The Ondo State Commissioner for Environment, Dr. Tob Loko, has played host to the Acting Rector of Rufus Giwa Polytechnic (RUGIPO), Mr. Adegun Olorunwa in his office in Akure. He said the Ministry’s door is open for genuine partnerships both locally and internationally.
Dr. Loko emphasized the roles of higher institutions in a nation’s building as research centers, where solutions are being proffered to various societal challenges. The proposal by RUGIPO to establish a Department of Climate Change is a welcome initiative, noting that knowledge-driven partnerships are critical to preparing the younger generation for the realities of climate change.
“I believe in institutional knowledge acquisition. If we have a partnership, this knowledge can be transmitted to the younger ones,” the Commissioner said.
The interactive session also provided an opportunity for directors in the ministry to offer insights on how the proposed department can be strengthened to become impactful, with courses tailored to produce graduates capable of driving climate-smart initiatives. They suggested that the department should be christened “Climate Science and Technology” as against “Climate Change Department”, earlier proposed by the Rector.
Earlier in his remarks, Mr. Adegun Olorunwa congratulated the Commissioner on his appointment and prayed for God’s guidance in his duties. He explained that the visit was aimed at introducing RUGIPO to the Ministry and exploring areas of collaboration.
According to him, the institution is repositioning itself to contribute meaningfully to society by reducing overdependence on government subvention. He said RUGIPO is now becoming a Leading institution in championing innovation in the country.
Mr. Olorunwa further outlined RUGIPO’s vision for climate action, which includes:
Organizing student climate summits,
Establishing a plastic waste recycling plant,
Creating awareness on water purification, and
Developing policies and training programs to address climate change and promote circular economy practices.
He emphasized that the proposed department would not only teach but also drive research, policy formulation, and climate-friendly innovations that will benefit the larger society.
In his response, the Ministry’s Administrative Secretary, Mr. Kinga Olumide, pledged the ministry’s support to RUGIPO in areas of teaching, consultation and strengthening the proposed departmental structure in order to achieve the desired goals and objectives.
“Climate change is a global challenge, and most people remain ignorant of its consequences. Producing students who can provide smart solutions, especially in areas such as climate-smart agriculture, is a step in the right direction,” he said.
Other officials of the ministry who attended the meeting include:
Mr. Funsho Ojifini, Director of Beautification, Parks & Gardens;
Mrs. Aderonke Folorunsho, Director of Climate Change;
Mr. Olowoparija Olorunwa, Director of Pollution Control & Sanitation; and
Mrs. Oluwakemi Akinyomi, Director of Planning, Research & Statistics.
Henry Johnson Olagundoye
(Min. of Environment)
