The University of Ilorin (UNILORIN) has won the 2025/2026 Responsible Futures Fee Waiver Grant awarded by the International Association of Universities, marking a major sustainability milestone for Nigeria’s higher education sector.
According to a statement published on the IAU website, the University of Ilorin is the first Nigerian university to receive the award, which is focused on shaping sustainability culture within university environments. The Responsible Futures programme was developed by Students Organising for Sustainability in partnership with the IAU in 2023.
By winning the grant, UNILORIN is expected to benefit from a structured framework designed to strengthen the integration of sustainability across curricula, improve student leadership and engagement, and align teaching and learning with global sustainability standards.
The coordination team, made up of staff and students of the University, will join regular cohort catchups with peers from international and UK cohorts participating in the institution-wide programme. This engagement is aimed at supporting higher education institutions in mainstreaming Education for Sustainable Development and advancing the UN Sustainable Development Goals.
The statement further noted that “The University of Ilorin’s participation builds on its strong commitment to sustainable development aligned to a holistic approach, including interdisciplinary education and multidimensional research strategies. Guided by the SDGs, the University aligns its initiatives with global sustainability priorities.
“This milestone further highlights the University’s growing role as a leader in advancing sustainability in higher education in Nigeria and beyond.”
The programme is anchored by Olubunmi Omotesho, who serves as Project Manager, Sustainable Development Goals.
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