The Oyo State Government has launched a Climate Literacy and Awareness Programme to equip over 300 teachers with the knowledge to promote environmental education and climate action in schools.
The initiative, designed to strengthen teachers’ understanding of climate change and environmental sustainability, is organised by the Global Impact Sustainable Development Enterprise (GISDEVE), in partnership with the Oyo State Ministry of Education and other international institutions.
During the inauguration in Ibadan, the Commissioner for Environment and Natural Resources, Ademola Aderinto, described teachers as the most effective channel for promoting climate awareness among children.
He said: “Teachers are highly influential in shaping children’s values and behaviour. That is why we believe they are the right people to drive this message. Even if climate literacy is not yet a standalone curriculum, they can incorporate it into their teaching and encourage environmental responsibility.
“We have continued to tell residents to stop dumping waste into waterways because no matter the amount of infrastructure the government provides, it can easily be rendered ineffective by human activities. Education is therefore critical to achieving lasting environmental sustainability.”
Aderinto stated that the state has strengthened collaboration with the Oyo State Rule of Law Enforcement Authority and other relevant agencies to enforce environmental regulations and introduced a whistleblower mechanism, promising that stricter enforcement measures will be unveiled in the coming weeks.
The Commissioner for Education, Science and Technology, Olusegun Olayiwola represented by the ministry’s Permanent Secretary, Toyin Oyinloye, described the programme as an investment in education and environmental sustainability, affirming the ministry’s support for such initiatives.
She said: “The Ministry of Education will continue to partner with credible local and international organisations to improve teachers’ capacity and ensure our education system responds effectively to emerging global issues such as climate change.”
Oyinloye implored participants to apply the knowledge acquired during the training in their classrooms and communities, noting that the programme’s success will be measured by its impact on students and society.
The Chief Sustainability Officer of GISDEVE, Lulu Akindele commended Oyo State for demonstrating strong commitment to the project, revealing that the training will be conducted in four cohorts of 75 participants each over eight days at different schools in Ibadan.
Akindele noted: “Oyo State was the first to show genuine interest in the programme. The government embraced the vision and provided the support needed to make it a reality. We have previously implemented the programme in Ghana and will extend it to more states in Nigeria and other African countries.”
He explained that the programme forms part of a five-year continental initiative aimed at training 7,000 learners across Africa on climate change, sustainability and environmental responsibility by 2030.
Akindele disclosed that the project is a partnership between GISDEVE, the University of the West of England, Bristol, and the Carbon Literacy Project, a United Kingdom-based organisation that provides globally recognised carbon literacy certification.
He noted that participants who complete the training and develop individual and group climate action plans will receive internationally recognised Carbon Literacy certificates issued by the Carbon Literacy Project.
The Special Adviser to Governor Seyi Makinde on Intervention and Donor Funding, Aderonke Adedayo, said the programme reflects the state’s commitment to attracting donor support and international partnerships for sustainable development.
She explained that her office seeks grants and technical assistance from multilateral agencies, universities, foreign governments, corporate organisations and development partners to complement government funding.
