By Cynthia Okere, Lagos
A new educational initiative designed to inspire environmental awareness and responsible living among Nigerian school children has been launched under the banner “Sustainability Hour Programme.”
The programme, spearheaded by the Association of Chartered Certified Accountants (ACCA) in collaboration with educators, environmental advocates, and youth development organizations, aims to integrate sustainability education into the daily learning experiences of primary and secondary school students across the country.
Under the initiative, one hour each week will be dedicated to interactive learning sessions focused on key topics such as climate change, waste management, recycling, renewable energy, and sustainable lifestyles.
Through storytelling, practical demonstrations, and student-led projects, the Sustainability Hour Programme seeks to nurture a generation of environmentally conscious young Nigerians.
Speaking at the launch, Tom Isibor, Country Head of ACCA Nigeria, explained the vision behind the programme and its expected impact on Nigerian schools and students.
“The ACCA Sustainability Hour is an initiative developed by ACCA Global to help future leaders understand the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (UNSDGs) and engage in advocacy that drives behavioural change.
“We want our young people to begin adopting values and habits that promote positive change in the world. The earth must remain sustainable for our children’s children, and this starts with the right mindset and actions today,” Isibor said.
Isibor also expressed optimism that the programme would help students make more informed and sustainable choices in their daily lives.
“We expect this initiative to promote quality education by encouraging talented children to support slower learners, especially those in rural areas. The Sustainability Hour is open to both public and private schools. Our main goal is to engage young leaders in adopting sustainable behaviours and empowering them to become advocates for change,” he re-emphasized.
He further noted that the initiative will focus on six of the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (UNSDGs), ranging from quality education to responsible consumption and production, beginning with an initial six-month pilot phase before nationwide expansion.
Teachers Wonderful Olulana and Eseoghene Okotie from Temple School described the programme as a welcome step toward integrating sustainability into the school curriculum.
In their goodwill messages, Dr. Oreoluwa Finnih from the Office of SDG Lagos, Kofo Karounwi, Chairperson of the Association of International Educators of Nigeria, and Chiamaka Nnake, Commissioner for Budget and Planning, Anambra State, all expressed their delight in partnering with ACCA for the launch.
They emphasized the importance of preparing children to take active roles in addressing environmental challenges.
“With this programme, we are getting closer to achieving the 2030 SDG targets. It had gone beyond learning to making sustainability a lifestyle among children,” Nnake noted.
Some students, including Munachimso Akalonu of Temple School College and Okon Michel, pledged to embrace sustainable habits for a better future, urging other students to join forces with ACCA in sustaining the initiative.
Highlights of the launch included a fashion parade featuring creative outfits made from recycled materials, student panel discussions, a quiz competition, and awards presentations.