Brief History
Former Vice-Chancellor, Prof Labode Popoola, provided the initial impetus for establishment of the Global Affairs and Sustainable Development Institute (GASDI).As an erudite, experienced and leading sustainability scholar, Prof Popoola realized early the need for a compelling alternative to conventional approaches to development, and an avenue for advanced interdisciplinary, multidisciplinary and transdisciplinary training and education in sustainable development practice for Sub- Saharan Africa. For him, any University worth its name must,of necessity,provide intellectual platform for identification of issues germane to sustainable development, critically analyze them, and provide leadership in finding enduring solutions that will enhance sustainable development.
On 28 October 2018, the Senate of Osun State University established the Global Affairs and Sustainable Development Institute (GASDI) with a mandate to address issues of Sustainable Development in unique and effective ways that can fast-track the attainment of the Sustainable Development Goals.The aim of the Institute is to become a center of excellence in postgraduate teaching and research in all areas of sustainable development.
Geo-location
Situated at the core of Yoruba culture and tradition, the Institute is also poised to pursue research and carry out other initiatives on Yoruba and the world. It runs short duration certificate courses in these fields/programmes as well as conduct workshops to improve the efficiency of governmental and non-governmental organizations.
Commissioning
Under the dogged leadership of its pioneer Acting Director, Professor Victor Adetimirin, an international symposium commemorating the official launch of the Global Affairs and Sustainable Development Institute (GASDI) of Osun State University was held on 25-26 June 2019. The theme of the inaugural international symposium was 'Agenda 2030 and Global Integration'. Professor Obijiofor Aginam, Deputy Director & Head, United Nations University International Institute for Global Health, Kuala Lumpur,Malaysia,delivered the keynote address. In attendance were the executive Governor, State of Osun, notable academics from far and near,traditional rulers,and faculties and students.
Accreditation
The pioneer set of students, comprising academic and professional master candidates, were admitted and began classes following successful National Universities Commission (NUC) Resource Verification in December 2019.
Our Mandate
The Global Affairs and Sustainable Development Institute (GASDI) was established by the Senate of Osun State University in October, 2018 with a mandate to address issues of Sustainable Development in unique and effective ways that can fast-track the attainment of the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). One may ask; Why the emphasis on sustainable development? The Brundtland Commission defines sustainable development 'as development that meets the needs of the present without compromising the ability of future generations to meet their own needs'. The implication is that we must give attention to the 'future' when we make decisions about the 'present'. Historical records are replete with evidences of how societies have extracted natural resources in pursuit of progress, but in the process destroyed environments and undermined human survival. The lesson to learn from such historical insight is that we must be concerned about sustainability. Such concern evokes the question of how we may live in harmony with our environment, securing its integrity from destructive human activities.