The Deputy Vice-Chancellor, Administration of the University of Ibadan, Professor Peter O. Olapegba, FNPA, C.Psych., FSSAN, fspsp, has reaffirmed the University’s strong commitment to addressing climate change through research, policy engagement, and strategic partnerships.

He made this reaffirmation on behalf of the Vice-Chancellor, Professor Kayode O. Adebowale, mni, FAS, fspsp, during a courtesy visit to the office of the Vice-Chancellor by a delegation of the African Group of Negotiators Experts Support (AGNES), Nairobi, Kenya.

The DVC said that the issue of climate change strongly resonates with the University of Ibadan’s vision.

He disclosed that the university has kept trees that were planted over a century ago and also created an indigenous tree park where many indigenous trees have been planted, adding that hundreds of trees have also been planted along the shores of the university’s dam as part of its commitment to environmental sustainability and climate action.

Professor Olapegba explained that the initiative reflects the university’s proactive efforts to promote biodiversity conservation, reduce environmental degradation, and contribute meaningfully to the fight against climate change.

The Deputy Vice-Chancellor noted that the signing of a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) aimed at fostering collaboration in climate change research, capacity building, and policy advocacy across Africa was part of the visit, and gave the assurance that the MoU would be a practical and active partnership and not merely a ceremonial agreement.

The leader of the AGNES team, Professor Edwin K. Wamukoya expressed deep concerns about the growing challenges of climate change and the need for collaborative efforts to drive sustainable development across Africa.

He emphasized that the Memorandum of Understanding provides a valuable platform for both institutions to work together in addressing these challenges, explaining that the MoU would enable collaboration in climate change research through joint publications, execution of projects relating to the climate change as well as students and staff exchange programmes.

Professor Wamukoya also said that the collaboration would allow both institutions to harness shared expertise and bring together specialists who are capable of developing practical and innovative solutions to climate change.