Environmental Education in Nigeria: Issues, Challenges and Prospects

Abstract

This paper discusses Environmental Education in Nigeria as a key to creating environmental consciousness / awareness in pupils/students from their early educational career. Insufficient educational information could lead to ignorance of some important issues pertaining to global and regional concerns. The rapid societal transition with its 'positive' and 'negative' effects is enough of a scenario for the stimulation of global re-orientation of education and reduction of apathy mostly in the developing world. This paper also reviews the schools in Nigeria (primary, secondary, colleges and universities). Research questions were developed and answered with the aim to identify some of the problems, challenges and some possible solutions that could lead to the co-ordination of any new educational policy. The paper further laid emphasis on Nigerian schools as a key to environmental adequacy and knowledge in students as future influential decision makers. This is seen as a key to empowerment and participation in decision making, with regards to solving some of the world's vital environmental issues and challenges. This trend will enhance a sustainable future development.

DOI: 10.5901/mjss.2013.v4n15p159