In a bid to build safe, resilient and sustainable human settlements, Fifty-two Principals and Vice Principals from Federal Unity Colleges have commenced the 2025 National Institute for Strategic Leadership on Sustainable Cities and Communities in Port Harcourt.
The four days training organized by the National Institute for Policy and strategic Studies aims at Strengthening participants’ capacity for strategic thinking, effective communication and resource mobilization in promoting sustainability-driven education.
The world is currently facing environmental challenges driven by the impacts of climate change and these threats are pronounced in Nigeria, as it
undermines the sustainability of cities and communities as well as threatens
human livelihoods.
In his opening address, Minister of Education, Dr. Morufu Olatunji Alausa emphasised that the journey to sustainable cities begins with sustainable schools.
Represented by the Director of Human Resources, Dr. Saheed Yusuf, the minister said schools must nurture resilience and respect for the environment.
“By bringing together principals from across Federal Government Colleges, this program provides a unique platform to deepen our understanding of the sustainable development goal 11 that is sustainable cities and communities and to translate it into actionable strategies within the education sector.”
“Through this workshop, we expect our school leaders to become champions of sustainability, introducing eco-friendly practices in their institutions and fostering civic responsibility amongst students and inspiring the next generation of Nigerian Leaders.”
The Director General of National Institute for Policy and strategic Studies, Professor Ayo Omotayo represented by Professor Sola Adeyanju urged the participants to take advantage of the course to ensure that their schools become incubators of sustainable thinking and National transformation.
“As Principals and Vice Principals of Federal Unity Schools, you are not only administrators, you are architects of the future, you shape the minds that would design our cities, govern our communities and Steward our environment, therefore integrating SSG 11 into our National curriculum is not merely a pedagogical exercise, it is a National Imperative.”
“This course has been carefully designed to empower you with the strategic leadership tools, policy insight and practical framework necessary to champion sustainability in your schools and beyond.
The Executive Director growth and engagement, Conference for Africa Studies Limited, Elder Olorunniwo Alani called on the participants to ensure that solutions being proffered for environmental issues would be be integrated into the educational curriculum.
“Principals and Vice Principals are leaders in their communities because each school is a community of its own. We have a lot of things militating against our environment which is the reason why United Nations SDG 11 is all about.”
“Right from secondary school, our young ones should be able to know their responsibilities towards their society, towards their environment because they are the leaders of tomorrow and they should be able to know how to mitigate against environmental disasters.”
The leadership training which aims to Integrate sustainability concepts into existing subjects such as Geography, Civic Education, Social Studies, Environmental Science, will also embed co-curricular activities.
