The Chairperson of the Local Organizing Committee (LOC) for the 18th Annual Conference of the Zoological Society of Nigeria (ZSN), Professor Aina O. Adeogun, has emphasized that only strong multidisciplinary research can effectively address the pressures facing Nigeria’s ecosystems and biodiversity.

Prof. Adeogun, who is also the Head of the Department of Zoology, University of Ibadan, stated this on Friday, November 26, 2025, during her welcome remarks at the opening ceremony of the ZSN Annual Conference held at Trenchard Hall, themed “Healthy Ecosystems: Path to Productivity and Sustainability.”

Reflecting on the history and growth of the society, she noted that ZSN has evolved remarkably since its establishment and inaugural conference in 2003, also hosted by the University of Ibadan.

“From our establishment and inaugural conference at the premier Department of Zoology in 2003, the society has grown in leaps and bounds, contributing significantly to the unraveling of nature’s unique biodiversity,” she said.

Prof. Adeogun expressed delight over the overwhelming academic interest in ZSN 18, especially the number and diversity of abstracts received both locally and internationally.

“The multidisciplinary contexts and concepts of the abstracts received show the extensive reach of research impact on society and the infusion of diverse disciplines. This reiterates the fact that today’s science has fully embraced multidisciplinarity,” she added.

She described this year’s theme and sub-themes as carefully crafted to highlight the delicate interdependence of air, water, and land ecosystems, and their influence on species diversity. She expressed confidence that the speakers—drawn from various fields—would provide rich, experience-based perspectives.

“These scholars will present their unique insights, and it is my hope that participants will gain collaborative knowledge from their years of scholarship,” she said.

Prof. Adeogun paid glowing tribute to several dignitaries and contributors to the conference, including former President Goodluck Jonathan, Mrs. Bamidele Abiodun, keynote speakers, and distinguished alumni including Prof. Bayo Lawal, Supo Sogelola, Wale Fatade, and Ladipo Oke.

She also acknowledged what she described as the “living ancestors” of the Department of Zoology—Prof. S.O. Fagade, Prof. M. Nwagwu, and HRH A.T. Hassan—who served as keynote and plenary session chairs.

The LOC Chairperson extended special appreciation to the Vice Chancellor of the University of Ibadan, Prof. K.O. Adebowale, as well as other senior administrators and partners whose support, she said, made the conference possible.

“I am deeply grateful for the immense support from the Vice Chancellor, the University administration, and the Medical Women’s Association, Oyo State chapter,” she noted.

She also highlighted the outstanding efforts of the Local Organizing Committee, acknowledging their commitment to delivering a well-coordinated and impactful conference. She further commended undergraduate and high-school participants for bringing what she called a “unique twist of the future” to ZSN 18.

Prof. Adeogun concluded with an optimistic charge to participants: “It is my fervent hope that you will not only participate, but also learn new things that will help you in your further quest for knowledge.