Heads of tertiary institutions in Rivers State are set to attend the United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (UNESCO) World Conference on Education for Sustainable Development (ESD) in Nairobi, Kenya. The conference, scheduled for January 13-15, 2027, will bring together education leaders, policymakers, and development partners to discuss the role of education in achieving the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).
The conference, themed "Learning in Action, Shaping Our Future," is expected to be one of the largest educational gatherings in Africa. Registration for delegates has commenced, and several vice-chancellors from Rivers State will attend, including Prof. Isaac Zeb-Obipi of Rivers State University, Prof. Okechukwu Onuchukwu of Ignatius Ajuru University of Education, and Prof. Chinedu Mmom of the Federal University of Environment and Technology, Ogoni.
Other attendees include Prof. Owunari Georgewill of the University of Port Harcourt, Prof. Marwan Al-Akaidi of Wigwe University, Isiokpo, and Prof. Christie Nwidu Mato of PAMO University of Medical Sciences. Additionally, Dr. Moses Neebee, Rector of Captain Elechi Amadi Polytechnic, and Dr. Peace Chigozirim Amadi, Provost of Rivers State College of Health Science and Management Technology, will also be in attendance.
According to Dr. Emmanuel Nkweke, spokesperson for the International Association of World Peace Advocates (IAWPA), the decision to invite more educational leaders from Rivers State was due to the state's recent performance as one of the best in quality education assessment in Nigeria. IAWPA is partnering with the Ministry of Education to promote quality education in the state.
The conference will feature side events where vice-chancellors from Rivers State will present papers on education. IAWPA had earlier announced the Federal University of Environment and Technology, Saakpenwa/Koroma, Ogoni, as one of the SDG Centres in Africa, a significant achievement for Rivers State.
Through IAWPA, Prof. Chinedu Mmom led a high-powered delegation to the United Nations Innovate for Cities Conference held on June 21, 2026, at the UN headquarters in Nairobi, Kenya. This demonstrates the state's commitment to global educational initiatives and sustainable development.
The UNESCO World Conference on Education for Sustainable Development will provide a platform for education leaders to share best practices and strategies for achieving the SDGs. The attendance of Rivers State tertiary institution heads is expected to enhance the state's capacity for sustainable development and education for all.
Key points
- The conference aims to bring together education leaders to discuss the role of education in achieving the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).
- Rivers State tertiary institution heads attending the conference include Prof. Isaac Zeb-Obipi, Prof. Okechukwu Onuchukwu, and Prof. Chinedu Mmom.
- The conference is themed "Learning in Action, Shaping Our Future" and is expected to be one of the largest educational gatherings in Africa.
