Written by Paul Gwumapan Joseph
In a significant step toward advancing climate justice, environmental education, and sustainable development in Nigeria, Climate and Sustainable Development Network of Nigeria (CSDevNet), in partnership with the Pan African Climate Justice Alliance (PACJA), signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with Hensard University on May 15, 2025.
The signing ceremony took place on the sidelines of a capacity-building workshop held at Hensard University in Toru-Orua, Bayelsa State, which focused on equipping community women and university students with practical knowledge on mangrove restoration.
The MoU, signed by the Vice Chancellor of Hensard University, Prof. Dileep Kumar and Mr. Abuh Monday Steve, National Network Coordinator of CSDevNet, underscores a shared commitment to promoting environmental stewardship, empowering communities, and integrating climate action into academic frameworks.
This partnership aims to bridge the gap between academic knowledge and real-world environmental challenges.
It recognizes the ecological and socioeconomic importance of mangrove ecosystems to the Tora-Orua community, where women rely heavily on these habitats for livelihoods such as fishing and small-scale trade.
Through this MoU, both parties have pledged to foster inclusive climate solutions by leveraging education, grassroots action, and joint research.
Speaking during the signing ceremony, Prof. Emmy Idegu, representative of Hensard University, pledged the institution’s full support for the initiative:
“Let me pledge our commitment to work with you in this vision of saving the planet that God gave to us. On behalf of our Vice Chancellor and team here at Hensard University, we pledge to work with you on this initiative.”
Prof. Idegu emphasized the importance of consistency in implementing the MoU and expressed appreciation to CSDevNet/PACJA for spearheading the collaboration:
“We are ready to work with CSDevNet to achieve a common goal.”
The Vice Chancellor, Prof. Dileep Kumar, echoed this sentiment:
“I’m sure this collaboration is going to be a milestone because we want to engage our students on environmental stewardship, not only academic excellence but for a social cause.”
The MoU provides a framework for multifaceted cooperation, including:
- Capacity Building: Hands-on training for students and community members on mangrove restoration, climate adaptation, and sustainable resource management.
- Research and Innovation: Collaborative studies on climate finance, sustainable energy, disaster risk reduction, and gender-inclusive climate action.
- Youth and Women Empowerment: Development of leadership skills and green entrepreneurship among youth and women.
- Joint Advocacy: Campaigns and policy engagement aligned with Nigeria’s climate goals and the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).
CSDevNet’s National Network Coordinator, Mr. Abuh Monday Steve, emphasized that the partnership will be result-driven:
“We will not sign this MOU and begin to sing the song of the MOU, but in the nearest future, begin to sing of the results that the signing of the MOU has produced.”
He also lauded Hensard University for its openness and willingness to collaborate:
“We appreciate Hensard University for their openness and for welcoming CSDevNet into this partnership.”
This MoU, effective from 2025 to 2028, represents a long-term collaboration aimed at embedding climate consciousness within academic institutions and local communities.
By combining CSDevNet’s technical expertise and grassroots networks with Hensard University’s academic platform and youth engagement, this partnership sets a precedent for scalable, inclusive environmental initiatives in Nigeria and beyond.
Together, CSDevNet, PACJA, and Hensard University are planting the seeds of a greener, more equitable future – one community, one student, and one mangrove at a time.