The National Open University of Nigeria (NOUN) has proposed an innovative concept for addressing climate change challenges at the 2026 Women-in-WACREN (WiW) Climate Innovation Lab, where African women academics and innovators explored technology-driven solutions to environmental problems.

The four-day workshop, hosted by NOUN at its headquarters in Jabi, Abuja, from October 12 to 15, 2026, was organised by Women-in-WACREN to strengthen the capacity of African women to develop technological solutions to climate-related challenges.

The Vice-Chancellor of NOUN, Professor Uduma Oji Uduma, was represented at the opening ceremony by the Deputy Vice-Chancellor, Technology, Innovation and Research, Professor Christine Ofulue, who commended Women-in-WACREN for its initiative to harness digital innovation in tackling climate change.

NOUN’s delegation comprised four female academics led by Professor Gloria A. Otunola, alongside Dr. Yvonne A. Onmonya, Dr. Titilayo H. Olojede, and Dr. Grace E. Egenti.

The Climate Innovation Lab provided participants with opportunities to examine the effects of climate change, particularly on women, and explore practical approaches to mitigation and adaptation.

Through collaborative sessions, participants exchanged ideas, strengthened their problem-solving skills, and worked across teams to explore feasible, affordable, accessible, and sustainable technological innovations for addressing climate-related challenges.

During the workshop, the NOUN team collaborated with other participating groups and presented an innovative concept that attracted considerable interest, with prospects for further development.

NOUN’s participation reflects the university’s commitment to gender inclusion, staff capacity development, and the promotion of innovation-driven solutions to societal challenges.

The experience gained from the engagement is expected to strengthen future collaboration and support the development of practical, sustainable responses to climate change.