An economist and sustainability expert, Dr Adesoji Tayo, has called on universities across Nigeria to embrace Environmental, Social and Governance (ESG) principles as a pathway to promoting responsible leadership, sustainable nation-building, innovation and technological advancement.
Tayo, who is also the Chairman of GHMI Initiative, Ibadan, made the call while delivering the 5th College Lecture on Environmental, Social and Governance at Osun State University (UNIOSUN), Osogbo, on Thursday.
The lecture, titled “Environmental, Social and Governance (ESG) Towards Sustainability: The Role of the University,” highlighted the growing importance of ESG in shaping the future of higher education and institutional development.
According to Tayo, adopting ESG principles would provide universities with a strategic framework to strengthen governance, deepen research and innovation, expand partnerships and improve societal well-being.
He explained that ESG reflects a transition from short-term institutional goals to long-term resilience and broader social impact.
“This lecture demonstrates that ESG is less about compliance and more about creating institutions that are responsible, resilient and relevant in an increasingly complex world.
“Universities are encouraged to embrace ESG as a framework that shapes thinking beyond problem-solving. We are moving away from a linear economy to a circular economy,” he said.
Tayo further described ESG not merely as a reporting requirement but as a strategic philosophy for optimising university systems and driving sustainable development.
According to him, universities of the future will be defined not only by academic excellence but also by the innovations they create, partnerships they build, communities they impact and their contribution to a sustainable future.
“The university of the future will be distinguished not simply by what it teaches, but by the innovations it creates, the partnerships it nurtures, the communities it transforms and the sustainable future it helps to build,” he added.
The economist noted that governments, investors, development partners, accreditation bodies and regulatory agencies increasingly rely on ESG indicators to evaluate institutional quality, accountability, resilience and long-term sustainability.
He stressed that effective implementation of ESG requires collaboration across science, technology and the built environment to convert knowledge into innovation and measurable societal value.
Earlier, the Vice-Chancellor of Osun State University, Prof. Odunayo Adebooye, reaffirmed the institution’s commitment to advancing research in renewable energy, environmental sciences, public health, agriculture, governance systems and social innovation.
Adebooye said the university would continue to strengthen a campus ecosystem that actively reflects ESG principles, ensuring that academic and administrative excellence align with institutional sustainability goals.
Awards were also presented during the event to individuals recognised for their contributions to advancing environmental, social and governance sustainability within the university community.
Among the recipients were Clement Haastrup, Chief Executive Officer of Starlink Global and Ideal Limited, Murtala Adeniji, and the Vice-Chancellor of UNIOSUN, Prof. Odunayo Adebooye.
The event attracted education stakeholders, traditional rulers, students, security officials and other notable personalities.