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Over 100 students, teachers and other stakeholders gathered in Abuja on Tuesday, March 18, 2025, to unveil a co-created Climate Education Manual for teaching climate change in Nigerian Schools.

The Climate Change Manual, an initiative of Prof Chukwumerije Okereke, with funding from the University of Bristol, United Kingdom, was designed to equip Nigerian secondary school students with the essential knowledge and practical tools needed to advance their knowledge of climate literacy. The manual built on the success of co-creation and the inception workshops held in Abuja and Enugu State in September 2024.

Delivering her goodwill message, Dr. Iniobong Abiola-Awe, Director of the Department of Climate Change (DCC), Federal Ministry of Environment, described the Climate Manual initiative as a step forward. She praised the collective effort of all stakeholders in ensuring that the younger generation is empowered to take climate action from their young age and contribute towards the development and enhancement of a sustainable, low carbon economy.

Dr Abiola-Awe highlighted several initiatives that the DCC has implemented across several capital cities of the nation to enhance the capacity of the next generation to innovate and mentor fellow learners in taking climate actions.

“Today, as we launch this manual, I want to encourage everyone here present to adopt the use of this manual. There is no small pace in learning. We learn every day, and every opportunity provides that. Together we will all make a meaningful difference, not only for this generation, but generations to come,” she added.

In his remarks, the Director General of the Department of Science, Technology and Innovation, F.C.T.A, Education Secretariat, represented by Dr. Mrs. Bukola Obateru, thanked everyone who contributed to the development of the manual, stating that their efforts will shape the future of the planet. He added that the fight against climate change is a collective responsibility.

“Through this education awareness that we are creating, and the action it motivates, we can build a sustainable future for ourselves and generations to come,” he said, while thanking Professor Chukwumerije Okereke and his team at the Society for Planet and Prosperity for driving this initiative.

The Director of the National Orientation Agency (NOA), Mallam Lanre Issa-Onilu, represented by Miss Peace Gobo, expressed his support for the Climate Manual initiative. He stated that, as part of NOA’s mandate to drive awareness and sensitisation, the NOA has developed a National Climate Charter, with climate awareness as one of the anchor pillars.

He also noted that the agency has recently created the Environment, Climate and Energy department within the agency to drive the present administration’s environmental sustainability goals. He also stressed the need for every citizen to be climate aware, especially the young ones to whom the future belongs.

Highlighting his optimism in his goodwill message, Sir Richard Inyamkume, Registrar General, Institute for Climate Smart Research and Policy advocacy, stated that this initiative marks a pivotal step in the journey towards a sustainable future. He added that the initiative also resonated strongly with the work being carried out by the institute.

“As we launch the climate education manual, we aim to empower individuals, students, educators, and communities to deepen their understanding of climate change, and also recognise its impact on our world today. Through the knowledge that we will give to them through this manual, we will pave the way for informed action. So, let this manual serve as a tool of hope and change guiding us towards a greener future,” Sir Inyamkume stated.

Several distinguished stakeholders, including Miss Ifechi Anikwe of Clean-Tech Hub, Mr. Shekwoyemi Kure from ActionAid Nigeria, Mrs Chioma Ome, Country Director of Solar Sister Nigeria, Rifkatu Joseph Odeyemi from Eco-Friendly Sensitisation and Advocacy were present and endorsed the manual, describing it as a timely resource that will help to drive Nigeria’s Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).

Launching the Climate Education Manual, Professor Okereke gave an overview, objectives and the methodology through which it was developed, stating that the next step is to ensure that it is used in order to achieve its objectives. Prof Okereke thanked all the stakeholders who contributed to the development of the Climate Education Manual.

He also thanked the First Lady of Enugu State, Mrs. Nkechinyere Mbah, for her endorsement, and for writing a powerful foreword for the manual.

The launch brought together students, teachers, and key stakeholders, as witness to this historical milestone and unveiling of the much-anticipated manual.

By Ugochukwu Uzuegbu (Communication Specialist, SPP), Elochukwu Anieze (Senior Policy Analyst, SPP) and Ginika Okoroafor (Research Fellow, SPP)

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The Enugu State Government has launched its pioneering Climate Change Policy, Climate Action Plan and a Climate Manual for Schools at an event held in Enugu, the Enugu State capital, on Monday, March 17, 2025.

The event marked a crescendo in events leading to the official approval of the Enugu State Climate Policy and Action Plan (ESCPAP), which was endorsed in January 2025 by the Government of Enugu State, led by Governor Peter Ndubuisi Mbah, to serve as a template which will drive strategic momentum for climate action, and sustainable investment and development in Enugu State.

Delivering his opening remarks, the Commissioner for Environment, Enugu State, Professor Sam Ugwu, highlighted the effects of climate change on the environment, emphasising that Enugu State is at the forefront of combating climate change through the introduction of the Climate Policy and Action Plan, as well as the Climate Education Manual for schools.

“The climate policy and action plan will promote green investments and generate green jobs, while the climate manual will prepare future leaders to advocate for climate action,” he stated.

Professor Ugwu concluded by urging all participants to contribute to creating an environmentally sustainable Enugu State.

In his presentation, Professor Chukwumerije Okereke, the Senior Policy Adviser to the Governor of Enugu State on Climate Policy and Sustainable Development, Project Lead and Coordinator for the Climate Policy and Action Plan, provided an overview of the methodologies employed in developing the policy document.

He noted that the analysis utilised historical data on climate change impacts from 1985 to date, incorporating energy modeling, economic modeling, and micro-counting techniques. Professor Okereke warned that if proactive measures are not taken, the agricultural sector will face the most severe consequences of climate change in the future as highlighted in the document.

In her remarks, the First Lady of Enugu State, Mrs. Nkechinyere Mbah, represented by Barrister Chidi Egeonu, emphasised that climate change is both a social and economic challenge that necessitates a collective response, urging that everyone must contribute to the effective execution of the policy and action plan.

In his goodwill message, the Speaker of the Enugu State House of Assembly, Uche Ugwu, represented by Pius Ezeugwu, referenced the 2015 Paris Agreement and the commitments of its signatories. He praised Enugu State for being at the forefront of subnational climate action, leading the way with the unveiling of three significant documents on the same day. He assured that the State House of Assembly would support the swift approval of legislation aimed at addressing climate change in Enugu State.

“We will ensure prompt approval of budget allocations that facilitate the fight against climate change,” he assured.

The event was also attended by several key stakeholders who praised the Climate Change Policy and Action Plan as a resourceful and timely document which will help to streamline Enugu State’s climate action and drive its sustainable economic growth.

The Director General of the National Council on Climate Change Secretariat (NCCCS), Dr. Nkiruka Maduekwe, represented by Mr. Ayodeji Falemu, expressed the NCCCS’s openness to collaborate with the people of Enugu State on projects that promote climate activism. Dr. Maduekwe stated that the introduction of both the policy and action plan signifies Enugu State’s commitment for climate action and readiness to commence immediate implementation.

The Nigerian representative of the African Climate Foundation, Zira Quaghe, conveyed in his goodwill message that Enugu State is setting an example for other states to follow, and encouraged the full implementation of the policies and action plan.

In her goodwill message, the UNICEF Chief of field office Enugu State, Mrs. Juliet Chiluwe, noted that the policy document, along with the accompanying manual, are timely resources that will provide students with essential information regarding climate change.

Also adding her voice, Mrs. Joy Egolum, the Corporate Affairs Manager of Nigeria Breweries (East), highlighted that NBL is collaborating closely with the Enugu State Government through the Ministry of Environment to promote sustainable practices. She noted that the brewery sources 20% of its energy from solar power and currently generating 4 megawatts of electricity through solar energy, and that efforts are underway to promote good agricultural practices.

“We are enhancing an agricultural programme aimed at cultivating our raw materials within Nigeria, alongside initiatives to raise awareness about energy conservation,” she said.

In his opening remarks, the Executive Governor of Enugu State, Peter Ndubuisi Mbah, represented by the Deputy Governor, Barr. Ifeanyi Ossai, expressed gratitude to the project funders, the African Climate Foundation and the University of Bristol in the United Kingdom, for their support in financing the Climate Policy and Action Plan, and the Climate Manual for Schools respectively.

He emphasised that the climate policy and action plan would be incorporated into the state’s economic agenda, while the climate manual will be implemented in secondary schools throughout the state. He assured that the advancements in Enugu State under the current administration would prioritise environmental sustainability.

The Governor also urged development partners and researchers to explore the stranded assets in Enugu State, highlighting the region’s significant coal reserves and the necessity to identify alternative uses for coal that are environmentally friendly. He encouraged the people of Enugu to engage in tree planting.

“We must initiate efforts to restore Enugu’s greenery. For every tree cut down in Enugu State, we should plant 20,” he added.

In his closing remark, the secretary to the state government, Prof. Chidiebere Onyia, stated that the Enugu State Government had already inaugurated an implementation team for the Enugu State Climate Policy and Action Plan (ESCPAP), which will become visible in a matter of time.

The launch was attended by diverse stakeholders, including state and local government officials, academics, civil servants, private sector representatives, business owners, community leaders, civil society organisations, and international partners.

By Elochukwu Anieze, Senior Policy Analyst, SPP and Ugochukwu Uzuegbu, Communication Specialist, SPP

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At a time when climate action is beginning to gain momentum at the subnational level in Nigeria, Enugu State has embarked on an ambitious initiative that is laying the groundwork for substantial socioeconomic transformation to elevate its GDP from $4.4 billion in 2023 to $30 billion by 2031.

However, critical sectors such as agriculture, energy, and natural resources, which are essential for this economic advancement, are confronted with significant challenges exacerbated by climate change. It is imaginable that if these issues are not addressed promptly, they may hinder the state’s economic transformation objectives and worsen the vulnerabilities faced by marginalised communities and privileged groups.

In response to the pressing threats of climate change, the government has formulated the Enugu State Climate Change Policy and Action Plan (ESCPAP) to facilitate a sustainable green economic transformation that is scientific, and evidence based. This policy and action plan enhances the recently enacted Environmental and Climate Protection Law, along with various other climate initiatives in the state. In addition, a comprehensive framework that aligns economic aspirations with sustainable development principles was also integrated into the policy and action plan.

The Enugu State Climate Policy and Action Plan (ESCPAP) is a pioneering effort aimed at fostering sustainable economic growth while simultaneously addressing the challenges posed by climate change. These documents serve as a forward-thinking framework that seeks to harmonise economic development with environmental sustainability by 2060.

Grounded in scientific research, equity, and inclusivity, the Policy and Action Plan cater to the specific needs of Enugu’s economy and environment. Notably, it is the first subnational climate policy in Nigeria to incorporate long-term emissions modeling, microenergy audits, and extensive engagement with stakeholders.

Key advantages encompass: (i) integrating climate action within the economic development framework; (ii) promoting the creation of green jobs; (iii) improving climate resilience; (iv) aligning with and supporting national climate goals; (v) providing pathways for transitioning to green energy; (vi) establishing a systematic curriculum and manual for teaching climate change in the state’s premier Smart Green Schools; (vii) facilitating innovative green financing solutions; and (viii) reinforcing the institutional framework.

These initiatives align with the developmental agenda of the government currently in Enugu State, under the leadership of Barrister Peter Ndubuisi Mbah.

As a complimentary to the policy and action plan, the Climate Education Handbook, on the other hand, has been crafted by the Society for Planet and Prosperity in partnership with the University of Bristol, United Kingdom. This handbook is a collaborative effort involving Nigerian students and their teachers, and it has received validation from the Federal Ministry of Environment, the Enugu State Ministry of Education, the FCT Education Secretariat, the Department for Science, Technology and Innovation, as well as various climate NGOs and activists.

Designed as a thorough resource, the Climate Education Handbook aims to empower students, educators, and school clubs with the necessary knowledge and tools to address climate change effectively. It aligns with both global sustainability objectives and local educational priorities, preparing young individuals to emerge as climate advocates not only within their schools and communities but beyond the shorelines of Nigeria.

This significant launch event is scheduled to take place on Monday, March 17, 2025, at the Old Governor’s Lodge, located along Abakaliki Road, Enugu State.

Distinguished guests anticipated to attend include the Executive Governor of Enugu State, state government officials, representatives from the Federal Ministry of Environment and the National Council on Climate Change, development partners, donor agencies, climate finance institutions, teachers and students, private sector investors in renewable energy and green enterprises, civil society organisations, academic representatives, local community leaders, and members of the media.

By Elochukwu Anieze, Senior Policy Analyst at Society for Planet and Prosperity

Alex Ekwueme Federal University Ndufu-Alike, Ebonyi State, is in partnership with the French Embassy Fund (FEF 209) project, on plastic waste management on campus.

In line with this, the university on Thursday, February 27, 2025, hosted a one-day workshop with the theme “Plastic Waste Management in AE-FUNAI”, aimed at reducing, reusing and recycling of plastic waste to create value, and support young researchers in developing solutions for a healthier environment.

AE-FUNAI was one of the five institutions of higher learning in Nigeria that won the French Embassy research grant for plastic waste management in Nigeria to combat plastic pollution and promote safer environment on campus.

Declaring the workshop open, the Vice-Chancellor of the university, Prof. Sunday Elom, extended his gratitude to the French government for the award, assuring that the university would work tirelessly to reduce the menace of plastic waste on campus.

The Vice-Chancellor, who was represented by the Deputy Vice-Chancellor, Academic, Prof. Romanus Ejiaga, reiterated that the title of the project, “Green Campus Initiative: Transforming Plastic Waste to Wealth in AE-FUNAI Community”, encompasses elements of environmental education, community education, and entrepreneurial development that promote responsible and recycling practice on campus.

He maintained that the university is committed to a safer environment through the Campus-Green Initiative established in 2016, with the aim of making the campus more environmental- friendly and beautiful by planting trees and raising awareness about climate change.

He appreciated the coordinator of the project, Prof. Robert Onyeneke and his team for the feat, while hoping that knowledge gained at the workshop will positively transform our society.

Earlier in his welcome address titled “Transforming Plastic Waste to Wealth in AE-FUNAI”, the Project Coordinator, Prof. Robert Onyeneke, appreciated the French Embassy in Nigeria for their dedication to environmental sustainability in Nigeria and lasting collaboration with AE-FUNAI.

He noted that in AE-FUNAI and its environment, the magnitude of plastic waste is not comprehensively known as plastic waste is continuously increasing and the crises require urgent attention.

He said that the purpose of the workshop was to bring together key stakeholders in Ebonyi State, the academia, government, private sector, communities, amongst others, to share knowledge and explore practical solutions aimed at reducing plastic waste as well as promoting eco-friendly alternatives.

Prof Onyeneke further reiterated that tackling plastic waste challenge in our environment requires coordinated efforts at different levels, thereby, encouraging the masses to join hands together to address the challenge.

He extolled the Vice-Chancellor, Prof. Elom and his management team, for their unwavering support, adding that sustainable plastic waste management falls within the core of the Vice-Chancellor’s strategic vision of building an environmentally conscious, socially inclusive and climate-resilient university.

While giving his goodwill message, a representative of the National Environmental Standards Regulatory and Enforcement Agency (NESREA), Ebonyi State, Mr. Austin Nwanuforo, applauded the organisers of the workshop for availing them the opportunity to participate in the plastic waste management awareness creation, stressing that, as an agency, they have been having advocacy and sensitisation on plastic waste management.

He stated that plastic waste has been a challenge to the nation and called for all hands to be on deck to curb the crisis.

Mr. Nwanuforo, mentioned that the agency has introduced the mechanism known as R, which includes Reduce, Reuse, Recover, Repair, Redesign and Recycle, aimed at mopping out plastic waste in the society.

He added that the agency has also drafted a regulation that ensures that plastic waste management is being handled by all the stakeholders for proper management.

He assured the university of the agency’s willingness to partner with it in the area of awareness creation by introducing environmental club in the university where students will be educated properly on plastic waste management.

Presenting a lecture titled “Preventing Plastic Pollution: Reduce, Reuse, Recycle”, Dr. Friday Archibong stated that improper waste disposal systems and lack of awareness about sustainable waste disposal are issues surrounding our environment which, in turn, cause a lot of harm to the body.

He noted that in preventing plastic pollution, all regulatory measures from the university and the government must be put in place to stop indiscriminate dumping of plastic waste in waterways and landfills.

Contributing, Dr. Obinna Oje who spoke on “The Role of the Universities in Tackling Plastic Waste”, maintained that universities play a pivotal role in addressing plastic waste through education, research, innovation, and community service, adding that as hubs of knowledge and innovation, they are positioned to drive systemic change by placing a ban on plastic items in cafeterias, and as well install water refill stations on campus.

He enjoined students and faculty members to join hands and contribute to a sustainable future, stressing that plastic waste pollution, if not properly managed can cause health damage to lives.

While the AU’s call for reparations is morally and historically justified, it is important to not lose sight of the ultimate goal: a truly self-reliant and prosperous Africa.

The 38th AU Summit is more than a diplomatic event — it is a litmus test for Africa’s political will and commitment to growth.  While it is true that justice delayed is justice denied, we should also be conscious that justice poorly designed is sovereignty surrendered. The continent’s leaders must be intentional and leverage this moment to forge a future where Africa’s prosperity is self-determined, equitable, and unapologetically sovereign. 

African heads of state recently converged for the 38th African Union Summit in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia. The theme of this year’s gathering, “Building a united front to advance the cause of justice and payment of reparations to Africans,” resonates deeply with the collective memory of all people of African descent resulting from centuries of exploitation from the transatlantic slave trade, colonialism, neocolonialism, systemic racism and economic marginalisation. These historical injustices have resulted in persistent inequalities in global financial systems, trade structures, and governance institutions that continue to afflict the continent today.

Yet, amid the urgency of this reparations discourse, the continent stands at a historic crossroads: how can this moment be leveraged to secure not only redress for past wrongs, but also lasting sovereignty and prosperity.

While the AU’s call for reparations is morally and historically justified, it is important to not lose sight of the ultimate goal: a truly self-reliant and prosperous Africa. Reparations, whether financial or structural, must catalyse systemic change rather than perpetuate dependency. It should empower African communities to lead their own development. This was well articulated at the ongoing summit by UN Under Secretary General, Mr Claver Gatete, in his remarks at the 46th Ordinary Session of the Executive Council of the African Union, where he cautioned against viewing financial compensation as a panacea, and emphasising that Africa’s future hinges on structural autonomy and dismantling the entrenched barriers that limit its trade (3 per cent of global share) and manufacturing output (1 per cent) despite holding 30 per cent of the world’s mineral reserves and 65 per cent of arable land.

We must acknowledge the hard truth that there are some actors in the global North who see a truly sovereign and independent and prosperous Africa as a threat. African leaders must at all cost fight to ensure that proposed strategies and programmes to secure justice for the continent are not tied to “donor whims,” while will reinforce the cycle of servitude.

We must acknowledge the hard truth that there are some actors in the global North who see a truly sovereign and independent and prosperous Africa as a threat. African leaders must at all cost fight to ensure that proposed strategies and programmes to secure justice for the continent are not tied to “donor whims,” while will reinforce the cycle of servitude. Multilateral promises have often crumbled under Western hesitancy to support developing nations in their struggle to adapt to emerging challenges, which the West is largely responsible for. Climate change is a poignant case in point.

While Africa contributes minimally to global carbon emissions, it bears the brunt of climate disasters. Yet, rich countries have continually failed to heed Africa’s cry for sizeable finance to help it address the adaptation and loss and damage needs imposed by climate change. Many Africans watched an open show of horror as Western nations at COP29 watered-down the New Quantified Climate Finance Goal and poured cold water on the collective aspiration of the African people for climate justice. The United States of America has now gone a step further by pulling out of the Paris Agreement.

Furthermore, the recent trends in the rise of neoconservative movements, anti-immigration sentiments, weaponisation of conditional aid (exemplified by USAID tensions) have exposed the fragility of relying on external goodwill.

African leaders should seize this opportunity to strengthen regional solidarity, invest in homegrown systems and reposition the continent on a self-sufficient growth trajectory. This would put us in a stronger position to hold global actors accountable and demand for enforceable commitments.

The challenge for African leaders is clear: to transform the call for reparations from a symbolic demand into a blueprint for sovereignty. Reparative justice for the continent should not be pursued through tokenistic financial transfers, acknowledgment of historical wrongs, and cultural preservation, as the AU leader have suggested, but rather through strategies and programmes that foster long-term, transformative change, and with just a transition to the green economy placed at the centre. This means resisting the “perpetual cycle of servitude” that the 19th-century slavery abolitionist, Frederick Douglass, once warned against — a cycle in which helplessness invites pity, but never respect. As he rightly said, “Human nature is so constituted, that it cannot honour a helpless man, although it can pity him; and even this it cannot do long, if the signs of power do not arise.”

In addition, while external pressures loom, Africa cannot afford to outsource its path to prosperity. There is need for some self-introspection, as we must also do right by ourselves and address underlying challenges such as the lack of purposeful leadership and endemic corruption, which have immensely contributed to the underdevelopment of the continent. African leaders should seize this opportunity to strengthen regional solidarity, invest in homegrown systems and reposition the continent on a self-sufficient growth trajectory. This would put us in a stronger position to hold global actors accountable and demand for enforceable commitments.

The 38th AU Summit is more than a diplomatic event — it is a litmus test for Africa’s political will and commitment to growth.  While it is true that justice delayed is justice denied, we should also be conscious that justice poorly designed is sovereignty surrendered. The continent’s leaders must be intentional and leverage this moment to forge a future where Africa’s prosperity is self-determined, equitable, and unapologetically sovereign.

Chukwumerije Okereke is a professor of Global Governance and Public Policy at University of Bristol, visiting professor at the London School of Economics, UK and co-chair of Ukama Platform, a group of thought-leaders that aim to strengthen Africa-Europe relationship to achieve just sustainability transformation