ACCA introduces school programme to raise SDG awareness among young Nigerians

The Association of Chartered Certified Accountants (ACCA) has launched the “Sustainability Hour” to promote awareness of the United Nations sustainable development goals (SDGs) among Nigerian students.

The six-month initiative, which will start later in October, targets students aged 10 to 16.

It features monthly interactive learning modules on sustainability themes such as climate action, waste management, energy efficiency, poverty, and hunger.

Speaking at the launch on Friday, Thomas Isibor, country head of ACCA Nigeria, said the programme is designed to equip future leaders with knowledge of the SDGs.

Isibor said the “Sustainability Hour” aims to drive advocacy, behavioural change, and understanding of global goals among students nationwide.

He explained that the initiative is driven by a shared concern for the planet and the need to prepare young people for a sustainable future.

According to him, the programme seeks to inspire lasting behavioural change, innovation, and excellence in education while promoting responsible citizenship.

He said it targets both public and private schools, focusing on six SDGs, including quality education and responsible consumption and production.

Isibor added that the pilot phase will be evaluated after six months to measure its reach and potential expansion to more schools and communities.

“We want our future leaders to adopt the right behaviours and become changemakers capable of building a sustainable world for generations after them,” he said.

Rukaiya el-Rufai, special adviser to the president on national economic council and climate change, commended ACCA for the initiative.

She described it as a timely step toward empowering young Nigerians to tackle environmental and social challenges through education.

“Education remains vital for sustainable development. Teaching SDGs equips future generations to confront climate change and inequality,” el-Rufai said.

She added that sustainability education fosters global citizenship, critical thinking, and problem-solving skills for inclusive and environmentally responsible societies.

Oreoluwa Finnih, special adviser to the Lagos state governor on SDGs, also praised ACCA for aligning the programme with SDGs 1, 2, 4, 6, 12, and 13.

She urged students to embrace sustainability, describing it as the foundation for shared prosperity and environmental stewardship.

Finnih said the programme helps nurture young minds to think critically about environmental, social, and governance issues.

She encouraged students to become sustainability champions in their schools, communities, and homes through conscious daily actions.

Wonderful Olulano, a member of the ACCA curriculum team, said the initiative promotes global awareness through SDG-focused learning.

He said it seeks to inspire students while engaging teachers, parents, and guardians in driving sustainable solutions to global challenges.

“We teach young people to understand the SDGs, recognise real problems, and collaborate to create sustainable change,” he said.

The event ended with a fashion show featuring creative outfits made from recycled materials, including plastics, newspapers, and nylon.