Call for Academic Leadership in Achieving Sustainable Development Goals
Stakeholders, including the Permanent Secretary of the Ogun State Ministry of Local Government and Chieftaincy Affairs, Dr Rotimiolu Akinlesi, have urged academics to take a leading role in efforts to achieve the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) by 2030. Akinlesi emphasized that individuals, corporate organizations, governments, and civil societies must all contribute to addressing global challenges that threaten a sustainable future for all.
In a statement delivered during a keynote address at the School of Arts and Social Sciences International Conference of the Sikiru Adetona College of Education, Science and Technology, Omu-Ajose, Ogun State, Akinlesi highlighted the importance of shared responsibility in creating a livable world.
The Role of Academic Institutions
Akinlesi spoke on the conference theme, “Sustainability in a Changing World: Adaptation and Resilience,” and underscored the crucial role of academic institutions in fostering a more sustainable planet. He noted that academic institutions worldwide have positioned themselves as essential drivers in the pursuit of sustainable development, often framed by the SDGs.
He provided examples such as the University of Manchester in the United Kingdom, which has achieved a world-leading ranking for its contributions to SDG 11 (Sustainable Cities and Communities). This demonstrates how academic expertise can be applied to create more resilient and equitable urban environments.
Similarly, he pointed out that Nigerian academic institutions like Afe Babalola University have been globally recognized for their work on SDG 7 (Affordable and Clean Energy). These achievements highlight that critical innovations and policy leadership in key areas like sustainable energy are being driven from within the national academic landscape.
Active Architects of a Sustainable Future
Akinlesi stated that such breakthroughs confirm that academic institutions are no longer passive observers but active architects of a sustainable world. They utilize research to provide solutions, educate generations of informed citizens, and set examples for operational sustainability across all sectors.
He called on academics to move beyond the traditional ivory tower, emphasizing that as knowledge producers, critical thinkers, and trainers of the next generation, they must leverage their expertise to turn the promise of sustainable development into a global reality.
Breaking Down Global Challenges
Akinlesi added, “As leaders, researchers, and educators at this conference on sustainability in a changing world, your role is not just to study global challenges, but to actively dismantle them.” He encouraged participants to conduct action-oriented, interdisciplinary research to find solutions to global challenges like climate change, poverty, hunger, and clean energy. He concluded with the belief that the brain, expertise, and future of the world lie in their hands.
Strengthening Institutional Capabilities
Delivering his paper, Professor of Political Science, Public Policy and Governance at Babcock University, Prof. Ngozi Nwogwugwu, stressed the need to strengthen institutions to proactively recognize challenges. He advocated for political will to establish an enabling framework for sustainable development.
Nwogwugwu advised the government to address challenges endangering sustainable development through good governance, adequate financing, sound policy design, stakeholder engagement, and community action.
Emphasizing the Urgency of Sustainability
Speaking at the conference, the Provost of the college, Dr Modupe Oba-Adenuga, emphasized the growing urgency of sustainability. She described it as both a global conversation and a moral and developmental imperative for the nation and institutions of higher learning.
She highlighted the critical role of higher institutions through research, advocacy, and innovative thinking. “We have a unique responsibility to explore how societies can adapt to evolving realities while preserving values that promote justice and equity,” she said.
A Call to Action
Earlier, in her welcome address, the Dean of the School of Arts and Social Sciences and host of the conference, Dr Adebusola Okedele, explained that the conference theme serves as a call to action. She urged all participants to remain committed to the sustainability of their communities, the country, and the world at large, stressing that the responsibility lies with everyone, not just the government.
Nigeria’s progress on the Sustainable Development Goals has been slow, with the country ranking poorly globally. However, there have been improvements in areas such as maternal health and gender equality in school enrollment. Challenges like corruption, insufficient funding, weak policies, and security issues continue to hinder progress, although the government has committed to refocusing its national development plan on achieving the 2030 goals.
Youth as Drivers of Change
The Federal Government recently urged Nigerian youths to take the “driver’s seat” in delivering the SDGs before the 2030 deadline, insisting that their creativity, innovation, and leadership are critical to shaping the country’s future.
The Minister of Youth Development, Ayodele Olawande, made this call at the UN House in Abuja during a Youth Dialogue with the United Nations Resident and Humanitarian Coordinator, Mr Mohamed Malick Fall, to mark International Youth Day 2025.
Olawande said, “This is not just about token participation. The time for youth action on SDGs, and beyond, is now. Nigeria’s youth will lead the way.”