An environmental activist, Nnimmo Bassey, has called on universities to halt the “mindless global slide towards climate chaos, show what real climate action looks like and how it must be practicalized.”

Bassey made the call in his keynote address at an event organised by Igbinadion University to commemorate this year’s World Environment Day.

Speaking on the topic of the event: ‘Now for Climate: Nigeria’s Moment, Edo’s Opportunity – Universities at the Vanguard of the Climate Transition,’ Bassey said the topic was obviously crafted to underline the vital role that universities in climate justice.

According to him, universities, being citadel of learning, must generate knowledge that build capacity, shape public debate in the environment justice particularly it protection.

He said: “Protecting our ecosystems must be seen as an investment in the future rather than a constraint on development. Climate Now ought to begin with leaving fossil fuels in the ground and urgently investing in community centred energy resources.

“Universities are uniquely placed and equipped to generate knowledge, build capacity, shape public debate, drive policy and prepare present and future leaders.”

Bassey, while highlighting the critical role universities play in society, said “generating and sharing climate action templates and frameworks must be a critical focus of our universities.”

He added: “Clearly, the question is not whether universities have a role to play. The question is whether our universities are prepared to lead. At a time when climate change is transforming every sector of society, universities must become central actors in the transition.

“Every student graduating will enter a world shaped by climate realities. Whether they become teachers, lawyers, engineers, architects, doctors, economists, journalists, business leaders, or public servants, they will confront challenges linked to climate change and environmental sustainability.

“Climate literacy can no longer be confined to environmental science departments. It must become part of the educational experience across disciplines. Students should understand the history of climate change, who the main drivers have been and that while it calls for shared actions, justice demands that historical responsibility must not be swept under the carpet.

“Every graduate should understand the environmental dimensions of their profession and the responsibilities that come with it.

“Every citizen should be alert to the fact of global geopolitical imbalances and how these retard climate change negotiations even as the crisis intensifies. It is the role of universities to uncover the colonial roots of climate change and drive policies that would encourage our governments to demand for the payment of climate debt rather than seeking loss and damage funds or other elusive climate finance mechanisms.

“Universities must also strengthen research that addresses local realities. Too often, research priorities are shaped by external interests rather than community needs. Our universities should be generating knowledge that helps farmers adapt to changing climatic conditions, supports agroecology, improves renewable energy access, strengthens water management, protects biodiversity, and builds community resilience.

“Research should not remain confined to academic journals. It must serve society with universities being more of centres of innovation and demonstration. Campuses themselves should model sustainable practices through energy efficiency, renewable energy deployment, waste reduction, water conservation, tree planting, and ecosystem restoration. Students should be able to see sustainability in practice, not merely read about it in textbooks.”

The environmental activist who noted that Edo State possesses rich forests, fertile lands, important biodiversity, decried deforestation.

He added: “Although Edo State has 49 forest reserves , the major forest reserves in the state are those at Ehor, Sakponba, Gelegele and Okomu. Except for the forest reserve at Okomu the others are rather degraded and require serious efforts for recovery. Forests when properly managed can be veritable carbon sinks and that help to regulate the climate.”