VC Harps On Strategic Research To Achieve SDGs

Vice chancellor of Abiola Ajimobi Technical University, (AATU), Professor Adesola Ajayi, has emphasised the crucial role of research in achieving the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).

Ajayi, who stated this at a two-day German Academic Exchange Service (DAAD) Alumnae workshop at Babcock University, highlighted the need for strategic research on climate change drivers, such as consumption, production, distribution and degradation.

He urged women to play a more significant role in citizen communication and advocacy, leveraging their potential to end poverty.

He praised the organisers for advocating climate change mitigation and research, encouraging them to expand their advocacy group and focus on impactful research.

The workshop, themed, “From Vulnerability to Resilience: Empowering Women to Address Climate Change through Sustainable Development Goals,” aimed to foster collaboration, knowledge sharing and publication in climate change mitigation among others.

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.

The keynote speaker, Lagos State Commissioner for Agriculture and Food Systems, Ms. Abisola Olusanya noted that climate change is a reality in Nigeria, with women bearing the burden but also holding the promise for transformative change. She stressed the need for partnerships to build food systems that work for women, while addressing structural disadvantages they face.

Olusanya was represented by the director, Farm Service and Entrepreneurial Centre, Mrs. Olawunmi Akinola. Director of Research, Innovation and International Cooperation, (RIIC), Babcock University, Professor Grace Tayo said women as key agents of change if empowered with knowledge and skills to adapt to climate change, 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.

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