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The Association of Chartered Certied Accountants (ACCA) has launched its Sustainability School Programme, an initiative aimed at equipping school children in Nigeria with the knowledge and values needed to drive environmental responsibility and sustainable development.
The programme, which covers modules under the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (UN SDGs), particularly Goal 6 (Clean Water and Sanitation), targets children aged 10 to 16 and will run for six months, beginning in October 2025.
Speaking at the launch, the ACCA Country Head, Nigeria, Mr. Thomas Isibor, explained that the initiative is part of ACCA’s drive to nurture future leaders who will understand global sustainability issues and contribute to meaningful change.
“It is the care of the world, really,” he said. “We want the future leaders to be more aware of what the UN SDGs are and how they can play their part in bringing about positive change. We want our world to be inherited by our children’s generation, so we must have the right behaviour to ensure the earth remains sustainable.”
Also speaking at the event, the ACCA Director for Africa, Mr. Jamil Ampomah, described the programme as a bold step in promoting sustainability awareness among African youth.
“This initiative is part of ACCA’s wider mission to integrate sustainability into learning at all levels,” he said. “We believe the earlier children understand environmental responsibility, the more likely they are to grow into adults who will take decisive action on climate, water, and waste issues.”
The event brought together students, teachers, and dignitaries including Mrs. Rukaiya El-Rufai, Special Adviser to the President on the Nigeria Economic Council and Climate Change (NEC), and Dr. Oreoluwa Finnih, Special Adviser to the Lagos State Governor on SDGs, among others.
Mrs. El-Rufai, in her address, commended ACCA for introducing sustainability education at the foundational level, noting that it aligns with the government’s vision for a cleaner and more resilient Nigeria.
“The conversation about sustainability must start early,” she said. “Children are not just the leaders of tomorrow; they are the influencers of today. When they learn to conserve water, manage waste responsibly, and protect their environment, they shape households and communities toward the same values.”
Also speaking at the event, Dr. Finnih highlighted the need for both government and citizens to embrace sustainable practices.
“I commend the ACCA for this brilliant initiative that brought about young minds that would aid sustainability” she said. Indeed this is the beginning of greater things.”
The dignitaries shared insights on achieving the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals, emphasizing areas such as climate action, water management, waste management, energy management, and the fight against poverty and hunger. Participants discussed innovative solutions, community engagement strategies, and the role of young people in promoting environmental consciousness.
In his closing remarks, Mr. Isibor announced that this is only the first phase of the initiative, adding that ACCA plans to expand its reach by translating SDG messages into Nigeria’s local languages to enhance understanding and participation.
One of the participating students of the panel section held at the event Munachimso Akalonu, a student of Temple School College shared her excitement about the programme.
She said, “Today’s event resonated with me beautifully, because through this awareness every child and every student can make an impact towards achieving a sustainable environment.”
The launch of the ACCA Sustainability School Programme marked a major step toward raising awareness and inspiring action among young Nigerians.
As the event wrapped up, participants left with a renewed sense of responsibility to promote sustainability within their schools and communities echoing the event’s message that real change begins with informed individuals and collective effort.
The event was attended by students in both public and private schools and some participated in the panel session.
