UNIUYO VC Advocates Circular Economy Models To Reduce Wastes, Mitigate Climate Change

By Timothy Ekpo

UYO

The vice chancellor of the University of Uyo (UNIUYO), Professor Nyaudoh Ndaeyo, has advocated for circular economy models to tackle wastages and mitigate climate change in the country.

Ndaeyo stated this while declaring open an engagement forum with the theme Circular Economy: Activating Greener Minds among Academia, Industry and Government Practitioners,which took place in Uyo.

At the event which was organised by the International Centre for Energy and Environmental Sustainability Research (ICEESR), University of Uyo, Professor Nyaudoh Ndaeyo said circular economy remains the only option to go, because the linear economy type of production has proven to be inefficient.

While noting that academia, industry and government were more or less culprits when it comes to depleting or causing disequilibrium in the natural setting, the VC said any opinion or experience on how to bring back the economy to where it should be, was something that should be commendable.

“Circular Economy is the way to go, not linear. Of course, we know that linear is inefficient, if it is circular, the tendency to recycle is there. And, of course, to reactivate the mind for us to think green economy,” he said.

” A lot of waste, climate change and the attendant efforts of which are more pronounced this year in Nigeria than any other year, are just reasons why we should come around and form a forum to think of what to do.

“I commend all thinking in this direction, I don’t have any doubt that the communique that will emanate from the interaction will help change the system”.

Earlier in his remarks, the chairman of the American Chemical Society, Prof. Joshua Obaleye, noted that despite the turbulent experience of both natural and unexpected circumstances facing the world, a breathing space can still be made available for organizing the programme

He challenged participants to come out with innovative ideas and share knowledge aimed at educating, sensitizing and creating awareness of green chemistry and engineering in meeting the sustainable development goals.

The director, International Centre for Energy and Environmental Sustainability Research, University of Uyo, Dr Edu Inam, explained that the objective of the forum is to “integrate green chemistry into school curriculum in the primary, secondary and tertiary institutions because green and sustainable economy plays significant role in achieving the SDGs”

While expressing satisfaction with the various presentations which she noted would help in the transformation of the country’s economy, Dr Inam said that the training is concentrating on the trainers to be able to impart to the students at various levels.

Government officials, captains of Industries and members of the academia graced the occasionally, while the head, Delegation of German Chambers of Industry and Commerce in Nigeria, Mrs Katharina Felgenhauer, delivered a keynote.