The Rector of Gateway ICT Polytechnic, Saapade, Dr Kehinde Oseni, has called on students, stakeholders, and members of the public to embrace environmental responsibility and sustainable practices as the world grapples with the growing challenges of climate change and environmental degradation.
Speaking at the institution’s 2026 World Environment Day celebration held at the Leadership Auditorium on Tuesday, Dr Oseni said environmental protection must be regarded as a collective responsibility rather than the duty of governments and environmental professionals alone.
The event, organised by the Department of Science Laboratory Technology, Environmental Biology and Microbiology Option, formed part of activities marking World Environment Day, a global initiative aimed at promoting environmental awareness and action.
Addressing participants, the rector noted that this year’s theme, “Inspired by Nature: For Climate. For Our Future,” underscores the urgent need for humanity to learn from nature in confronting environmental challenges.
“Nature remains our greatest teacher. Every tree, every river, every forest, and every ecosystem demonstrates the principles of balance, sustainability and coexistence,” he said.
Dr Oseni stressed that protecting the environment is an investment in the future, adding that many solutions to climate-related challenges can be found in nature itself.
“Let us be reminded that protecting our environment is an investment in the future of generations yet unborn. Many of the solutions to climate challenges can be found in nature itself,” he stated.
The rector warned that climate change is no longer a distant concern, noting that its impacts are already being felt through extreme weather events and disruptions to livelihoods.
“Climate change is no longer a distant threat. We experience its effects daily through extreme weather conditions, flooding, erosion, droughts, rising temperatures and disruptions to agricultural production,” he said.
According to him, these environmental challenges posed significant risks to public health, food security, economic development, and overall quality of life.
The rector commended the Department of Science Laboratory Technology, Environmental Biology and Microbiology Option for consistently sustaining environmental awareness initiatives within the institution.
He described the department’s annual observance of World Environment Day as a commendable tradition that has continued to inspire successive generations of students to embrace environmental stewardship.
Addressing students directly, Oseni urged them to become active participants in environmental conservation through simple but impactful actions.
“Every individual has a role to play. Simple actions such as proper waste disposal, tree planting, energy conservation, water preservation, recycling and environmental advocacy can collectively make a significant difference,” he said.
He emphasised that sustainability would define the future and encouraged young people to take ownership of environmental protection efforts.
“The future belongs to a generation that understands the importance of sustainability. You must protect our natural resources and contribute to a healthier planet,” he added.
While acknowledging the scale of environmental challenges facing society, the rector maintained that they could be overcome through collective action and commitment.
“The challenges before us may seem enormous, but they are not insurmountable. By working together, we can build a future that is greener, healthier, safer and more sustainable for all,” he said.
The Head of the Department of Science Laboratory Technology, Dr Rabiu Sumonu, said the celebration of World Environment Day was aimed at renewing the call for collective responsibility in protecting the earth for sustainable development.
A lecturer in the department and chief organiser of the event, Mr Adewale Osiyoye, said that given the irreplaceable role of the environment in daily life, it was important to sensitise and equip young people to join other stakeholders in protecting the earth for future development.
Other speakers at the event included Prof Aderonke Okoya of Obafemi Awolowo University, Ile-Ife, Osun State, who spoke virtually on “Nature-Based Solutions: A Pathway to Climate Resilience and Sustainable Development,” and Mr Badmus Jamiu, Chairman of the National Environmental Society.