SPIN Hosts Inaugural Scientific Induction Committee to Advance Sustainability in Africa
The Sustainability Professionals Institute of Nigeria (SPIN) convened its inaugural Scientific Induction Committee on Thursday, March 27, 2025, reinforcing its commitment to mainstreaming sustainability in Africa through research, innovation, and professional standardization.
The virtual event, themed “Mainstreaming Sustainability in Africa: Professionalism, Standardization, and Capabilities,” gathered distinguished scholars, industry leaders, and sustainability professionals to strategize on Africa-centric sustainability solutions. The session was moderated by Dr. Mories Atoki (Hon.), SPIN’s Legal Director, and was headlined by First Bank of Nigeria PLC.
The event featured globally recognized experts, including Professor Kenneth Amaeshi, President of SPIN and Professor of Sustainable Finance at the European University Institute. He emphasized the need to “decolonize sustainability frameworks” by prioritizing local contexts.
“Africa must redefine sustainability on its own terms, balancing environmental, social, and economic imperatives unique to our realities,” Professor Amaeshi stated.
SPIN Vice President, Ini Abimbola, while administering the induction oath, urged the newly inducted committee members to drive professionalism, standardization, and capacity building in sustainability, positioning Africa as a global leader in the field.
The seven-member Scientific Committee comprises distinguished scholars and sustainability practitioners:
- Professor Emmanuel Adegbite, Professor of Accounting and Corporate Governance, Nottingham University Business School, highlighted corporate governance as a driver of sustainable business practices.
- Professor Judy Muthuri, Professor of Sustainable Business and Development, University of West Indies, stressed integrating indigenous knowledge into sustainability strategies.
- Professor Chukwumerije Okereke, Professor of Global Climate Governance and Public Policy, University of Bristol, called for justice-centered policies to address historical inequities.
- Professor Uwafiokun Idemudia, Dean of the College of Social and Applied Human Sciences, University of Guelph, emphasized multi-stakeholder collaboration to combat environmental degradation.
- Dr. Adaeze Okoye, Equality, Diversity, and Inclusion (EDI) Lead, University of Brighton, advocated for regulatory frameworks promoting equity and inclusion.
- Dr. Natalie Beinisch, Co-founder, Circular Economy Innovation Partnership, provided insights into circular economy principles for sustainability.
- Professor Tazeeb Rajwani, Chaired Professor of International Business and Strategy, Surrey Business School, examined geopolitical shifts impacting sustainability and the need for African businesses to develop resilient, context-specific strategies.
Ismail Omamegbe, SPIN’s Director of Advocacy and Stakeholder Engagement, outlined the committee’s strategic roadmap, emphasizing its role in shaping SPIN’s research agenda, policy development, and capacity-building initiatives.
In her closing remarks, Mrs. Eunice Sampson, SPIN’s Director of Learning and Development, reaffirmed the committee’s vision:
“Through this distinguished committee, we will transform sustainability in Africa by localizing solutions and decolonizing approaches. Our focus remains on driving inclusive, data-driven growth through strong political commitments and cross-sector collaboration.”
The induction committee marks a significant step in Africa’s sustainability evolution, positioning SPIN as a key driver in fostering innovation, professionalism, and impactful policies for the continent’s sustainable future.
