
The urgent need to bridge health and education in addressing climate change took centre stage at the maiden legacy lecture series of the Government Comprehensive Old Boys Association (COBA), held on Saturday, 25 January, 2025, at Government Comprehensive Secondary School, Borikiri, Port Harcourt.
Delivering the keynote address, Professor Vincent Idemyor, distinguished visiting scholar and professor at the Faculty of Pharmaceutical Sciences, University of Port Harcourt, highlighted the deep connections between climate change, public health, and education, stressing that young Nigerians must take an active role in shaping a sustainable future.
In his lecture, titled “Bridging Health and Education: Pathways to Sustainable Development in a Changing Climate,” Idemyor emphasised the devastating impact of climate change on health, noting that extreme weather patterns are contributing to disease outbreaks, food shortages, and water crises.
“Climate change is not just an environmental issue; it is a health emergency. The rising temperatures and flooding we are experiencing in Nigeria are already increasing the spread of diseases like malaria and typhoid. We cannot afford to ignore this reality,” he said.
He argued that education is the most powerful tool for combating climate change, as it equips individuals with the knowledge to make informed decisions and drive sustainable practices.
“If we integrate climate change education into our schools, we are not just teaching students about the problem—we are empowering them to be part of the solution,” the distinguished don remarked. He urged educators and policymakers to prioritise climate literacy, warning that failure to do so would leave future generations unprepared for the challenges ahead.
Beyond environmental concerns, Idemyor addressed Nigeria’s broader socio-economic struggles, revealing troubling statistics on hunger and substance abuse. “Today, 189 million Nigerians go to bed hungry. How can we talk about national development when people do not have enough to eat?” he asked. He called for urgent policy interventions, stating that poverty and food insecurity must be tackled with decisive action.
He also raised alarm over rising substance abuse among young Nigerians, citing statistics that show between 20 to 25 million Nigerians are addicted to drugs, a number that jumps to 45 million when alcohol consumption is included. “Substance abuse is destroying our youth. It affects brain development, impairs growth, and reduces productivity. If we do not address this, we are jeopardising our future,” he warned.
Directly addressing students, he urged them to avoid alcohol and drugs, stressing that their long-term well-being depends on the choices they make today. “Please, do not do anything that will harm your brain. The brain stops developing at 25, and the damage from alcohol and drugs is irreversible,” he cautioned.
Reflecting on his own experiences as a student, Idemyor called for the return of structured boarding school systems, which he believes played a key role in shaping leadership, discipline, and resilience. “In my time at Comprehensive, education was not just about passing exams; we were trained to be leaders. We were taught ethics, discipline, and how to engage with our environment in a meaningful way,” he said. He lamented the decline in educational and social structures, arguing that strong institutions are necessary for national progress.
The event brought together old boys of the school, current students, and distinguished guests, including the Chairman of the occasion, Chief OCJ Okocha, SAN, who commended COBA for organising the lecture series. He described it as a valuable platform for intellectual engagement and mentorship, stating, “This lecture will stimulate our intellectual appetite and enrich our knowledge.”
Expressing gratitude to COBA for the opportunity to deliver the inaugural lecture, Idemyor described it as both an honour and a responsibility. “I am deeply humbled to be chosen for the first legacy COBA lecture. It is a privilege, and I intend to work with the association to ensure this platform continues to inspire and educate,” he said.
He concluded his address with a call to action, urging young Nigerians to take ownership of their future and work towards national transformation. “Do not waste time complaining about how terrible Nigeria is. We are all living here, and we all have a role to play in changing things. Health, education, and climate action are not just government responsibilities; they belong to all of us,” he said. He challenged students to think beyond securing jobs and to embrace education as a tool for problem-solving and innovation. “Education is not just about getting a degree—it is about thinking critically, asking the right questions, and pushing for change. We need minds that will challenge the status quo and create solutions,” he said.