Nigeria’s Premier and still leading Private University, Igbinedion University, Okada (IUO), has declared environmental stewardship a core institutional value and strategic priority, reaffirming its strong dedication to climate action beyond mere academic discourse.
The Vice-Chancellor of the University, Prof. Lawrence Ikechukwu Ezemonye, PhD, FAS, made the declaration during the World Environment Day 2026 commemoration held on Friday at the Main Library Conference Hall Main Campus, Okada, Edo State.
Prof. Ezemonye described the global theme “Now for Climate” as an urgent directive for immediate action, emphasizing that universities have a unique responsibility as custodians of knowledge and incubators of solutions. He called for strengthened interdisciplinary research, sustainable practices, community engagement, and collaboration among stakeholders to address climate change, forest conservation, and environmental health.
The Vice-Chancellor, who also serves as President and Chairman of the Governing Council of the Institute of Environmental Practitioners of Nigeria (IEPN), highlighted that climate change represents the defining health crisis of the 21st century. He stressed the deployment of nature-based solutions, renewable energy transitions, and climate-smart agriculture to restore ecosystems. Furthermore in his remarks, Prof. Ezemonye paid tribute to the founder of Igbinedion University, Chief Dr. Gabriel Osawaru Igbinedion, CON, CFR, the Honourable Chancellor and Esama of Benin Kingdom, for his lasting contributions to education in Nigeria.
Earlier on at the event, the Director of the Centre for Climate Change and Sustainable Development Goals at Igbinedion University, Prof. Spencer C. Nwangwu, warned that global temperatures have already surpassed 1.5°C above pre-industrial levels. He noted the severe impacts already being felt in Nigeria and the Niger Delta, including flooding, polluted farmlands, and declining fish stocks, while affirming that the world has the tools and will to reverse these trends through decisive action.
The event featured a keynote lecture by Dr. Nnimmo Bassey, MFR, Executive Director of the Health of Mother Earth Foundation (HOMEF), titled “Now for Climate: Nigeria’s Moment, Edo’s Opportunity Universities at the Vanguard of the Climate Transition.” Dr. Bassey advocated for sustainable practices, pollution reduction, and community resilience-building initiatives. Five thematic sessions addressed key areas including forests and climate infrastructure, clean industry and net-zero pathways, Edo State’s environmental governance, youth-led green innovation, and climate finance.
A major highlight was the donation and commissioning of 30 waste bins to Igbinedion University by the SWARM project, co-funded by the European Union, to support improved waste management on campus. The event brought together environmental experts, policymakers, academics, students, development partners, and other stakeholders committed to advancing climate solutions and a sustainable future.
