UNILORIN committed to natural resources conservation, blue economy growth – Egbewole

The Vice Chancellor of the University of Ilorin, Prof. Wahab Olasupo Egbewole, SAN, has reiterated the institution’s commitment to the preservation and optimisation of natural resources.

The Vice Chancellor stated this recently while speaking through the Deputy Vice Chancellor (Management Services) Prof. Suleiman Funsho Ambali, at the maiden edition of the UNILORIN Lakeside Jetty fish harvest and sale, which took place at the University Dam site.

Prof. Egbewole emphasised the importance of safeguarding the environment and utilising its potentials for sustainable development.

The legal luminary said that the University recognised the significance of the blue economy and its capacity to drive economic growth and improve livelihood.

Also speaking, the Dean of the Faculty of Agriculture, Prof. Oluyemisi Fawole, stressed the importance of adopting sustainable aquaculture and fisheries practices to meet the growing demand for fish while conserving aquatic resources.

Prof. Fawole also highlighted the need for the integration of the blue economy into agricultural practices, pointing out that it is crucial for food security.

In his address, the Head of the Department of Aquaculture and Fishery, Prof. Abubakar Musa Idiogede, emphasised the role of research and innovation in promoting blue economy.          Prof. Idiogede stressed the need for continuous scientific advancement, which, he said, would help in optimising aquacultural techniques and minimise environmental impacts.

A visiting Professor on sabbatical at the Department of Aquaculture and fisheries from the same Department at the Federal University of Agriculture, Abeokuta (FUNAAB), Prof. Wilson Oluwasegun Alegbeleye, said that the University of Ilorin’s venture into the blue economy as a significant step towards achieving financial sustainability and becoming a model institution in Nigeria.