A member of the Governing Board of the North East Development Commission (NEDC), representing the South East, Hon. Sam Onuigbo, has raised concerns over the impact of climate change on Nigeria’s education system.
Speaking to LEADERSHIP after presenting a paper at the 2025 Annual Conference and General Meeting of Deans of Education from Nigerian Universities, held at Michael Okpara University of Agriculture, Umudike, Abia State, Onuigbo stated that climate-related challenges, such as flooding, drought, and extreme heat, have increasingly disrupted schooling across the country.
Onuigbo, a former Abia State Commissioner and ex-member of the House of Representatives (2015–2023) noted that these environmental events damaged school infrastructure, leading to high absenteeism and prolonged closures in affected communities.
Despite these challenges, he stressed that education remains a powerful tool in fighting climate justice.
“Targeted educational programmes can raise awareness about environmental rights and equip students from these areas to advocate for equity and sustainability,” he said.
He urged stakeholders in the education sector to integrate climate education into school curricula, empowering young Nigerians to become agents of change.
“Universities and polytechnics have a dual role as centres of learning and innovation,” Onuigbo said.
He added that institutions can offer scientific solutions to climate change problems through research and development, while training future professionals in green technologies and environmental management.
