A professor at Osun State University, Osogbo, Prof. John Agbonifo, has criticized Nigeria’s approach to achieving the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), warning that the country’s piecemeal strategy may lead to failure. Agbonifo emphasized the need for collaboration between sciences and humanities to develop effective solutions. He stated that the SDGs are interlinked, and achieving one goal is dependent on the progress made in others.
Agbonifo highlighted the importance of an integrated response to achieving the SDGs, citing the example of poverty reduction (SDG 1) being closely tied to education (SDG 4) and gender equality (SDG 5). He stressed that solutions need to be interdisciplinary, inclusive, and rooted in compassion, leaving no one and no discipline behind. The expert also acknowledged that the SDGs were designed for a stable world that no longer exists, but emphasized the need to find new strategies to achieve the goals.
Other experts at the 2025 International Sustainable Development Dialogue shared similar concerns about Africa’s progress towards achieving the SDGs. Prof. Mohammed Ladan, a former Director-General of the Nigerian Institute of Advanced Legal Studies, described Africa’s SDG trajectory as “deeply worrying.” According to Ladan, only 35% of SDG targets in Africa are on track or showing moderate progress, while 27% show minimal movement, and 80% of energy-related goals have regressed below 2020 levels.
Dr. Feng Mao, Associate Professor of Global Sustainable Development at the University of Warwick, cautioned against “helicopter research” in Africa, where foreign experts impose ready-made solutions without engaging local communities. Mao emphasized the need for co-created solutions, where communities, researchers, and policymakers work together to solve problems collaboratively.
The conference also discussed climate resilience and urbanization, with Prof. Gareth Doherty of Harvard University urging African cities to rethink their planning models. Doherty stressed the importance of designing cities that can withstand rising temperatures and incorporating green spaces to regulate heat and wellbeing. He cited the Osun Sacred Grove as an example of how landscapes can be used to promote sustainability.
However, Prof. Moises Lino e Silva of the Federal University of Bahia, Brazil, warned that the Osun Sacred Grove faces significant threats from pollutants from mining, which could undermine its ecosystem. Silva emphasized the importance of culture and spirituality in safeguarding the environment and promoting sustainability.
The conference concluded with a call to action, emphasizing the need for Africa to adopt a new approach to achieving the SDGs. Experts stressed the importance of breaking silos, closing financing gaps, and amplifying grassroots voices to promote sustainable development. The consensus was clear: Africa cannot afford business as usual if it hopes to meet the SDGs.
In his welcome remarks, UNIOSUN Vice-Chancellor Prof. Odunayo Adebooye highlighted the global crises facing the world, including wars, insecurity, and economic challenges. Adebooye expressed hope that the resolutions from the conference would lead to fruitful collaborations and innovative responses to global crises.
