The Sustainability Professionals Institute of Nigeria (SPIN) has inaugurated its Scientific Induction Committee, reinforcing its commitment to advancing sustainability research, policy formulation, and capacity building across Africa. The virtual event, held on March 27, 2025, convened top scholars, industry leaders, and sustainability experts to shape an Africa-focused approach to sustainability under the theme “Mainstreaming Sustainability in Africa: Professionalism, Standardization, and Capabilities.”
Dr. Mories Atoki (Hon.), SPIN’s Legal Director, moderated the session, with First Bank of Nigeria PLC headlining the event. Keynote speeches and panel discussions explored the need for Africa to define its own sustainability frameworks. Professor Kenneth Amaeshi, SPIN President and a Sustainable Finance professor at the European University Institute, emphasized the need to move beyond Western sustainability models and develop solutions tailored to Africa’s unique environmental and socio-economic realities.
Administering the induction oath, SPIN Vice President Ini Abimbola tasked the newly inducted committee members with driving professionalism, standardization, and capacity-building efforts. The committee includes seven distinguished experts, each bringing specialized knowledge to sustainability discourse in Africa. Professor Emmanuel Adegbite of Nottingham University Business School highlighted the importance of corporate governance in sustainable business practices, while Professor Judy Muthuri of the University of West Indies stressed the role of indigenous knowledge and community-driven approaches.
Addressing climate governance, Professor Chukwumerije Okereke of the University of Bristol advocated for justice-centered policies that correct historical inequities, while Professor Uwafiokun Idemudia of the University of Guelph called for stronger collaboration among governments, businesses, and communities to mitigate environmental degradation. The discussions extended to regulatory and economic frameworks, with Dr. Adaeze Okoye of the University of Brighton emphasizing equity-driven policies and Dr. Natalie Beinisch of the Circular Economy Innovation Partnership outlining the potential of circular economy models in sustainability. Professor Tazeeb Rajwani of Surrey Business School examined the impact of global geopolitical shifts on Africa’s sustainability landscape, urging businesses to develop resilience amid economic uncertainties.
Ismail Omamegbe, SPIN’s Director of Advocacy and Stakeholder Engagement, laid out the committee’s roadmap, detailing its role in shaping SPIN’s research priorities and sustainability policies. In her closing remarks, Mrs. Eunice Sampson, SPIN’s Director of Learning and Development, reiterated the need to localize sustainability solutions, decolonize existing models, and drive inclusive, data-driven growth through strong policy commitments and cross-sector collaboration.
With the induction of its Scientific Committee, SPIN has set a clear path for sustainability in Africa—one rooted in local realities, research-driven insights, and collaborative action to shape a more sustainable future.
