The Oyo State Government has launched a Climate Literacy and Awareness Programme aimed at equipping teachers with the knowledge to promote environmental education and climate action in schools, with over 300 educators expected to benefit.

Organised by the Global Impact Sustainable Development Enterprise in partnership with the Oyo State Ministry of Education, the University of the West of England, Bristol, and the Carbon Literacy Project, the initiative is designed to strengthen teachers’ understanding of climate change and environmental sustainability.

Speaking at the inauguration in Ibadan on Tuesday, the Commissioner for Environment and Natural Resources, Ademola Aderinto, described teachers as the most effective channel for promoting climate awareness among children, given their role in shaping the attitudes and behaviour of future generations.

He said although climate literacy had yet to become a standalone subject in schools, teachers could integrate environmental consciousness into classroom teaching and daily interactions with pupils.

According to him, “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. Even if climate literacy is not yet a standalone curriculum, they can incorporate it into their teaching and encourage environmental responsibility.”

Aderinto warned that climate change extends beyond flooding, identifying heatwaves, land degradation, erratic weather conditions and food insecurity as growing threats requiring urgent attention.

He said while extreme weather events could not always be prevented, their impact could be significantly reduced through education, proper environmental practices and government interventions.

“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,” he said.

The commissioner disclosed that the state had strengthened collaboration with the Oyo State Rule of Law Enforcement Authority and other relevant agencies to enforce environmental regulations.

He added that the government had introduced a whistleblower mechanism to reward residents who report environmental violations, promising that stricter enforcement measures would be unveiled in the coming weeks.

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 education and environmental sustainability.

Oyinloye said the ministry remained committed to supporting initiatives that equip teachers with contemporary knowledge needed to address emerging global challenges.

She urged participants to apply the knowledge acquired during the training in their classrooms and communities, noting that the programme’s success would be measured by its impact on students and society.

“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,” she said.

Earlier, the Chief Sustainability Officer of Global Impact Sustainable Development Enterprise, Lulu Akindele, said Oyo became the first Nigerian state to embrace the climate literacy initiative after demonstrating strong commitment to the project.

The Special Adviser to Governor Seyi Makinde on Intervention and Donor Funding, Aderonke Adedayo, said the programme reflected the state’s commitment to attracting donor support and international partnerships for sustainable development.

She said her office actively sought grants and technical assistance from multilateral agencies, universities, foreign governments, corporate organisations and development partners to complement government funding.

“Our expectation is that teachers will understand the science behind climate change, examine the available evidence and pass the knowledge on to our children. Many environmental problems today are consequences of ignorance. If people understand the dangers of indiscriminate waste disposal and the long-term impact of plastics on the environment, they are more likely to change their behaviour,” she said.

Adedayo urged participants to adopt practical environmental actions that would help reduce climate degradation in their schools and communities.