The Federal University Lokoja (FUL) has officially inaugurated the International Centre for Climate Change, Floods, and Environmental Sustainability (I3CFES), a specialised hub aimed at tackling pressing climate challenges through research, innovation, and strategic collaboration. The centre’s launch took place on Thursday at the Engr. Joseph and Enesi Makoju Memorial Lecture Theatre, attracting scholars, policymakers, and stakeholders from across the country.
Vice-Chancellor Prof. Olayemi Akinwumi described the inauguration as “timely and necessary,” particularly for Lokoja, a city uniquely vulnerable to flooding due to its location at the confluence of the Niger and Benue Rivers. He emphasized that I3CFES would provide critical, evidence-based research and actionable policy guidance, while promoting community-focused interventions. “This centre will serve as a beacon of innovation, resilience, and hope,” he noted.
According to FUL, the centre’s core mission will revolve around research and innovation, policy advocacy, consultancy services, and capacity building. Beyond academia, I3CFES aims to foster green enterprise incubation, facilitate knowledge exchange, and establish international partnerships to strengthen climate action initiatives both locally and globally.
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Prof. Akinwumi also commended Emeritus Prof. Jimmy O. Adegoke, the inaugural Director of I3CFES, for agreeing to lead the centre on a pro bono basis. Recognized globally for his contributions to climate science, Prof. Adegoke’s expertise is expected to shape the centre into a world-class hub for climate research and sustainable solutions.
In his remarks, Prof. Adegoke reflected on the origin of the centre, recalling that he first discussed the concept with the Vice-Chancellor four years ago. He underscored the urgency of addressing climate change, describing it as a “cross-cutting issue affecting every aspect of life.” Prof. Adegoke committed to driving the centre’s mission and announced plans to institute an annual joint lecture in honour of the Vice-Chancellor before the end of his tenure in February 2026. “This centre will be a beacon of hope in Africa and beyond,” he added.
The director also lauded the Kogi State Government for its pioneering climate initiatives, highlighting the establishment of the first-ever Kogi State Climate Change Agency under Governor Ahmed Usman Ododo. He noted that such collaborations between academic institutions and government agencies are critical to implementing effective climate policies and sustainable development strategies.
Prof. Olarewaju Ifatimehin, Chairman of the Local Organising Committee, stressed that the establishment of I3CFES arose from necessity rather than coincidence, reflecting the urgent environmental realities of Lokoja and the surrounding region. He highlighted the city’s vulnerability to recurrent flooding, which threatens livelihoods, infrastructure, and public health, and emphasized the need for proactive, research-driven interventions.
The inauguration of I3CFES has been described by stakeholders as a “giant stride” in positioning the Federal University Lokoja as a leading academic institution in Africa’s climate action landscape. By integrating research, innovation, and policy advocacy, the centre is set to influence climate resilience strategies not only in Nigeria but across the continent.
Research and Innovation at the Heart of I3CFES
FUL has outlined a comprehensive strategy for I3CFES, placing research and innovation at the centre of its operations. The centre will focus on multidisciplinary studies, combining environmental science, engineering, social science, and policy research to develop practical solutions to climate and flood-related challenges.
Key research areas include flood risk assessment, climate adaptation strategies, sustainable urban planning, and green energy solutions. By leveraging data-driven approaches and cutting-edge technology, I3CFES aims to provide actionable insights that policymakers, communities, and private-sector stakeholders can implement.
In addition to research, the centre plans to incubate green enterprises, promoting entrepreneurship in renewable energy, water management, and eco-friendly infrastructure. By fostering a culture of innovation, I3CFES seeks to create sustainable economic opportunities while addressing environmental challenges.
Capacity Building and Policy Advocacy
A critical component of I3CFES’s mandate is capacity building. The centre will offer training programs, workshops, and seminars to equip researchers, students, and community leaders with the knowledge and skills needed to tackle climate change effectively. By empowering local communities, I3CFES aims to create resilient populations that can adapt to environmental changes and reduce vulnerability to natural disasters.
Policy advocacy will also play a central role. I3CFES intends to collaborate with government agencies, NGOs, and international bodies to influence climate policies that are science-driven, practical, and community-focused. Through evidence-based research and public engagement, the centre seeks to ensure that climate strategies are both effective and sustainable.
International Collaboration and Knowledge Exchange
Recognizing the global nature of climate challenges, I3CFES plans to establish international partnerships with universities, research institutions, and climate-focused organizations worldwide. These collaborations will facilitate knowledge exchange, joint research projects, and international conferences aimed at sharing best practices and innovative solutions.
By fostering a global network of experts and institutions, I3CFES aims to position the Federal University Lokoja as a leading voice in Africa’s climate discourse, influencing both regional and international strategies for environmental sustainability.
A Vision for the Future
The launch of I3CFES represents a milestone in Nigeria’s climate action journey. With a focus on research, innovation, policy, and community engagement, the centre is poised to drive transformative change in Lokoja and beyond.
Prof. Akinwumi reaffirmed the university’s commitment to leveraging I3CFES as a platform for innovation, resilience, and sustainable development. “Our goal is not just to study climate change but to provide solutions that make a real difference in communities affected by flooding and environmental degradation,” he said.
Prof. Adegoke echoed this vision, emphasizing that climate change affects every sector of society, from agriculture and health to infrastructure and governance. By addressing these challenges holistically, I3CFES hopes to become a model for climate action in Africa, inspiring similar initiatives across the continent.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the International Centre for Climate Change, Floods, and Environmental Sustainability (I3CFES)?
I3CFES is a research and innovation hub at Federal University Lokoja focused on climate change, floods, and sustainability solutions.
When was I3CFES inaugurated?
The centre was officially inaugurated on a Thursday at the Engr. Joseph and Enesi Makoju Memorial Lecture Theatre.
Who is the Director of I3CFES?
Emeritus Prof. Jimmy O. Adegoke, a globally recognized climate scholar, leads the centre on a pro bono basis.
What are the main goals of I3CFES?
The centre aims to drive research, innovation, policy advocacy, capacity building, green enterprise incubation, and international collaboration.
Why was the centre established in Lokoja?
Lokoja is flood-prone, situated at the confluence of Rivers Niger and Benue, making climate-focused research and interventions crucial.
How will I3CFES support climate action?
By providing evidence-based research, policy guidance, community-focused solutions, international partnerships, and training programs for resilience.
Which government initiatives complement the centre’s mission?
The Kogi State Climate Change Agency, established under Governor Ahmed Usman Ododo, supports climate research and sustainability efforts.
Conclusion
The inauguration of the International Centre for Climate Change, Floods, and Environmental Sustainability (I3CFES) at Federal University Lokoja marks a pivotal moment in Nigeria’s fight against climate challenges. By integrating research, innovation, policy advocacy, and community engagement, the centre is set to provide practical solutions for flood management and sustainable development. Under the leadership of Emeritus Prof. Jimmy O.
