The Executive Director of the Environmental Defenders Network (EDEN), Barrister Chima Williams, has charged tertiary institutions in Nigeria to take a more proactive role in addressing environmental sustainability and climate change beyond academic discourse.
Williams made the call at the 2026 International Multidisciplinary Hybrid Conference on Climate Change and Environmental Sustainability held at Alex Ekwueme Federal University, Ndufu-Alike (FUNAI), Ebonyi State, where he served as the keynote speaker.
He urged universities to move from theoretical engagement to practical solutions by creating platforms that challenge established assumptions, promote innovation, and foster partnerships that extend beyond campus boundaries.
Describing climate change as a “lived reality,” Williams noted that the world is already grappling with rising temperatures, prolonged droughts, flooding, biodiversity loss, and threats to food security and public health.
“These challenges show that environmental sustainability is not just an ecological issue but one of justice, development, human rights, and survival,” he said.
While acknowledging global efforts such as the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change (UNFCCC), the Kyoto Protocol, and the Paris Agreement, he expressed concern that greenhouse gas emissions continue to rise, with developing countries bearing the greatest burden.
He cited Nigeria as a clear example, highlighting environmental degradation from oil pollution in the Niger Delta, desertification in the North, coastal erosion, and urban flooding caused by poor planning and waste management.
Despite these challenges, Williams emphasized that the climate crisis presents an opportunity to rethink development models, transition to sustainable energy, restore ecosystems, and build resilient societies.
“The decisions we make today will shape the environmental legacy we leave for future generations,” he added.
As part of his recommendations, Williams encouraged participants to collaborate across disciplines and sustain conversations beyond the conference, stressing that environmental justice is about protecting both nature and humanity.
In a move to deepen environmental advocacy among students, he called on FUNAI authorities to support the establishment of a Students Environmental Assembly Nigeria (SEAN) branch within the institution.
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He also announced the institution of two environmental awards—the Vice Chancellor’s Award for the Cleanest Faculty and the Dean of Faculty of Arts Award for the Cleanest Hostel—with cash prizes of ₦200,000 and ₦100,000 respectively.
The conference also featured Williams’ donation of exotic fruit and ornamental trees to the university, symbolising his commitment to practical environmental action.
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