The Oyo State Government has introduced a Climate Literacy and Awareness Programme designed to equip teachers with the knowledge and skills needed to promote environmental education and climate action in schools, with more than 300 teachers expected to participate.
Drivetvnews gathered that the initiative is being implemented by the Global Impact Sustainable Development Enterprise (GISDEVE) in partnership with the Oyo State Ministry of Education, the University of the West of England, Bristol, and the Carbon Literacy Project.
Speaking at the launch in Ibadan, the Commissioner for Environment and Natural Resources, Ademola Aderinto, described teachers as key drivers of climate awareness because of their influence on children’s values and behaviour.
He explained that although climate literacy is not yet a standalone subject in schools, teachers can integrate environmental education into classroom lessons and everyday interactions with students.
“Teachers spend a significant part of every child’s day. They are highly influential in shaping children’s values and behaviour. That is why we believe they are the right people to drive this message,” Aderinto said.
The commissioner noted that climate change goes beyond flooding, identifying heatwaves, land degradation, unpredictable weather patterns and food insecurity as major environmental challenges requiring urgent attention.
He also urged residents to stop dumping refuse into drainage channels, warning that such practices undermine government investments in flood-control infrastructure.
According to him, the state has strengthened collaboration with the Oyo State Rule of Law Enforcement Authority and other agencies to enforce environmental regulations and has introduced a whistleblower system to encourage residents to report environmental violations.
Representing the Commissioner for Education, Science and Technology, Olusegun Olayiwola, the ministry’s Permanent Secretary, Toyin Oyinloye, described the programme as an important investment in both education and environmental sustainability.
She encouraged participating teachers to apply the knowledge gained during the training in their schools and communities, adding that the ministry would continue partnering with credible organisations to improve teachers’ capacity in addressing emerging global challenges.
Chief Sustainability Officer of GISDEVE, Lulu Akindele, said Oyo became the first Nigerian state to adopt the climate literacy initiative after demonstrating strong commitment to the project.
He explained that the programme is part of a five-year African initiative targeting the training of 7,000 learners by 2030 on climate change, sustainability and environmental responsibility.
Participants who successfully complete the programme and develop climate action plans will receive internationally recognised Carbon Literacy Certificates issued by the Carbon Literacy Project.
The training will be conducted in four cohorts of 75 participants each over an eight-day period at designated schools across Ibadan.
Also speaking, Governor Seyi Makinde’s Special Adviser on Intervention and Donor Funding, Aderonke Adedayo, said the initiative reflects the state’s commitment to attracting international partnerships and donor support for sustainable development.
She urged participants to embrace practical environmental practices and transfer the knowledge acquired to students and their communities.
One of the participants, Rotimi Omotosho, Local Inspector of Education for Ona Ara Local Government Area, described the training as timely and beneficial.
