New “Sustainability Hour Programme” Launched for Nigerian School Children

The Association of Chartered Certified Accountants (ACCA) has officially launched the “Sustainability Hour Programme,” a new educational initiative aimed at fostering environmental awareness and responsible living among primary and secondary school students across Nigeria.

Spearheaded by ACCA in collaboration with educators, environmental advocates, and youth development organizations, the programme is designed to integrate sustainability education directly into students’ weekly learning experiences.

The initiative will dedicate one hour each week to interactive learning sessions focused on environmental stewardship and sustainable development.

Speaking at the launch, Mr. Tom Isibor, Country Head of ACCA, explained that the programme reflects ACCA Global’s commitment to helping future leaders understand the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (UNSDGs) and drive behavioural change.

“The earth must remain sustainable for our children’s children, and this starts with the right mindset and actions today,” Mr. Isibor emphasized.

He added that the programme, open to both public and private schools, will focus on six specific UNSDGs ranging from quality education to responsible consumption and production with an initial six-month pilot phase before expansion.

Students fashion parade recycling waste materials to use

Mr. Isibor also expressed optimism that the Sustainability Hour will promote quality education by encouraging talented students to support slower learners, particularly those in rural areas.

The programme received strong endorsements from educators and partner organizations.

Teachers Wonderful Olulana and Eseoghene Okotie from Temple School described the initiative as a vital step toward embedding sustainability into the curriculum, noting that it would help students develop preventive solutions to real world problems.

Goodwill messages were also delivered by Dr. Oreoluwa Finnih (Office of SDG Lagos), Mrs. Kofo Karounwi (Chairperson, Association of International Educators of Nigeria), and Mrs. Chiamaka Nnake (Commissioner for Budget and Planning, Anambra State).

They all commended the initiative for preparing children to play active roles in tackling environmental challenges.

“With this programme, we are getting closer to achieving the 2030 SDG targets. It has gone beyond learning to making sustainability a lifestyle among children,” Mrs. Nnake affirmed.

Students, including Munachimso Akalonu and Okon Michel, pledged to embrace sustainable habits and urged their peers to support the initiative for a better future.

During the first six months, the programme will cover key environmental topics, including:

Climate change
Waste management
Recycling
Renewable energy and
Sustainable lifestyles

The goal is to nurture environmentally conscious young Nigerians through engaging methods such as storytelling, practical demonstrations, and student-led projects.

Highlights of the launch included a fashion parade where students showcased creative outfits made from recycled materials, student panel discussions, a quiz competition, and awards presentations.

From left to right

Dayo Adetona – Regional Head of customer service, Africa, ACCA, Tom Isibor – Country Head, Nigeria, ACCA, Mrs Kofo Karunwi, Vice Chair, Association of International Schools in Nigeria (AISEN), Dr Rabiu Olowo – CEO, Financial Reporting Council of Nigeria, Rukaiya el-Rufai – Special Adviser to the President on National Economic Council (NEC) and Climate Change, Jamil Ampomah – Director, Africa, ACCA, Dr Olushola Olowoyeye – MD BetaPlus Group, Chiamaka Nnake – Commissioner for Budget and Economic Planning, Anambra State, Seyi Willoughby – Managing Partner, Elm Park Advisors Limited, Evelyn Isioye – Regional Lead, Policy & Insights, India & Africa, ACCA, Kola Agunbiade – Regional Financial Controller, Africa, ACCA