Lead City University has successfully secured $325,876 from a $5 million grant allocated to 16 African institutions under the Pioneering Climate Adaptation Resilience (CLARE) project.
The grant, aimed at bolstering climate resilience efforts, was awarded through the collaborative efforts of the UK’s Foreign, Commonwealth, and Development Office (UK-FCDO) and the International Development Research Centre (IDRC).
The announcement was made by Professor Grace Oloukoi, Dean of the Faculty of Environmental Design and Management at Lead City University, during a press conference held at the university’s International Conference Centre.
Prof. Oloukoi spearheaded the grant application for the university, which will contribute to the project titled “A Pan-African and Trans-disciplinary Lens on the Margins: Tackling the Risks of Extreme Events (PALM-TREEs)”.
”The PALM-TREEs project, part of the broader CLARE initiative, aims to enhance the global visibility of faculty members at Lead City University by addressing the risks associated with extreme climate events.
”The project is being implemented across six African countries—Nigeria, South Africa, Ghana, Cameroon, Kenya, and the Democratic Republic of Congo—and involves 16 institutions in Africa and the United Kingdom.
”The University of Cape Town leads the consortium, with Prof. Abiodun Babatunde overseeing the project from the Project Consortium Office.
”The PALM-TREEs project focuses on utilizing indigenous knowledge and understanding the complex social identities within local communities to address climate risks.
”It emphasizes inclusive adaptation policies, considering the experiences of vulnerable populations such as the homeless, elderly, children, women, immigrants, and the physically challenged,” Prof. Oloukoi stated.
She also highlighted the project’s commitment to supporting early career scientists (ECS) through doctoral and postdoctoral research opportunities.
”The project has already commenced and is scheduled to run for 42 months, concluding in January 2027,” she added.
She further stated that: ”The substantial grant will aid in developing innovative solutions to climate challenges, benefiting not only Nigeria but the entire West African region.
”This initiative marks a significant step forward in global efforts to combat the adverse effects of climate change, with Lead City University playing a pivotal role in pioneering these essential adaptations.”
Meanwhile, the Department of Criminology and Security Studies at the University of Ilorin has launched a new initiative to equip its students with essential skills in self-defence and combat training.
This development was announced by Dr Adedeji Oyenuga, a Visiting Scholar from the Lagos State University, during the maiden edition of the training at the university’s sports complex on Monday.
Dr. Oyenuga explained that although the training could not be immediately integrated into the formal curriculum due to timing issues, the university has recognized its importance.
