The Oyo State Government has launched a Climate Literacy and Awareness Programme aimed at equipping more than 300 teachers with the knowledge and skills to promote environmental education and climate action in schools across the state.
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 inauguration in Ibadan, the Commissioner for Environment and Natural Resources, Ademola Aderinto, described teachers as critical partners in promoting climate awareness among children because of their influence in shaping values and behaviour.
He said that although climate literacy is not yet a standalone subject in schools, teachers can integrate environmental education into classroom activities and encourage responsible environmental practices among students.
Aderinto noted that climate change poses several threats beyond flooding, including heatwaves, land degradation, unpredictable weather patterns and food insecurity. He stressed that while extreme weather events cannot always be prevented, their impact can be reduced through education, responsible environmental practices and effective government policies.
The commissioner also urged residents to stop dumping refuse into waterways, warning that such actions undermine government investments in drainage and flood control infrastructure.
He disclosed that the state government had strengthened collaboration with the Oyo State Rule of Law Enforcement Authority and other agencies to enforce environmental laws. He added that a whistleblower initiative had been introduced to reward residents who report environmental violations, while stricter enforcement measures would soon be unveiled.
Also speaking, the Commissioner for Education, Science and Technology, Olusegun Olayiwola, represented by the ministry’s Permanent Secretary, Toyin Oyinloye, described the programme as a strategic investment in both education and environmental sustainability.
She reaffirmed the ministry’s commitment to partnering with credible local and international organisations to improve teachers’ capacity and ensure the education system responds effectively to emerging global challenges such as climate change.
Earlier, the Chief Sustainability Officer of GISDEVE, Lulu Akindele, said Oyo State became the first state in Nigeria 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 aimed at training 7,000 learners by 2030 on climate change, sustainability and environmental responsibility.
According to Akindele, participants who successfully complete the training and develop individual and group climate action plans will receive internationally recognised Carbon Literacy certificates issued by the Carbon Literacy Project.
He added that the training would be conducted in four cohorts of 75 participants each over eight days at different schools across Ibadan.
The Special Adviser to Governor Seyi Makinde on Intervention and Donor Funding, Aderonke Adedayo, said the programme reflects the state government’s commitment to attracting donor support and international partnerships to advance sustainable development.
She urged participants to apply the knowledge gained during the training by promoting environmental responsibility in their schools and communities, noting that increased public awareness would help address challenges such as indiscriminate waste disposal and plastic pollution.
One of the participants, the Local Inspector of Education for Ona Ara Local Government, Rotimi Omotosho, described the initiative as timely and impactful, expressing confidence that it would improve environmental awareness among teachers and students across the state.
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