The Vice-Chancellor of Tai Solarin University of Education, Prof. Oluwole Banjo, has underscored the need for collaboration between academic institutions and industry leaders to achieve a low-carbon future.
Banjo, in a statement on Monday, made this call during the 5-day Virtual Green Chemistry Conference hosted by More Green Plus, with support from Beyond Benign.
The conference, with the theme “Innovating with Chemistry in the 21st Century,” drew scientists from various universities across the world.
According to Banjo, green chemistry is pivotal in addressing environmental pollution and climate change.
The vice-chancellor emphasised that developing environmentally friendly chemical processes was the only viable solution to the ongoing environmental crisis.
He stated, “Green chemistry offers the only solution to address issues of climate change and this conference provided a platform for participants to explore diverse aspects of green chemistry, such as biofuels and life-cycle assessments, ensuring the long-term sustainability of these innovations.”
Running alongside the conference was the Interuniversity Competition., which aims to foster innovation and collaboration in green chemistry among Nigerian academic institutions.
Out of 20 institutions of higher learning across Nigeria invited for the exercise, 15 participated, reflecting a broad commitment to environmental stewardship.
Some of the participating institutions included Koladaisi University, Omuni, Oyo State; Ladoke Akintola University of Technology, Ogbomoso, Oyo State; the University of Ibadan; the University of Ilorin; the Federal University of Agriculture, Abeokuta; Chrisland University, Abeokuta, Kwara State; and the University, Malete, Ilorin, among others.
At the end of the competition, Chrisland University, Abeokuta, came up top; Koladaisi University was the first runner-up, while the Federal University, Wukari, Taraba State, came third
The Inter-University Competition on Green Chemistry Initiatives serves as a platform for students and faculty to collaborate, innovate, and tackle pressing environmental challenges through interdisciplinary research and projects.
Keynote speakers at the event included Prof. Temilola Oluseyi, a renowned expert on Green Chemistry; Prof. Enoch Olugbenga Dare of the Federal University of Agriculture, Abeokuta, who dealt with Green Chemistry, Nanotechnology and Circular Economy and Prof. Agbaje Lateef of the Department of Microbiology, Ladoke Akintola University of Technology, Ogbomoso, Oyo State.
It would be recalled that both Dr Akinsipo Oyesola and Dr Anselm Oluwaseun of the Chemistry Department won the Beyondbenign grant early this year.
Read More: ‘Collaboration will help industries tackle carbon emissions’