AN

ASSIGNMENT

ON

SCIENCE, TECHNOLOGY AND SOCIETY (SED 412)

QUESTION:
As a potential graduate that will be celebrated soon, how can you use your area of
specialization in science education as panacea to environmental problems in Nigeria?

WRITTEN BY:
EKWERE, CHRISTIANA JOHN
AK19/EDU/SEB/021
BIOLOGY EDUCATION

SUBMITTED TO:

DR. BABAYEMI JOHN

COURSE LECTURER

DEPARTMENT OF SCIENCE EDUCATION

FACULTY OF EDUCATION
AKWA IBOM STATE UNIVERSITY
DECEMBER, 2023.
 INTRODUCTION
Meaning of Education
The world of education—like law, medicine, business, and other spheres—has its own unique
language. A discussion of this language is important for principals and teachers, parents, and
students in order to facilitate a clear understanding of what education is.
There are three kinds of definitions of “education” (Scheffler 1960). The first type is called
the descriptive . It is a statement that proposes to denote or explain the nature of the meaning
of the word called “education” by using a variety of words to explain either what the
phenomenon is or how the term is to be understood. This type of definition claims to describe
precisely how the word denoted as “education” is most prominently used.
The second type of definition of “education” is the programmatic , which comes to advocate
for or prescribe a belief of what education should be or should do. A programmatic definition
is less preoccupied with what the phenomenon or language of education is and more
concerned with promulgating a particular practice of education that is regarded as desirable.
Sometimes prescriptive definitions are expressed in short, clipped sentences such as Pink
Floyd’s “We don’t need no education” or the title of Jonathan Kozol’s description of
education as Death at an Early Age (Kozol 1985). Programmatic definitions are ultimately
short slogans or deeply felt preaching about the way education should be.
The third type of definition is the stipulative and its purpose is technical and utilitarian. It is
basically a linguistic agreement or pact that enables a discussion to proceed smoothly without
forcing a person to each time state, “This is what I mean by the term ‘education.’” It is
essentially is a linguistic shortcut, in which one person’s explanation of the word “education”
is called Version 1; a second person’s explanation is Version 2, and the third interpretation is
called Version 3. This is a kind of a shortcut that enables the discussion to precede at a decent
pace.
The contemporary word “education” is sometimes traced to the Latin root educare, which
means “to train” or “to mold”. Based on this linguistic root, some people like to argue that
training or molding is what education today should be.
At the same time, the Latin word educere means “to lead out”, which suggests a totally
different understanding of “education” as a process aimed at that freeing the person from the
prison of ignorance.
Ultimately, the definition that is regarded as the most useful was shaped by Lawrence
Cremin, who is regarded as the most distinguished historian of twentieth-century education:
Education is the deliberate, systematic, and sustained effort to transmit, provoke or acquire
knowledge, values, attitudes, skills or sensibilities as well as any learning that results from
the effort (Cremin, Public Education, p. 27)
This broad-based definition indicates that education is a purposeful activity. The word
“education” is reserved for frameworks created with the considered and conscious intent to
educate. This definition also understands education as a process and not a place. It is a
purposeful activity that can happen within a wide range of frameworks and not only in
buildings called schools. Moreover, this intentional activity does not only transmit
knowledge, but it also is concerned with values, attitudes, skills, and sensibilities. Education
is an activity which takes place in many diverse venues and is intended to develop
knowledge, understanding, valuing, growing, caring, and behaving. It can happen “when you
sit in your house, and when you go on the way, and when you lie down and when you rise”
(Deuteronomy, 6:7). While contemporary societies have denoted schools as the agency
responsible for education, in fact, education far transcends the certificates of achievement
received from pre-school, elementary, secondary, and collegiate frameworks.

Meaning of Science Education

Science education according to Buseri (1995:11) is the application of educational (learning)
theories especially those based on the philosophical, sociological and psychological
perspectives in the endless search for knowledge, resulting in the development of the
cognitive, affective and psychomotor domains through some systematic processes involving
careful observation, deduction and testing by empirical means. And for the purpose of
teaching, Buseri (1995) opined that, it is The process whereby persons (teachers inclusive)
are prepared or equipped with knowledge and skills to help ensure the effective dissemination
and inculcation of scientific concepts, culture and thinking process and activities through
generally accepted pedagogical strategies and tactics, based on the application of learning
(teaching) and educational theories. Science education is thus more than the presentation or
acquisition of scientific facts and skills. It includes the development of new ways of
thinking, reacting and behaving - a development that reveals itself in increased skills,
knowledge and thinking capacities to tackle problems of life, in new habits of action, in more
desirable attitudes, in benefited personality and in improved character, - albeit by some
controlled or regulated and thus systematized process. This form of education Buseri (2003)
continued is exercised and acquired both informally and formally in schools. According to
OGkafors (2004:80) in pedagogical literature, the main purpose of science education is to
promote scientific and technological literacy which is to help individuals;
* Develop the ability to use scientific knowledge creatively in everyday life,
* Be familiar with some processes of science that are very useful in decision making and
problem solving,
* Explain personal feelings in a constructive manner,
* Understand scientific issues involved in handling household technological devices,
* Make appropriate decisions that are related to health, Nutrition, environment, education and
lifestyles,
* Develop sensitivity to, and respect for the feelings of other people
* Categorize the observable and unobservable universe into manageable units for study and
ultimately providing reasonable explanations for observed and unobserved relationships
among others.
* Prepare learners in the several disciplines of science
* Provide the background required of individuals entering technological occupations or
professions such as electronics medicine, engineering psychomotor domains through some
systematic processes involving careful observation, deduction and testing by empirical
means.
FIELD OF SPECIALIZATION: BIOLOGY EDUCATION
Biology education is an undergraduate program that combines the study of biology with the
principles of education. It is designed to equip aspiring educators with a deep understanding
of biological concepts and theories, as well as the pedagogical skills necessary to effectively
teach and engage students in the subject.
In this program, students delve into the fascinating world of living organisms, exploring
topics such as cellular biology, genetics, ecology, physiology, and evolution. They develop a
solid foundation in biological principles, gaining insights into the intricate processes that
govern life on Earth. Alongside their scientific coursework, students also engage in
educational psychology, instructional methods, curriculum design, and classroom
management. They learn how to translate complex biological concepts into engaging and
accessible lessons, catering to diverse learning styles and fostering a passion for science
among their future students.
With a degree in biology education, graduates are well-equipped to pursue careers as biology
teachers at the secondary school level. They possess a strong knowledge base in biology,
enabling them to provide comprehensive and accurate instruction. Moreover, their training in
education equips them with the necessary skills to create dynamic learning environments,
foster critical thinking, and promote scientific inquiry among their students. The field of
biology education is not only intellectually stimulating but also offers a rewarding
opportunity to inspire the next generation of scientists and contribute to the advancement of
scientific literacy in society.

Meaning of environmental problems

Any human activity brings along with it, many side effects. One aspect of it could bring about
development while the other side of the coin could be a detrimental effect. These
unfavourable changes often lead to environmental issues that affect the natural balance of the
environment.
We can define environmental issues as the harmful effects of any human activity on the
environment. This includes both the biological and physical aspects of the environment. Air
pollution, water pollution, natural environment pollution, garbage pollution, etc. are some of
the major environmental issues that are causing immense concern.
Environmental health-related risks are becoming a primary concern in Nigeria, with diverse
environmental problems such as:
- Air pollution.
- Water pollution.
- Oil spillage.
- Deforestation.
- Desertification.
- Erosion, and
- Flooding (due to inadequate drainage systems) caused mostly by anthropogenic activities.
Nigeria is a big country with beautiful nature, small and large rivers and picturesque forests
inhabited by animals and birds. It is like a coin with two sides: one side is its exquisite
environment, the other one – industrial Nigeria.
Nigeria is one of the most populous nations constantly faces different issues like
overpopulation, migration, improvement of medical care as well as problems connected with
environmental pollution.
Environmental problems refer to issues that affect the natural environment and ecosystems,
leading to negative impacts on human health, biodiversity, and the planet as a whole. These
problems can manifest in various forms, including air and water pollution, deforestation,
climate change, loss of biodiversity, and depletion of natural resources. Understanding the
causes of environmental problems is crucial for developing effective solutions to mitigate
their effects and protect the environment for future generations.

Causes of Environmental Problems

Human Activities: One of the primary causes of environmental problems is human
activities. Industrial processes, transportation, agriculture, and urbanization contribute to air
and water pollution, habitat destruction, and the release of greenhouse gases.
Overpopulation: The rapid growth of the global population puts immense pressure on
natural resources and leads to increased pollution, deforestation, and habitat destruction to
accommodate human settlements and agricultural activities.
Resource Depletion: The unsustainable extraction of natural resources such as fossil fuels,
minerals, and water leads to depletion and degradation of ecosystems, impacting biodiversity
and contributing to environmental problems.
Climate Change: Human-induced climate change resulting from the release of greenhouse
gases is a significant environmental problem. It leads to rising global temperatures, extreme
weather events, sea-level rise, and disruption of ecosystems.
Deforestation: The clearing of forests for agriculture, logging, and urban development
contributes to habitat loss, soil erosion, loss of biodiversity, and disruption of ecological
balance.
Pollution: Various forms of pollution, including air pollution from industrial emissions and
vehicle exhaust, water pollution from untreated sewage and industrial waste, and soil
contamination from agricultural chemicals, have detrimental effects on the environment.
Loss of Biodiversity: Human activities such as habitat destruction, overexploitation of
species, introduction of invasive species, and pollution lead to a loss of biodiversity,
disrupting ecosystems and reducing resilience to environmental changes.
Waste Generation: The production of vast amounts of waste from households, industries,
and commercial activities contributes to environmental problems through pollution, resource
depletion, and habitat destruction.

What are the environmental problems in Nigeria?

- Air pollution: Daily, millions of vehicles run throughout the country: they consume plenty
of fuel and produce exhaust fumes. One has to mention that the level of protection, available
at the industrial giant, it does not always coincide with our expectations about the care of the
environment. Old equipment and a lack of modernization contribute to the air pollution.
- Water pollution: It is not a secret that Nigeria has a deficit of drinking water. If you take a
glance into the state of currently available water, you will be shocked by the number of
bacteria and industrial chemicals.
- Desertification: This problem is caused by massive irrigation. The country loses kilometres
of lands.
- Industrial waste: Social changes are the result of human migration within the country. The
problem is that searching for a better life, people create difficulties with accommodation. Due
to this, many residents have to settle close to the industrial areas. As a result, they have to
consume water, which contains chemicals, breathe polluted air and eat food with increased
nitrates.
- Solid waste: Nigeria is one of those countries with poor management of sanitary
infrastructure. It one of the main reasons, why people live rather close to wasted areas.
- Oil spills: People, who inhabit the area in the delta of Niger, suffer from oil spills every
year. This place is so much polluted that the oil is found in the soil, even within five meters
from the surface.
Deforestation; The high rate of urbanization, the industrial development, and agricultural
processes led to deforestation and extinction of animals living in the woods. Wind erosion.
The lands which are situated in the northern part of Nigeria are constantly being “blown
away”.
- Climate change.
- Soil degradation.
- Pesticides and chemicals often used by people for different purposes. However, they often
forget about soil renovation and drawing a balance of minerals back to its original state.
- Floods and erosion.

Biology Education as panacea to environmental problems in Nigeria

Biology is one of the pre-requisite subject for many field of learning including botany,
anatomy and physiology, microbiology, medicine, agriculture, pharmacy, biotechnology, and
others. Biology and biology education contributes immensely to the technological growth and
development of any nation.
Biology education plays a vital role in addressing environmental problems in Nigeria. The
understanding and application of biological principles can provide sustainable solutions to the
country’s environmental challenges. Here are some ways biology education can act as a
panacea to environmental problems in Nigeria:
- Conservation of Biodiversity: Nigeria is home to a diverse range of flora and fauna, and
biology education can help promote the conservation of these resources. By understanding
the interconnectedness of species and ecosystems, Nigerians can learn to protect and preserve
the country’s biodiversity. This can be achieved through the study of ecology, evolution, and
conservation biology, which can provide insights into the impact of human activities on the
environment and the importance of sustainable resource management.
- Climate Change Mitigation: Climate change is a significant environmental challenge facing
Nigeria, and biology education can help address this issue. By understanding the science of
climate change, Nigerians can learn to reduce their carbon footprint and adopt sustainable
practices that mitigate the impact of climate change. For example, biology education can
teach Nigerians about renewable energy sources, such as wind and solar power, and the
importance of reducing greenhouse gas emissions.
- Sustainable Agriculture: Agriculture is a significant sector of Nigeria’s economy, and
biology education can help promote sustainable agricultural practices. By understanding the
biology of plants and soil, Nigerians can learn to cultivate crops and raise livestock in a
sustainable manner that minimizes the use of harmful chemicals and preserves soil fertility.
This can help reduce the environmental impact of agriculture and ensure food security for the
country.
- Waste Management: Nigeria faces significant challenges in waste management, and biology
education can help address this issue. By understanding the biology of waste decomposition
and the impact of waste on the environment, Nigerians can learn to manage waste in a
sustainable manner. This can include composting, recycling, and proper disposal of
hazardous waste, which can help reduce the environmental impact of waste and promote a
healthier environment.
- Public Health: Biology education can also contribute to public health in Nigeria. By
understanding the biology of diseases and their vectors, Nigerians can learn to prevent and
control the spread of diseases such as malaria, cholera, and Ebola. This can help reduce the
burden of disease on the country’s healthcare system and promote a healthier population.
- Biology teachers educate young people about the importance and urgency of the climate
emergency, and perhaps most importantly, encourage and inspire the next generation of
climate-fighting biologists. Teaching and learning about biology helps to inspire the next
generation to care, think, innovate and work together to protect and improve the world we
live in. Biology teachers educate young people about the importance and urgency of the
climate emergency, and perhaps most importantly, encourage and inspire the next generation
of climate-fighting biologists.
- Outreach and engagement.
Biologists are increasingly stepping out of the lab and onto public platforms to explain the
impact of climate change on the natural world and discuss with people how best to tackle the
issue. The RSB and its member organisations run a variety of events and initiatives to inspire
interest in life science and raise awareness of environmental issues such as climate change.
- Nature-based solutions.
Biologists are at the heart of new strategies for the management of natural resources that will
help sequester carbon, improve biodiversity and reduce the impact of climate change.
- Biology teachers equip students and society with the knowledge about ourselves and the
environment thereby promoting effective environmental conservation and management for
the next generation.

- Understanding Ecosystems
Biology education provides individuals with a deep understanding of ecosystems, including
the interrelationships between organisms and their environments. This knowledge is crucial
for addressing environmental issues such as habitat destruction, species extinction, and
ecosystem degradation.
- Conservation Strategies.
By studying biology, individuals learn about various conservation strategies aimed at
preserving biodiversity and protecting endangered species. This knowledge equips them to
contribute to conservation efforts and implement sustainable practices in different
ecosystems.
- Sustainable Resource Management.
Biology education emphasizes the importance of sustainable resource management, teaching
students how to utilize natural resources responsibly without depleting them. This
understanding is essential for addressing issues related to overexploitation of resources and
promoting sustainable development.
- Climate Change Mitigation.
Through biology education, individuals gain insights into the science of climate change and
its impacts on ecosystems. They learn about mitigation strategies, such as carbon
sequestration, renewable energy technologies, and adaptation measures that can help combat
the effects of climate change.
- Pollution Control.
Biology education plays a vital role in addressing pollution issues by educating individuals
about the sources and impacts of pollution on ecosystems. Students learn about innovative
solutions for pollution control, including bioremediation techniques and sustainable waste
management practices.
- Biodiversity Preservation.
Studying biology fosters an appreciation for biodiversity and the interconnectedness of all
living organisms. This understanding encourages individuals to actively participate in
initiatives aimed at preserving biodiversity and restoring degraded habitats.
- Environmental Policy Development.
Biology education equips individuals with the knowledge needed to contribute to the
development of effective environmental policies. Understanding ecological principles and
biological systems enables informed decision-making in policy development and
implementation.
- Public Awareness and Advocacy.
By educating individuals about the intricate relationships between living organisms and their
environments, biology education empowers them to raise public awareness about
environmental issues and advocate for sustainable practices at local, national, and global
levels.

CONCLUSION
Environmental problems stem from a complex interplay of human activities and natural
processes. Addressing these issues requires concerted efforts at local, national, and global
levels to promote sustainable practices, conservation measures, technological innovations,
policy interventions, and public awareness campaigns aimed at protecting the environment
for current and future generations.
In conclusion, biology education is essential for addressing environmental problems in
Nigeria. By promoting the understanding and application of biological principles, Nigerians
can learn to protect and preserve the country’s biodiversity, mitigate the impact of climate
change, practice sustainable agriculture, manage waste, and promote public health.
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