UNILAG Professor Advocates Regular Consumption of Crabs for Nutritional Benefits
Professor Aderonke Omolara Lawal-Are of the University of Lagos recently delivered an inaugural lecture advocating for the regular consumption of crabs to enhance protein intake.
Chris Oyeoku Okafor 
In a recent lecture at the University of Lagos (UNILAG), Professor Aderonke Omolara Lawal-Are, a renowned Carcinologist, recommended the regular consumption of crabs as a means to enhance protein intake. Prof. Lawal-Are delivered the Seventeenth Inaugural Lecture of the university's 2023/2024 Academic Session titled "The Carcinologist Expedition: Decoding the Mysteries of Coastal Explorers" on June 5, 2024.
Highlighting the nutritional value of crabs, Prof. Lawal-Are emphasized their affordability and significance as a source of nutritious food, particularly for adults advised to reduce red meat consumption. She underscored the importance of crabs in providing essential nutrients and advocated for incorporating them into diets every other day.
During her lecture, Prof. Lawal-Are delved into the world of shellfishes in Fisheries Biology, shedding light on the role of Carcinologists in studying crabs and crustaceans. She explored their adaptive mechanisms and ecological significance, drawing parallels between human emotions and the symbolism of crabs in astrology.
Moreover, Prof. Lawal-Are discussed the socio-economic implications of crabs, citing their role in sports and cultural events. She highlighted the need for environmental conservation measures to protect crab habitats, especially in mangrove areas along the Lagos Lagoon.
Additionally, the professor proposed various recommendations to safeguard crab populations and promote sustainable management practices. These suggestions included enforcing water quality regulations, discouraging mangrove conversion, and implementing closed seasons to protect breeding females.
Born on November 27, 1969, Prof. Lawal-Are has a distinguished academic career at UNILAG, where she obtained her B.Sc., M.Sc., and Ph.D. degrees in Zoology and Fisheries. She joined UNILAG in 1998 and has since risen through the ranks to become a Professor. In recognition of her contributions to Fisheries Science, she was honored as a Fellow of the Fisheries Society of Nigeria (FISON) in 2022.
READ ALSO: UNILAG and ICCON Forge Research Partnership to Enhance Chemical Practices
Prof. Lawal-Are's lecture underscores the importance of incorporating crabs into diets for their nutritional benefits and advocates for sustainable practices to conserve crab populations and their habitats.
