Prof. Uzochukwu calls for Environmental Sustainability

Prof. Uzochukwu calls for Environmental Sustainability
The Guest Lecturer and founding Director, Interdisciplinary Waste Management Institute (WMI) of North Carolina Agricultural and Technical State University, U.S.A, Prof. Godfrey Arinze Uzochukwu has reiterated that the world faces unprecedented challenges such as population trends, global warming, and overexploitation of natural resources, oil-dependent energy, water and food shortages and sustainability. Hence, higher education has a crucial role to play in addressing these challenges.
Prof. Uzochukwu made this call during a workshop on University Sustainability which was organized by the Interdisciplinary Waste Management Institute (WMI) of North Carolina Agricultural and Technical State University, U.S.A in collaboration with the University of Nigeria, Nsukka.
“The purpose of University environmental sustainability arose because future challenges to civilization include population pressure, climate change, energy security, environmental degradation, water and food security and sustainable development”, he said.
Prof. Uzochukwu emphasized that despite much scientific research and public discussion, many governments around the world have yet to commit to a sustainable agenda. Concerned people at UNN see that universities have a privileged position to help develop a consensus on key areas for action”.
Furthermore he said that key environmental sustainability areas include: Setting and Infrastructure; Energy and Climate Change; Waste Management; Water Transportation and Education
Meanwhile, he said that waste treatment and recycling activities are major factors in creating a sustainable environment. Stating that the activities of university staff and students in campus would produce a lot of waste, therefore some programs and waste treatments should be among the concern of the university, i.e. recycling program, toxic waste recycling, organic waste treatment, inorganic waste treatment, sewerage disposal, policy to reduce the use of paper and plastic in campus.
In addition, he noted that the role of water cannot be over emphasized. “The aim is that universities can decrease water usage, increase conservation program and protect the habitat”.
He continued that the “transportation system plays an important role on the carbon emission and pollutant level in university. Transportation policy to limit the number of motor vehicles in campus, the use of campus bus and bicycle will encourage a healthier environment. The pedestrian policy will encourage students and staff to walk around campus, and avoid using private vehicle. The use of environmentally friendly public transportation will decrease carbon footprint around campus”.
However, the Vice-Chancellor, UNN, Prof. Benjamin C. Ozumba who was represented by the Deputy Vice-Chancellor (Administration), Prof. Edwin Igbokwe in his welcome address said that the workshop was apt bearing in mind the challenges that confronts us in terms of sustaining the environment.
Also, the Director, African Climate Change Adaptation Initiative, UNN, Prof. (Mrs) Anthonia I. Achike said that there was need to raise awareness of environmental sustainability issues in order to combat the challenges of climate change.
Other facilitators at the workshop include Prof. I. G. Madu; Prof. C. C. Mbajiorgu; Prof. M. I. Uguru and Prof. F. Ezema.
Olanrewaju Mgboji