeria. The present era which commenced around 1970s till date is characteristically marked by
significant explosion in the number of trained Entomologists, better organized ESN as platform for
interaction and communication especially with the outside world and good practice. The future of
entomology in Nigeria is very bright but would be moulded positively by several factors including
improvement of entomological research funding, better mentoring, resuscitation of moribund
research facilities, prominence at the national front and professionalization of the science of
Entomology. National Entomologists are therefore encouraged to work hard to reposition insect
science in Nigeria in order to shape the nation's collective future.
Description
Keywords
Nigerian Entomologist, Entomological Society of Nigeria, Cocoa pests, Insect Science, moribund research facilities
Citation
Adesiyun, A. A., Omoloye, A. A., & Ojumoola, A. O. (2015): Entomology in Nigeria: The past, the present and the future. Nigerian Journal of Entomology, 31: 55-62