Varsity Don Advocates Strategic Research Towards Achieving SDGs

 

Vice Chancellor of Abiola Ajimobi Technical University, Professor Adesola Ajayi, has has advocated for the crucial role for research in a bid to achieve the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). 

The University Don also emphasized the need for strategic research on climate change drivers, such as consumption, production, distribution, and degradation.

Professor Ajayi, who made the advocacy while speaking during a two-day German Academic Exchange Service (DAAD) Alumnae workshop at Babcock University, asked women to play a more significant role in citizen communication and advocacy, leveraging their potential to end poverty. 

The Vice Chancellor commended the organizers for advocating climate change mitigation and research, encouraging them to expand their advocacy group and focus on impactful research.

The workshop which has its theme "From Vulnerability to Resilience: Empowering Women to Address Climate Change through Sustainable Development Goals," is aimed at fostering collaboration, knowledge sharing, and publication in climate change mitigation among others.

Lagos State Agriculture and Food Systems Commissioner, Ms. Abisola Olusanya, a Keynote speaker at the event, emphasized the reality of climate change in Nigeria, saying women are bearing the burden of such change.

Olusanya, represented by the director, Farm Service and Entrepreneurial Centre, Mrs. Olawunmi Akinola, stressed the need for partnership with relevant stakeholders to build food systems that work for women, while addressing structural disadvantages they face. 

Director of Research, Innovation and International Cooperation, (RIIC), Babcock University, Professor Grace Tayo, described women as key agents of change if empowered with knowledge and skills to adapt to climate change

Women, according to her, can build more resilient communities that can promote sustainable development.

Coordinator of AWCRA, Dr. Omowunmi Kayode, said the objective was to empower actionable solutions that would effectively address the pressing climate challenge facing the continent.

She however looked forward to a memorable and impactful event that will lead to innovative solutions for a sustainable future. 

“Let us work together to harness our collective expertise and creativity to drive meaningful change,” she added.

Highlight of the event was the inauguration of the pioneer Climate Change Club at Babcock University High School, Ilishan-Remo, Ogun State. 

Participants from Nigeria, Republic of Benin and Ghana physically attended with several participants joining virtually from Cameroon, Zambia, South Africa and Germany. 

The conference was organized by African Women in Climate Research and Action (AWCRA) and Babcock University, with support from DAAD.