SDG 17 (Partnerships for the goals) Report: Landmark University (2023)

SDG 17 (Partnerships for the goals) Report: Landmark University (2023)

SDG 17 (Partnerships for the goals) Report: Landmark University (2023)

Introduction

Landmark University demonstrates a strong commitment to the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) and is actively working towards their achievement. This report highlights the university’s efforts through collaboration with SDG 17 in implementing SDG 1 (No Poverty), SDG 2 (Zero Hunger), SDG 3 (Quality Education), SDG 4 (Quality Education), SDG 10 (Reduced Inequalities), SDG 12 (Responsible Consumption and Production), and SDG 15 (Life on Land) during the 2023 academic year, highlighting the university’s combined efforts towards achieving these crucial goals.

Combating Poverty and Hunger (SDG 1 & 2):

  • Scholarship Program (SDG 1): In collaboration with the University Chaplaincy and David Oyedepo Foundation, 39 students from low-income families received scholarships (March 1, 2023).
  • Commonwealth Day Event (All SDGs): A joint effort by all three SDGs provided free meals and medical check-ups to approximately 1200 students on the theme “Ten Times Fairer and Fatter” (May 12, 2023). This initiative contributed to both poverty reduction (SDG 1) and food security and health (SDG 2 & 3).

Specific Activities for SDG 1 (No Poverty):

  • Landmark University Writing Contest: SDG 1 collaborated with The Creative Writer’s Forum to host the “My Pen Speaks” writing contest (May 5-31, 2023). This event fostered student development while offering financial rewards and publishing opportunities.

Specific Activities for SDG 2 (Zero Hunger):

  • African Agripreneurship Development Centre (AADC): This program trains students in various aspects of agricultural production and value chains, providing farm inputs and encouraging skilled and innovative farmers. It directly contributes to achieving SDG 2 goals and provides affordable food within the university community (more details available at https://aadc.lmu.edu.ng/).
  • Farmers’ Food Market Day (SDG 1 & 2): This event co-hosted by SDG 1 promotes the sale of fresh produce from students’ AADC activities. It improves access to diverse and affordable food on campus while enhancing students’ entrepreneurial skills.
  • Farm Practical Training (FPT): 400-level College of Agricultural Sciences students participated in a semester-long FPT program to gain practical experience in modern agricultural techniques.
  • Training and Awareness for SDG Members: Regular meetings, training sessions, and awareness programs on sustainable agricultural practices were conducted to encourage research focused on minimizing hunger through efficient production, minimizing food waste, and value chain development.
  • Webinar Series: Participation in the 34th LUCRID webinar series (specific details not provided).

Quality Education (SDG 3):

  • Professional Development Webinars: Landmark University curated and hosted year-long webinars aimed at professional and institutional development. These provided valuable insights and training on various themes relevant to both academic and administrative excellence (details on specific webinars provided below):
    • 36th Webinar: Bio-Economy: Leveraging Advancements in Gene Modification Strategies for Improvements in Agriculture and Health (March 28, 2023): This webinar explored the use of genetic modification for improving agricultural production and healthcare.
    • 40th Webinar: Drug Addiction and Strategies for Tackling the Challenge (date not provided): This webinar focused on raising awareness about drug addiction and discussing effective strategies for tackling it within the community.

SDG 4: Quality Education

  • ICT Training Workshop for Secondary School Teachers: The university organized a workshop to equip teachers with ICT skills for effective teaching and learning.
  • Lifelong Learning Access Policy: The university implemented a policy to ensure access to lifelong learning opportunities for students, faculty, and community members.
  • Professional Development Webinars: Landmark University conducted several webinars on topics such as grantsmanship, global rankings, and data protection to enhance the skills and knowledge of faculty and staff.

SDG 10: Reduced Inequalities

  • Data Collection and Analysis: The SDG 10 team conducted a survey to gather data on the sociodemographic profile of students and staff, including information on disability and other relevant factors.
  • Policy Review: The team reviewed existing policies to identify and address any discriminatory practices.
  • Collaboration with University Support Services: The team met with the Matron and Medical Director to discuss the needs of students with disabilities and to ensure their well-being.
  • Student Support Programs: The team explored opportunities to provide mentoring, counseling, and peer support programs to support students from underrepresented groups.
  • Webinar Planning: The team planned a webinar on “Reducing Inequalities in Nigeria’s Judicial System: A Strategic Blueprint” to raise awareness and promote discussions on this important issue.

SDG 12: Responsible Consumption and Production

  • Research and Innovation: Landmark University is actively conducting research in areas such as sustainable waste management, circular economy, and efficient resource utilization. These research efforts contribute to developing innovative solutions for sustainable consumption and production.
  • Waste Management: The university has implemented waste reduction, recycling, and composting programs. These initiatives aim to minimize waste generation and promote sustainable waste management practices.
  • Energy Efficiency: Landmark University has adopted energy-efficient practices, such as installing solar panels, to reduce its carbon footprint and promote sustainable energy consumption.
  • Public-Private Partnerships: The university collaborates with various stakeholders, including government agencies, NGOs, and private sector organizations, to promote sustainable practices and address environmental challenges.

Climate Action (SDG 13):

Summary of Activities (as of December 18, 2023):

  • Leadership Meeting: The meeting focused on identifying relevant SDG 13 metrics and indicators to guide the group’s activities and research.

Planned Activities (as of January 24, 2024):

  • Team Meeting: Members chose to focus on community service, research, and webinars led by Dr. Adesina, Dr. Faloye, and Dr. Okocha respectively.
  • Develop a policy document on climate action at Landmark University.
  • Populate the SDG 13 stand at the International Exhibition Centre (IEC).

SDG 15: Life on Land

  • Tree Planting Campaign: The university organized a community outreach initiative to educate students about the importance of tree planting and donated seedlings to local schools.
  • Participation in Global Biodiversity Preservation Project: A member of Landmark University’s SDG 15 team participated in an FAO-sponsored workshop on the Global Environment Facility (GEF-7) Biodiversity Project, fostering international collaboration.
  • Farmers’ Field School: The university organized a Farmers’ Field School to promote sustainable farming practices and biodiversity conservation.
  • World Soil Day Celebration: Landmark University celebrated World Soil Day by organizing a sensitization program for secondary school students, highlighting the importance of soil health and sustainable land use.
  • Research and Collaboration: The university’s research activities contribute to understanding and addressing environmental challenges, such as soil degradation and deforestation.

IEEE International Conference: The conference was hosted in Landmark University in 2023. The conference aims to provide a veritable platform for researchers, scientists, engineers and students across the globe to share their ideas and experiences in driving and providing solutions to the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (UN SDGs). The SDGs essentially focus on peace and prosperity of people across the globe. This is could be made possible by ending poverty, improving health and education, reducing inequality and promoting economic growth, tackling climate change and working to preserve oceans and forests among others. The conference anticipates to attract large quality submissions of academic research and industry experts presentations that will address conference theme and subthemes.

Landmark University’s commitment to SDGs is evident through its various initiatives. By promoting quality education, addressing inequalities, adopting sustainable practices and fostering partnerships, the university is actively contributing to the achievement of SDG 17. Future efforts will focus on strengthening these initiatives and expanding collaborations to further advance sustainable development.

Categories: SDG 17