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, starting in October 2025, targets students aged 10–16 and features monthly interactive learning modules on key sustainability themes.
The programme focuses on UN SDGs such as climate action, waste and water management, energy efficiency, poverty, and hunger, supporting the global 2030 Agenda.
Speaking at the launch on Friday, October 17, 2025, in Ikeja, Country Head, ACCA Nigeria, Mr. Thomas Isibor, said the initiative aims to equip future leaders with knowledge of the SDGs.
Isibor explained that the “Sustainability Hour” is designed to promote advocacy, behavioural change, and understanding of the SDGs among students nationwide.
He added that the initiative is driven by a shared concern for the planet and the need to prepare young leaders for a sustainable future.
According to him, the impact sought includes lasting behavioural change, innovation, and excellence in education while inspiring responsible citizenship among young Nigerians.
He stated that the programme targets public and private schools, focusing on six SDGs, including Quality Education and Responsible Consumption and Production.
Isibor said the pilot phase will be evaluated after six months to determine the programme’s 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.
Special Adviser to the President on National Economic Council and Climate Change, Mrs. Rukaiya El-Rufai, commended the ACCA for the initiative.
She described it as a timely step toward empowering young Nigerians to tackle environmental and social challenges through education and awareness.
“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.
Special Adviser to the Lagos State Governor on SDGs, Dr Oreoluwa Finnih, also praised ACCA for aligning the programme with SDGs 1, 2, 4, 6, 12, and 13.
Finnih said the initiative complements the Lagos State THEMES Agenda and Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu’s vision of integrating SDGs into development strategies.
She urged students to embrace sustainability, noting that it is the foundation for shared prosperity and environmental stewardship.
Finnih emphasised that 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.
Mr. Wonderful Olulano, a member of the ACCA curriculum team, said the programme promotes global awareness through SDG-centred learning.
He noted that it seeks to inspire students and engage teachers, parents, and guardians in driving sustainable solutions to global challenges.
Olulano explained that Temple School has introduced Project-Based Learning, where students design projects tackling issues like hunger, poverty, and gender equality.
“We teach young people to understand the SDGs, recognise real problems, and collaborate to create sustainable change,” he said.
Miss Jennifer Obiorah of Queen’s College said she learnt that waste materials like paper, metal, nylon, and plastics can be recycled for useful purposes.
Also, Okon Mitchell from King’s College thanked ACCA for the programme, saying it taught him that “nothing is a waste until you waste it.”
The highlight of the event was a fashion show featuring creative outfits made from recycled materials such as plastics, newspapers, and nylon.
By Millicent Ifeanyichukwu
