Dr. Adesoji Tayo, during the fifth College Lecture at Osun State University, urged Nigerian higher education institutions to integrate Environmental, Social, and Governance (ESG) principles into their strategic planning. Addressing the assembly in Osogbo, Tayo emphasized that universities must prepare for modern global challenges like climate change and technological shifts by adopting structured, measurable, and phased ESG strategies.
The three core pillars of this framework involve environmental stewardship, social responsibility, and institutional integrity. According to Tayo, applying these principles will enhance teaching quality, research output, innovation, and global competitiveness. He also recommended that universities utilize artificial intelligence to boost productivity and proposed the Òṣogbo Declaration on ESG and Sustainable Universities to codify these commitments.
Osun State University Vice-Chancellor, Prof. Odunayo Clement Adebooye, supported this initiative, framing it as a vital step for the institution. He highlighted that UNIOSUN is already taking action through its Global Affairs and Sustainable Development Institute and its ongoing focus on renewable energy research. Adebooye reaffirmed the university’s dedication to maintaining its status as a leader in sustainable development and intellectual discourse.
