By Gabriel Chy Alonta
The 6th Unizik Business School (UBS) International Conference unfolded on Wednesday, May 8, 2024, at the ASUU-NAU Secretariat, setting the stage for an insightful discourse on “Climate and Environmental Challenges: Advancing the Frontiers of Disruptive Innovations in Nigeria.”
During the event, distinguished voices from academia and beyond echoed the urgent need for increased funding and strategic interventions to combat climate change. Prof. Mohammed Amine Issamis of the Institut Superieur De Commerce et D’administration des Entreprises, Kingdom Morocco, emphasized the necessity of global cooperation and multilateral efforts to address climate finance disparities, underscoring the imperative for sustainable development.
Another notable speaker, Prof. Okey Ikechukwu, mni, Executive Director, Development Spec, Academy, Abuja, shed light on the transcontinental dimensions of climate change and environmental challenges, urging for context-specific solutions to mitigate ecological issues. He highlighted the detrimental impacts of human activities such as dam construction, industrialization, and deforestation, stressing the need for proactive measures to reverse environmental degradation.
Addressing the audience, a former Dean of the Faculty of Environmental Science, Nnamdi Azikiwe University, Awka, Prof. Valerie Nnodu, stressed the importance of regulatory frameworks and technological innovations in combating climate change. She advocated for collaborative efforts and policy reforms to foster sustainable environmental management across Africa.
In his remarks, the University Vice-Chancellor, Prof. Charles Okechukwu Esimone, FAS, harped on the critical role of academia in addressing environmental challenges. He called for concerted efforts and synergy to tackle climate change and environmental degradation, stressing the need for sustainable development practices.
While disclosing the challenges faced by UBS, Prof. Chinedu Onyeizugbe, the Director, highlighted the school’s commitment to internationalization and innovation. He underscored the importance of collaborative partnerships and resource mobilization to address accommodation and energy supply challenges, reaffirming UBS’s dedication to advancing knowledge and research in environmental sustainability.
Prof. Frederick Odibo, the former deputy vice-chancellor (Academic), who chaired the occasion, echoed the urgency of addressing climate change, calling for increased government funding for climate-related research and initiatives. He urged stakeholders to prioritize environmental conservation and sustainable development practices.
In her closing remarks, Prof. Ezimma Nnabuife, the Chairman of the Local Organizing Committee, expressed gratitude to all participants for their presence and engagement throughout the conference. She urged students to leverage the insights gained from the event to make informed decisions regarding environmental issues, emphasizing the importance of proactive environmental stewardship.
Dr. Promise Oparah, the UBS Deputy Director II, reiterated this sentiment in his vote of thanks, urging attendees to adopt eco-friendly practices and implement innovative solutions discussed during the conference. He encouraged everyone to “think green,” prioritize the consumption of environmentally sustainable products, and embrace the spirit of innovation in addressing environmental challenges. Dr. Oparah expressed optimism about the impact of such initiatives and looked forward to the next UBS hybrid conference as a platform for further expanding the frontiers of knowledge and action in environmental sustainability.
The conference featured award presentations to esteemed individuals for their exemplary leadership and contributions to environmental conservation. They include Prof. Charles Okechukwu Esimone, Prof. Frederick Odibo, Dr. Christian Igwe, Engr. Mustafa Shehu, His Royalty, Engr. Otis Anyaeji, Apostle Uche Okorie, Dr. Felix Odimegwu, Chief Obialor Obidimalor, Chief Obinna Iyiegbu and Chika Nwaizu.
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