FUNAAB’s COLERM Holds Maiden Conference, Honours Retired Professors for Contributions to Environmental Research

The Federal University of Agriculture, Abeokuta, through its College of Environmental Resources Management (COLERM), has held the maiden edition of its Annual Conference with a strong call for collaborative and transdisciplinary approaches to environmental sustainability in emerging economies.

The conference, which took place on April 27, 2026, at the Red Chamber of the university, brought together academics, policymakers, researchers, and environmental stakeholders under the theme: “Transdisciplinary Resources Management for Sustainable Environmental Resilience in Emerging Economies.”

Delivering the opening address on behalf of the Vice-Chancellor, Prof. Babatunde Kehinde, the Deputy Vice-Chancellor (Academic), Prof. Olusegun Idowu, described the conference as an important platform for intellectual engagement, innovation, and collaborative problem-solving in addressing contemporary environmental challenges.

According to him, the conference reflects the university’s commitment to academic excellence, impactful research, and community engagement aimed at producing globally competitive graduates.

He further stressed the need for emerging economies to balance economic growth with environmental sustainability, advocating integrated approaches that combine science, policy, and practical implementation. He highlighted renewable energy development, green economy initiatives, and stronger environmental governance as critical areas requiring urgent attention.

In his welcome address, the Dean of COLERM, Prof. Olusegun Oguntoke, noted that the conference was designed to advance environmental knowledge, stimulate meaningful dialogue, and encourage innovative solutions to environmental challenges.

He expressed appreciation to the university management for supporting the initiative and reaffirmed the college’s commitment to practical and sustainable environmental management strategies.

The keynote lecture was delivered by Prof. Adeniyi Gbadegesin and represented by Prof. Amidu Ayeni. The lecture focused on the need to move transdisciplinary environmental management beyond theoretical discussions toward practical implementation capable of delivering measurable societal impact.

The keynote speaker emphasised the importance of environmental policies that align with social realities while balancing ecological protection with human development needs. He also advocated stronger environmental monitoring systems driven by real-time reporting mechanisms to enable swift intervention when environmental thresholds are exceeded.

The lecture further highlighted concerns over rapid land-use changes caused by urbanisation and infrastructure expansion, warning that such developments continue to accelerate land degradation and weaken ecological systems.

Also speaking, the Chairman of the Local Organising Committee, Prof. Omotola Jayeola, described the conference as a landmark event in the history of COLERM since its establishment in 1988.

He noted that the conference aligns with the college’s broader vision of promoting innovation, dialogue, and sustainability-focused research within the environmental sector.

A major highlight of the event was the presentation of Special Merit Awards to retired professors of the college in recognition of their contributions to academic excellence, institutional development, and environmental research over the years.