Renowned environmental activist Nnimmo Bassey has urged Nigerian universities to take the lead in tackling climate change, describing the crisis as an urgent threat requiring immediate action.

Speaking at the 2026 World Environment Day celebration at Igbinedion University, Okada, Bassey said climate action could no longer be postponed.

He warned that climate change is driving a global polycrisis marked by food insecurity, biodiversity loss, pollution, economic instability, displacement and conflict.

According to him, Nigeria is already experiencing severe impacts, including floods, coastal erosion, desertification, declining agricultural productivity and worsening heat stress.

Bassey stressed that Africa contributes only a small fraction of global greenhouse gas emissions but suffers disproportionately from climate-related disasters.

He called for climate justice, insisting that nations and industries responsible for most emissions must bear greater responsibility for addressing the crisis.

The environmentalist also criticised decades of environmental degradation in the Niger Delta, citing oil spills, gas flaring and ecosystem destruction.

He warned that the transition to renewable energy must be fair and inclusive, cautioning against replacing fossil-fuel exploitation with what he described as “green colonialism.”

Highlighting Edo State’s ecological assets, Bassey said its forests, biodiversity and indigenous knowledge systems offer opportunities for sustainable development.

He noted that several forest reserves in the state require urgent restoration to strengthen climate resilience and biodiversity conservation.

Bassey urged universities to integrate climate literacy across all disciplines and develop research that addresses local environmental challenges.

He said higher institutions should serve as centres of innovation, policy influence and community engagement in the climate transition.

The activist further encouraged universities to adopt sustainable practices, including renewable energy, waste reduction, water conservation and ecosystem restoration.

Bassey maintained that campuses must bridge scientific knowledge and indigenous experience to deliver practical climate solutions.

He called on Nigerian universities to challenge policies and projects that appear environmentally friendly but fail sustainability and justice tests.

According to him, the country’s climate challenge presents a unique opportunity to build people-centred energy systems and environmentally responsible economies.

Bassey urged stakeholders to act decisively, saying the choices made today would determine the future wellbeing of generations to come.