The Vice Chancellor of Abiola Ajimobi Technical University, Professor Adesola Ajayi, has underscored the indispensable role of strategic research in the attainment of the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), particularly in the fight against climate change.
Ajayi made this known while speaking at a two-day workshop organised by the German Academic Exchange Service (DAAD) Alumnae, in collaboration with African Women in Climate Research and Action (AWCRA) and Babcock University, Ilishan-Remo, Ogun State.
The workshop, themed “From Vulnerability to Resilience: Empowering Women to Address Climate Change through Sustainable Development Goals”, drew participants from across West and Southern Africa including Nigeria, Republic of Benin, Ghana, Cameroon, Zambia, South Africa and Germany.
Ajayi emphasized that research must focus on critical drivers of climate change such as consumption patterns, production methods, distribution channels and environmental degradation.
According to him, achieving sustainable development requires a targeted research approach backed by active citizen advocacy, particularly from women.
He said, “Women must take on greater responsibility in citizen communication and advocacy. Their involvement is central to ending poverty and ensuring that policies reflect the realities on the ground.”
The Vice Chancellor commended the organisers for promoting climate change mitigation through research and advocacy, urging them to expand their network and focus on research with real impact.
Also speaking at the event, Lagos State Commissioner for Agriculture and Food Systems, Ms. Abisola Olusanya, who was represented by Mrs. Olawunmi Akinola, Director of Farm Service and Entrepreneurial Centre, said women bear the brunt of climate change in Nigeria but are also positioned to drive transformative solutions.
She stressed the need for stronger partnerships to create inclusive food systems that empower women while addressing existing structural barriers.
“Climate change is no longer a future threat; it is a present reality. Women are not just victims—they are critical to leading change,” she said.
Professor Grace Tayo, Director of Research, Innovation and International Cooperation (RIIC) at Babcock University, echoed similar sentiments, stating that empowering women with the right knowledge and skills could help build resilient communities capable of sustaining development.
Coordinator of AWCRA, Dr. Omowunmi Kayode, said the objective of the workshop was to catalyse practical and actionable solutions to Africa’s climate crisis.
“We hope to birth innovative solutions for a sustainable future. This is a call to harness our collective expertise and creativity to drive meaningful change,” she said.
A key highlight of the event was the inauguration of the pioneer Climate ChInnovation at Babcock University High School, marking a significant step in climate education and youth engagement.
PLATFORM TIMES reports that the workshop facilitated knowledge exchange, collaboration, and publication efforts among climate researchers and advocates, with a strong focus on promoting gender-inclusive strategies for sustainability across the continent.
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