The Association of Chartered Certified Accountants (ACCA) has launched the Sustainability Hour initiative, aimed at integrating sustainability concepts into the Nigerian school curriculum, a step towards embedding environmental awareness and responsible business practices into early education.
Thomas Isibor, country head at ACCA Nigeria, speaking at the launching in Lagos emphasised that the pioneering programme which would go round other regions is designed to equip young learners with the knowledge and values needed to tackle global challenges such as climate change, ethical governance, and sustainable development from an early age.
“ACCA ‘Sustainability Hour’ is an initiative that ACCA Global has put together to support future leaders in understanding what the UN SDGs are, to help with advocacy and support with changing behaviours.
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“We want our future leaders to begin to adapt the behaviour that is required for them to make the change in the world,” he said.
He explained that the idea behind the programme is to make the future leaders become more aware about the UN SDGs, and how they can play a part in bringing about positive change in the world.
Jamil Ampomah, director-Africa, ACCA in his remark said the programme is very significant because it is a chance for the association to inspire young people with a desire to serve as future leaders and to step up as advocates on the issues of sustainability in general and for sustainable development goals specifically.
“We know that this is crucial for the next generation along many lines. Policy, building sustainable businesses and essentially our very survival.
“Therefore for us to build healthy economies here in Nigeria, we need to be able to achieve a sustainable and healthy plan in terms of how we do business and conduct ourselves,” he said.
Ampomah said ACCSA is proud to introduce the Sustainability Hour, an educational initiative designed to engage schools, students across Nigeria in key sustainability themes aligned to the UN SDGs.
“We hope the programme sparks curiosity, deepens awareness. These once a month one-hour sessions have been developed with Nigeria educators, so all the nuances and relevance that need to be taken into account locally have been factored in.
“The sessions are tailored for two age groups 10 to 13, and 14 to 16 years and we have developed dedicated materials for each of these groups and it is going to be delivered by your own teachers who are trained and supported by ACCA business development managers,” he emphasised.
Oreoluwa Finnih, special adviser to the governor of Lagos State on SDGs, described the initiative as a timely, and forward-looking contribution to shaping Nigeria’s young generation to understand that sustainability is not merely an option, but the foundation of a shared future.
She emphasised the programme aligns with Babajide Sanwo-Olu led-administration’s Themes Plus Agenda, which is an SDG agenda.
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“We at the league of state offices of SDGs firmly believe that education is the most powerful tool for advancing sustainable development.
“So by integrating sustainability principles into its learning, the ACCA is nurturing young minds to think critically about environment, social impact and governance skills, which are essential for today’s leaders and professionals,” she said.
Adeola Arofin, AISEN, chairperson, represented by Kofo Karounwi, the vice chair, said the programme is an inspiring initiative and the beginning of great things.
“ACCA is focused on the SDGs such as quality education, zero hunger, clean water and sanitation, climate action, and the fight against poverty.
“They all connect perfectly with what we in AISEN believe education should be. Learning that not only fills the mind but also shakes the heart and strengthens the will to make a difference,” she said.
Rabiu Olowo, executive secretary/CEO, Financial Reporting Council of Nigeria, applauded ACCA for the initiative.
He said though it might be difficult to meet the SDGs by 2030, he was excited that the right thing is being done now.
“With these young people, this is the right thing for us to do. It gives me much joy and anticipation that we will start tracking with meeting the UN SDGs by 2030.
“Once we begin to incorporate sustainability learnings into education, and we’re co-opting the students, that’s the way to go,” he noted.
Rashidat Adebisi, chair, ACCA Nigeria Advisory Committee, urged the students to understand that leadership is not about the title but actions one take.
“Each one of us here today, even though your parents seem to be more educated than you, if you learn for one hour every day or at least even every week for the next few years, you might actually be more knowledgeable than them,” she said.
