The Centre for Climate Change at Bells University of Technology, Ota, organized a sensitization seminar on Monday, May 31, 2023, at the BUPF International Conference Centre.
The seminar, titled “The Centre for Climate Change of Bells University of Technology: A Response to the 21st Century Challenges to Human Existence,” aimed to enlighten the University Community about the Vision and Mission of the Centre and its ongoing activities. It also served as a call to action regarding the impact of Climate Change worldwide.
Dr. Folashade Ogunleye, a member of the Centre for Climate Change team, welcomed the audience, consisting of staff and students, to a journey concerning the “Present and Future Planet.” Throughout the program, the audience was made aware of the urgency of climate change and why immediate action is necessary.
Recognizing the timeliness of the seminar, Prof. Jeremiah O. Ojediran, R.E, (COREN), MNSE, FNIAE, the Chief Host and Vice-Chancellor, highlighted examples of the effects of Climate Change in our immediate environment, such as the early onset of the rainy season, which could lead to an early dry season and have adverse effects on food security. He emphasized the importance of the University’s involvement with the Centre for Climate Change to gain global recognition and join other universities in the fight against Climate Change worldwide.
The Vice-Chancellor also emphasized that the Climate Change Centre aligns with the vision of the Promoter, Chief Olusegun Obasanjo, GCFR, PhD, and that he supports the action against climate change.
An entertaining and educational playlet was performed by the Bells University Drama Troupe, encompassing the goals of the seminar. The play conveyed the message that the disastrous effects of climate change are caused by human negligence and negative attitudes toward the environment. It also highlighted Climate Change as one of the 17 Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) and received praise from the Vice-Chancellor and Host.
Dr. Felicia Yusuf, the University Librarian, encouraged everyone to utilize the activities of the Centre for Climate Change to drive relevant climate issues and research. She emphasized the need to document such events through pictures and videos, uploading them to the University’s website and social media platforms to gain visibility internationally.
Dr. A. Daramola, the Ag. Director of the Centre for Agricultural Technology and Entrepreneurial Studies (CATES), commended the Centre for Climate Change for organizing the seminar in a short time. He emphasized the importance of showcasing Bells Tech’s dedication to sustainability through the University’s media platforms to the international community.
The Awareness Seminar was presented by Prof. S. Babatunde Agbola, the Director of the Centre for Climate Change, Bells University of Technology, Ota. He commended the Playlet for effectively covering all the important aspects of the Awareness Seminar.
Prof. Agbola emphasized that if the effects of Climate Change may seem distant now, they will inevitably affect us in the future, and we should not be complacent. He highlighted human intervention and technology as effective responses to Climate Change. He also expressed the University’s commitment to research collaborations with relevant Ministries, Departments, Agencies, and Research Institutions, as well as the possibility of collaborating with other colleges to conduct intentional research aligned with climate change and the 17 Sustainable Development Goals.
In conclusion, the Vice-Chancellor praised the Centre for their successful work and challenged them to continue their efforts beyond the seminar.