ENHANCING CLIMATE LITERACY THROUGH EDUCATION FOR EFFECTIVE CLIMATE CHANGE MITIGATION IN NIGERIA: ADVANCING THE GOALS OF SUSTAINABLE DEVELOPMENT

Abstract

Climate change poses a serious threat to global sustainability, with African nations, particularly Nigeria - experiencing severe impacts due to limited adaptive capacities. This study examines the interplay between climate change and education, focusing on how climate change awareness and knowledge among teachers and students can shape effective mitigation strategies. Using a mixed-methods approach, the research was conducted across all the 18 Local Government Areas of Ondo State, Nigeria, involving 1,500 participants (1,000 students and 500 teachers). Data were collected using a structured questionnaire and analyzed through both descriptive and inferential statistics. Findings revealed a stark disparity in climate change awareness between teachers and students, with teachers exhibiting significantly higher levels of understanding. Despite Nigeria's policy strides such as the Climate Change Act and its Energy Transition Plan - gaps remain in translating these frameworks into educational practice. The study underscores the urgent need to integrate climate education into Nigeria's primary, secondary, and tertiary curricula. It calls for teacher training, curriculum reform, and increased access to instructional materials to foster environmental literacy. Ultimately, the paper argues that education is not just a complementary measure but a foundational pillar in building societal resilience to climate change. Through informed pedagogy and inclusive policies, Nigeria can cultivate a generation well equipped to navigate and mitigate the multifaceted challenges of a changing climate.