Integrating Climate Change into Nigeria’s Education System: Insights from Agbakhame

Dr. Cletus Onyemhese Agbakhamen is not your average climatologist. While he’s busy with his role at Chevron Nigeria Limited, he finds time to engage with the community and advocate for environmental issues. Recently, he received the Environmental Sustainability Award from the Africa Cleanup Initiative in Lagos. In a conversation with EJIKEME OMENAZU, he discussed the importance of teaching climate change and what actions the government should take to combat environmental degradation.

Dr. Agbakhamen has a solid background. He holds a degree in Electrical/Electronic Engineering from the University of Benin, an MBA, and a Doctorate in Occupational Health & Safety. He’s also pursuing a PhD in Climate Change & Environmental Sustainability. With over 25 years of experience, he has edited major international journals and produced numerous publications on engineering, safety, and sustainability. His work has earned him several awards, including the AfriSAFE Industry Merit Award and the Environmental Sustainability Award.

About the recent recognition, he shared, “It’s a great honor to be selected among many experts. This award motivates me to push harder for environmental stewardship. It highlights the vital role of community efforts in addressing environmental challenges. I dedicate this award to everyone working behind the scenes to create a cleaner, greener, and more resilient world.”

When asked about government actions to fight environmental degradation, Dr. Agbakhamen emphasized three main strategies: institutionalizing accountability, incentivizing the green economy, and integrating sustainability into national planning. He believes that strengthening enforcement of environmental laws is crucial. Agencies like the National Environmental Standards and Regulation Enforcement Agency (NESREA) should be empowered to act independently and efficiently, with clear consequences for pollution violations.

He also suggests promoting a circular economy focused on waste recycling and renewable energy. Offering financial incentives and support for green businesses can create jobs while safeguarding the environment. Lastly, he believes that sustainability should be a core component of all infrastructure projects, ensuring that environmental considerations are included from the start.

According to a recent report by the United Nations, climate change is expected to displace 143 million people by 2050 if urgent measures aren’t taken. This statistic underscores the need for immediate action and the importance of leaders like Dr. Agbakhamen advocating for change. The conversations around climate education and policy are more vital than ever as communities and nations face environmental challenges together.

As awareness grows, conversations on platforms like social media reflect a rising commitment to climate awareness, especially among younger generations. Movements championed by youth activists have gained momentum, creating a groundswell of support for sustainable practices and climate education. This societal shift may drive governments and organizations to prioritize environmental issues more than before.

In sum, Dr. Agbakhamen’s insights remind us that addressing climate change requires collective responsibility. By instilling environmental education from an early age and adopting robust policies, we can better tackle the challenges ahead.

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