The European Union (EU) has warned Nigeria against ignoring the demands of climate change and the need to invest significantly, noting that although it can be expensive, inaction would be even more costly.
It vowed support to Nigeria’s clean energy transition through funding, infrastructure, policy support, and partnerships, as part of efforts to tackle climate change and promote sustainable growth.
The EU Ambassador to Nigeria, Mr. Gautier Mignot, made the commitment on Wednesday during the Founder’s Day and 4th Chukwuemeka Odumegwu Ojukwu Memorial Lecture, held ahead of the 16th convocation ceremony of Chukwuemeka Odumegwu Ojukwu University (COOU).
Mignot, who spoke on the theme, “Sustainable and Climate Resilience Future: Beyond Rhetorics”, stressed that although climate action requires significant investment, failing to act would be more costly.
“The cost of climate action is high, but the cost of doing nothing is far worse. So, we need to act fast,” he said.
He described the EU as a major global driver of the clean transition, explaining that it involves shifting from fossil fuels to low-carbon, sustainable energy systems while maintaining economic competitiveness and fairness.
According to him, the EU has been partnering with governments to advance climate action because of its potential to drive economic growth.
“Clean transition is not just the responsibility of the government; it requires everyone’s effort.
“We also need to mobilize private funding for climate actions and not rely solely on public funds,” he said.
Mignot commended COOU for its climate initiatives and efforts at inspiring younger generations toward environmental sustainability.
In her remarks, the Vice-Chancellor of the university, Prof. Kate Omenugha, said the institution had intensified campaigns for a clean, green, and sustainable environment.
She said the university had introduced strict sanctions, including a one-year suspension for students caught littering, to instill environmental responsibility.
“This is to make our students take ownership of cleanliness,” she said.
Omenugha said the event also celebrated the institution’s heritage and achievements, noting that the university had 15 faculties, 70 academic departments, about 1,500 staff and over 55,000 alumni.
She added that the institution recorded more than 85 percent growth in applications, rising from 8,600 in 2018 to 15,800 in 2025.
“We will continue to ensure COOU gains its desired recognition through values, viability, and visibility.
“Our goal is to become one of the top 10 public universities in Nigeria and rank among the first 1,000 globally,” she said.
In his remarks, the Chairman of the occasion, Mr. Chikwendu Udensi, a consultant with Interpol Systems, urged the university management to uphold integrity in its role of molding character.
In her address, the Minister of State for Foreign Affairs, Mrs Bianca Odumegwu-Ojukwu, described the late Dim Ojukwu as a statesman whose intellect, legacy, and dedication to his people remained indelible.
She said that Dim Ojukwu believed strongly in justice and principled leadership, adding that he championed community restoration throughout his lifetime.
