By Dele Ogbodo
The Minister of Innovation, Science and Technology, Chief Uche Nnaji has advocated for a convergence of interdisciplinary research and stakeholders approach to tackling climate change impact and vulnerabilities.
Nnaji, made the disclosure as key note speaker at the conference on Climate Change on Wednesday 2, April 2025, with theme: “Harnessing Interdisciplinary Research to Develop Innovative Solutions to Climate Change” at the Godfrey Okoye University (GOUNI), Enugu, Enugu State.
The Minister who was represented by his Special Assistant (SA), Dr. Patricks Oghuma, acknowledged that research and innovation have become so disruptive that they no longer beg for accommodation in climate change milieu.
He said: “Today, we gather not just to discuss climate change but to explore how Nigeria can turn cutting-edge research into market-driven solutions, where science meets industry for real-world impact.”
According to the Minister, interdisciplinary research integrates knowledge from diverse fields, such as climate science, engineering, economics, policy, behavioral psychology, and artificial intelligence, to create innovative, adaptable solutions.
Climate change, the Minister affirmed is no longer a distant threat, it is a present reality, stressing that rising global temperatures, extreme weather events, biodiversity loss, and sea-level rise demand urgent action.
Nnaji, said: “Traditional siloed approaches, where scientists, engineers, economists, and social scientists work in isolation, are no longer sufficient.
“The complexity of climate change requires us to break down disciplinary barriers and collaborate across fields to develop holistic, scalable solutions.
“Nigeria faces a dual challenge: mitigating climate threats while unlocking economic growth.
“From desertification in the North to flooding in the South, the risks are real, but so are the opportunities. The global green economy is projected to be worth $10 trillion by 2050.”
He commended the Vice Chancellor of the University, Prof. Christian Anieke and Dr. Christy Onyia, Director, Interdisciplinary Research Directorate and other Management Team from the Ministry for their vision and leadership to engage meaningfully with stakeholders and academia.
According to him, the proactive between the academia and government will no doubt lay solid foundation for a stronger, more innovative solutions for climate change vulnerabilities across Nigeria.
He said: “Under the direction of the Directorate of Interdisciplinary Research. I wish to thank the Vice Chancellor, Prof. Dr. Christian Anieke, the Governing Council and Management of this great University for the invitation as the keynote speaker.”
Furthermore, the Minister added: “I commend your foresight, which clearly demonstrates your commitment to getting our country to move with time and in the right direction by leveraging Science Technology and Innovation.
“This gathering of great minds, experts, academia, and industry players with a shared commitment is crucial as we discuss a theme of utmost importance: “Harnessing Interdisciplinary Research to develop Innovative Solutions to Climate Change.”
Top dignitaries at the event included Rev. Fr. Prof. Christain Anieke, Vice Chancellor of the University, the DVC, Rev. Sis. Prof. N Nwachukwu, Commissioner of Environment of Enugu State, Prof. Chidi Uhuegbu, Dean Natural Science and Environmental Studies (NASES) Godfrey Okoye, Assoc. Prof. Atolani Olubumi, Deputy Director, Centre for Research Development and In-house Training, University of Ilorin, Nigeria, Prof. Idika, Dept. Veterinary Entomology and Parasitology, University of Nigeria, Nsukka, Prof. Charles Oluwaseun Adetunji Director, Research and Innovation, Edo State University, Iyamho, Edo State, Dr. Rose Gidado, Director, Agriculture and Food Department, National Biotechnology Research and Development Agency, Abuja, Nigeria Coordinator, Assoc. Prof. Obiageli Christie Onyia, Director, Inter-Disciplinary Research Directorate, GOUNI, Enugu and others
