Ogun deploys technology to mitigate effects of climate change in schools

By Yusuf Olatunji 

Ogun State government says it has deployed technological innovation to mitigate the effects of climate change in schools across the state to create a conducive learning environment. 

The Permanent Secretary, Ministry of Education, Science and Technology, Mrs. Abosede Ogunleye disclosed this in Abeokuta, the Ogun State capital on Wednesday.

Ogunleye, who spoke on the topic titled; "Education and Industrialisation in Ogun State: Technological Development For Mitigating Climate Change", during the tour of the state by the participants of The Senior Executive Course (SEC) 45, 2023 of the National Institute for Policy and Strategic Studies, Kuru, Jos, said part of the technology deployed includes  renewable energy through the installation of Solar-powers in schools.

She said that teachers were also trained to make them become active citizens and earth protection ambassadors with leadership skillsfor the promotion of Sustainable Development Goals; noting  that the creation of eco-friendly teaching and learning was stimulated through the intervention.

The perm sec further stated that the state government, in collaboration with Nestle Nigeria Plc, had  sponsored the training of 150 students on Climate Change Development Initiative, saying this really  helped the state contingents during the last edition of JETS competition to  win several awards for converting waste materials to valuable products, such as interlock bricks.

"Prince Dapo Abiodun-led government has invested heavily in infrastructural development, training and retraining of the workforce with motivating incentives, provision of necessary facilities to aid learning with focus to institutionalize qualitative education for all irrespective of social status," she said.

She added that tree plantation was included in secondary school curriculum as a topic under social studies, as part of the measures to mitigate the effects of climate change, noting that the school segment of the snnual planting of 1million trees by the state Ministry of Forestry was carried out by students.

Meanwhile, in their separate presentations, the Deputy Vice-Chancellor (Administration), Olabisi Onabanjo University, Ago-Iwoye, Prof. Charles Adekoya and the Director, Institute of Vocational Training and Research in Agriculture, Tai Solarin University of Education, Ijagun, Ogun State, Prof. Akiyode Olawunmi suggested renewable energy through the plantation of Wind Farm to mitigate the effects of climate change, submitting that access to energy have positive impacts on people's health and on the economy of the nation at Large.

In her remarks, the Head of the Team, Prof. Oluwafunmilayo Para-Mallam assured the state government of the group's support to further achieve the United Nations'  Sustainable Development Goals, saying choosing Ogun State as their Course of Study has been a blessing to them.