NESREA task institutions on environmental management

Dr Benebo stated this  in a lecture titled “environmental Protection and sustainable development in Nigeria.. Role of Tertiary institutions” which she delivered at  annual lecture  organised by the college of Graduate studies, University of Port Harcourt.
She said environmental sustainability has become an increasingly important issue all over the world stressing that the role of Tertiary institutions in environmental sustainability initiatives is becoming more and more prevalent.
Benebo said sustainable development through higher education provides a pivotal role in nation building.
 She said “tertiary institutions have capacity to give quick responses to different societal problems, including those relating to the environment. Beyond teaching and learning  on environmental issues, there is an emerging consensus that tertiary institutions can also model sustainable practices. Such education contributes strongly to sustainable practices. Such education contributes strongly to sustainable development by training and expanding young minds in researching solutions to the environmental challenges.”
 “Tertiary institutions are unique and have their traditions and culture. They are familiar with their own traditions and culture. They are familiar with their surroundings. They can use their repository of knowledge and expertise to address various societal problems. The tertiary institutions can help protect the environment and achieve sustainable development through the implementation of various programmes under the umbrella of education for sustainable development”.
 She listed curriculum design and programme development, research and development, outreach, development of centres of excellence, organisation and participation in conferences and workshops, publications and communications, consultancy and expert advisory services, sabbaticals and short term attachment as well as the establishment of partnerships and networks as various ways tertiary institutions could be involved in environmental management”.
 She stated that Nigeria is a large country endowed with rich natural resources and biodiversity and “at the same time facing various environmental challenges” and added that “achieving sustainable development at country level would require proper management and control of our environment”.
 According to her  “there is therefore, need to evolve a formal environmental education system that can build the capacity of those who will be entrusted with the protection of the environment and management of our natural resources. Our tertiary institutions have critical role to play in this regard. There is need for design and development of problem solving and result oriented environmental programmes in our institutions”
 “Our tertiary institutions should embrace the innovations in sustainable environmental education and come up with specific programmes that suit their individual peculiarity and circumstances”.
 She said  the National Environmental standards and Regulations Enforcement Agency, NESREA, would  be very willing to partner with the college of  graduate studies of University of Port Harcourt in the implementation of environmental sustainability programmes in the University.
 Earlier the Vice Chancellor of University of Port Harcourt, Professor Joseph Ajienka said the lecture had come at a time when the University is planning to develop its research centre for a strong market economy.