By Isa Isawade
The Osun State University (UNIOSUN), Osogbo on Thursday 25th June 2026 held its 5th Lecture of the College of Science, Engineering and Technology, bringing home the roles of the University in Environmental, Social and Governance (ESG) structure towards sustainability.
The theme of the lecture held at the Olagunsoye Oyinlola Auditorium of the university’s main campus, Osogbo and delivered by a Microfinance & Sustainable Development expert and Chairman, GMHI Initiative, Ibadan, Dr Adesoji Tayo, was “Environmental, Social and Governance (ESG) towards Sustainability: Role of the University.
The guest lecturer who did justice to the theme emphasised that the responsibility of universities extends beyond teaching, research and community service but include generating innovation, shaping public policy, stimulating economic development and providing practical solutions to increasingly complex global challenges. He quoted UNESCO 2021 that universities’ relevance “is measured not only by the knowledge they produce but also by the impact that knowledge creates for society.”
He shared the view that “The contemporary world is confronted by interconnected challenges, including climate change, resource depletion, technological disruption, rapid urbanization, energy insecurity and widening social inequalities. Addressing these issues requires institutions that can integrate scientific inquiry, technological innovation, responsible governance, and strategic partnerships into sustainable solutions. Universities are uniquely positioned to fulfil this responsibility because they educate future leaders while simultaneously generating the knowledge that drives national and global development.”
Within that context, according to him, Environmental, Social and Governance (ESG) has emerged as a strategic framework for responsible leadership and sustainable value creation.
He added that, “Although its origins lie in the corporate and investment sectors, its principles are equally applicable to higher education, where institutional governance, research, innovation, environmental stewardship and community engagement collectively determine long-term relevance and competitiveness.
“For institutions devoted to science, engineering, technology and the build environment, ESG provides an opportunity to transform scientific knowledge into technologies, technologies into practical solutions, and those solutions into societal progress.”
Dr Tayo argued that the University of the future would be distinguished not by what it teaches but by the innovation it creates, the partnerships it nurtures, the communities it transforms and the sustainable future it helps to build.
The lecturer noted that ESG seeks to ask three fundamental questions which are how responsibly do we manage the resources entrusted to us and protect the environment; how fairly do we treat people and contribute to society, and how transparently, ethically and effectively do we make decisions and manage our institution?
“An organisation that performs well in these three areas is generally more resilient, innovative and sustainable. ESG therefore goes beyond financial performance to evaluate whether an institution is creating long-term value for both present and future generations,” Tayo said.
He revealed that today, governments, investors, development partners, accreditation bodies and regulatory agencies use ESG indicators to assess institutional quality, accountability, resilience, and long-term sustainability.
Therefore, he stressed that the concept is particularly compelling.
“Universities educate future leaders, generate scientific discoveries, develop technologies, influence public policy and engage directly with society. Their success should therefore be judged not only by the number of graduates they produce or the papers they publish but also by the solutions they create, the communities they transform and the confidence they inspire. ESG provides a practical framework for achieving these objectives.
“In essence, ESG is not an additional administrative requirement; it is a better way of running an institution. It strengthens governance, improves operational efficiency, attracts partnerships and investment, enhances innovation and positions universities to convert knowledge into sustainable societal development,” he explained.
The Vice-Chancellor of the University, Professor Odunayo Clement Adebooye, in his address spoke in consonance with the theme by saying that ESG underscores a university’s profound responsibility as an institution of higher learning.
“At Osun State University, we recognise that our duty extends far beyond the traditional boundaries of the classroom. Universities are the engines of innovation and custodians of societal progress.
“Through cutting-edge scientific research, sustainable engineering designs and technologically driven solutions, we possess the unique capacity to turn the core pillars of ESG from abstract corporate frameworks into actionable, real-world impacts that preserve our environment and uplift our communities,” Prof. Adebooye said.
He stated that the lecture served as a clarion call for UNIOSUN to lead by example in fostering a culture of holistic sustainability.
He assured that the institution’s ESG vision was not merely rhetorical, adding that “it is actively woven into the very fabric of our university’s daily operations and strategic vision.”
“At UNIOSUN, we are systematically updating our science, engineering and technology curricula to ensure our students graduate with a deep, practical understanding of sustainable development. This academic evolution is championed by our highly committed facuty- visionary educators and reseachers who consistently push the boundaries of green innovation while mentoring our students to think globally and act ethically,” Adebooye said.
He pledged that UNIOSUN would continue to strengthen research in renewable energy, environmental sciences, public health, agriculture, governance systems and social innovation.
“We will continue to raise graduates who are not only employable but responsible. Graduates who understand that success without sustainability is incomplete. Graduates who know that leadership without ethics is dangerous, and graduates who believe that knowledge must serve humanity,” he added.
He told the students that their generation carries the greatest responsibility in shaping the future, asking them to be conscious of their environment, be responsible in their choices, be innovative in their thinking and be courageous in their pursuit of solutions.
“The world does not need more spectators, it needs problem-solvers. As we listen, learn and engage today, may this lecture inspire fresh ideas, deeper partnerships and actionable solutions. May it strengthen our resolve to build a future that is greener, fairer, more ethical and more sustainable,” he admonished.
He commended what he described as the good leadership of the college’s provost, Prof. Sunday Akinde, adding that the success of the event was a testament to Akinde’s leadership. He also commended “all Deans, Head of Department, and every single staff member (academic and non-academic) of this great college. My special commendation is also extended to the Chair and members of the planning committee for a great planning and execution task.”
He expressed appreciation to the Chairman of the day, Alhaji (Dr) Murtadha Adeyemi Adeniji, Chairman/CEO of Starlink Global & Ideal Limited, who is an honorary alumnus of the university and who donated the sum of N20m to the college at the event. He said Adeniji’s “success story continues to inspire our students and demonstrates the boundless possibilities that lie ahead for every UNIOSUN graduate.
Adebooye added that Alhaji Adeniji’s sustained connection with Osun State University and his “unwavering support for its progress speak volumes about the strong and cordial relationship you share with this institution, a bond we deeply cherish and celebrate.”
The Vice-Chancellor who announced at the event that his tenure at the university would expire in six months’ time also thanked the royal father of the day, the Owa Obokun of Ijeshaland, Oba Clement Adesuyi Haastrup for always honouring the institution’s invitations. Oba Haastrup also donated the sum of N5m at the event to the college.
He also commended the guest lecturer, Dr Adesoji Tayo for accepting the responsibility and for a very insightful lecture. He extended his appreciation to other dignitaries and participants.
The Provost of College of Science, Engineering and Technology, Osun State University, Professor Sunday Akinde welcomed all to the lecture and emphasised that the occasion was more than an academic event but “a celebration of ideas, innovation, partnerships, and enduring belief that universities remain humanity’s most dependable institutions for solving society’s greatest challenges.”
The provost seized the moment to inform the public that the college already boasted of an active student population of 11,957 and an alumni family of over 6,212 professionals contributing across the country and the global community.
“Our college offers 36 fully accredited academic programmes through 29 departments distributed across four faculties, making one of the university’s foremost centres of teaching, research, innovation and professional training,” he added.
Akinde eulogised the university’s vice-chancellor, Prof. Odunayo Adebooye for what he described as visionary leadership.
“Under his stewardship, academic quality, student welfare, staff development, research, infrastructure and institutional visibility have received remarkable attention,” he added.
In his remarks, Oba Adesuyi Haastrup stressed the importance of youths engagement and empowerment, measures he said he took to ameliorate the situation of his Ijesa people on assumption of the throne by engaging in massive farming to engage and support the youths in order to reduce crime.
The royal father expressed two major worries- the insecurity in the country and the increasing spate of political violence in Osun towards the August 15 governorship election. He urged politicians to eschew violence and put the love of the state at heart. He said he would continue to speak against violence until sanity prevail.
Another royal father at the event, Orangun of Oke Ila said Nigeria is a blessed country without history of natural disasters unlike some countries around the word. He cited the Wednesday’s earthquake incident in Venezuela where over 164 people have been declared dead with hundreds injured. This, he said, would not make the people of Venezuela leave the country. He admonished Nigerian youths to bury the thought of running away from Nigeria because of whatever crisis the country might be going through. According to him, Nigeria is a beautiful country and the path of honour and greatness is for her citizens to have the courage to stay to solve the problems and build a greater nation.
In attendance were dignitaries from the academia, traditional institution, and the corporate world.
