SUSTAINABLE DEVELOPMENT

Climate change and sustainable development are currently topics of global repute. Anthropological activities aimed at achieving socio- economic advancement take a toll on environmental health culminating in climate change and threatening sustainable development. Climate change is possibly the sole glaring challenge confronting sustainable development. It is a problem with a nexus to civilization, industrialization and economic advancement. Hence, calculated action must be taken to address climate change. The 17 Sustainable Development Goals (SDG’s) adopted by the United Nations General Assembly in 2015 cum Agenda 2030 represents a ray of hope, envisaging a world where environmental sustainability, equity and prosperity cohabit, in contrast to the current situation where the world wrestles with unprecedented challenges. This paper examines the machinery in place for attaining SDG 13 in Nigeria premised on taking action to combat climate change, progress made and inherent challenges to the actualization of SDG 13. It assesses the state of achievement of SDG 13 targets such as increase in resilience and adaptive capacity to climate related disasters in Nigeria, promotion of education and awareness, strengthening of human and institutional capacity with respect to climate change mitigation and adaptation, early warnings and impact reduction. The research methodology employed is the Doctrinal legal research method, referencing primary and secondary sources of law, online journals as well as online materials inclusive of data obtained from international websites, SDG Progress Reports and dashboards. The study comparatively analyses Nigeria’s Climate Change Act 2021 with climate change Acts from Denmark and the United Kingdom. Pursuant to their positive rankings in the Climate Change Performance Index 2025, Nigeria can draw lessons from their climate change action. The paper finds inter alia, that climate change is occasioned by natural as well as anthropological unsustainable practices that exploit the environment; climate change has cross-sectoral impact in Nigeria beyond affecting environmental mediums; Nigeria has a multiplicity of framework to address climate change nationally and internationally; despite the fact that she does not experience a dearth of policies, gaps exist in implementation owing to a number of factors including insufficient funding to engage in impactful climate action, lack of coordination amongst government agencies, limited climate literacy and lack of political will of the government thereby prioritizing economic interests and relegating climate action aspirations to the realm of verbal platitudes. The study recommends inter alia, adequate funding; improved coordination amongst agencies; increased climate literacy; sincerity and political support for climate plans and programmes in order to achieve SDG 13 in Nigeria as well as the prioritization of environmental health by diversifying from extreme reliance on fossil fuel to drive the energy sector.

This study investigates the adoption, usage, and application of Generative Artificial Intelligence (GAI) in promoting sustainability and achieving the Sustainable Development Goal 4 (Quality Education) in Nigerian universities. A descriptive survey research design was employed, targeting 222 professionals, policymakers, academic staff, development officers, environmental experts, and IT personnel involved in sustainability initiatives. Data were collected through googled constructed online questionnaires, with 200 valid responses received, representing a 90% response rate. Descriptive and inferential statistical techniques, including frequency distributions, percentages, mean, standard deviation, and multiple regression analysis, were used to analyze the data. The findings revealed that GAI adoption, usage, and application have a significant positive impact on sustainability and the promotion of quality education, enhancing access to learning resources, personalizing learning experiences, improving academic performance, and reducing educational inequalities. The study also identified challenges, including limited infrastructure, high costs, lack of technical expertise, and resistance to change, which may hinder effective GAI implementation. The research concludes that strategic policy development, adequate resourcing, continuous capacity building, and ethical AI practices are critical for maximizing the benefits of GAI in Nigerian universities. The study contributes to the growing body of knowledge on AI-driven sustainability and education and provides practical recommendations for policymakers, educators, and institutional administrators.

This study examines the relationship between cultism and national insecurity in Nigeria, with a specific focus on Benin City, Edo State. Cultism, which has evolved from secret confraternities in higher institutions to violent, organized groups, has become a significant contributor to insecurity, manifesting in armed clashes, assassinations, kidnapping, and other criminal activities. The research investigates the causes, patterns, and impacts of cult-related violence on the socio-economic and political stability of the area.
Using a case study approach, the study draws on both primary and secondary data, including interviews, questionnaires, and existing literature. Findings reveal that factors such as unemployment, peer pressure, political manipulation, poverty, and weak law enforcement systems contribute significantly to the proliferation of cult groups. The study further establishes that cultism exacerbates national insecurity by undermining public safety, discouraging investment, and eroding trust in government institutions.
The paper concludes that cultism poses a serious threat to sustainable development and national cohesion. It recommends a multi-dimensional strategy involving government agencies, community leaders, and educational institutions to address the root causes. Measures such as youth empowerment, stricter law enforcement, public awareness campaigns, and policy reforms are suggested as essential steps toward curbing cultism and enhancing security in Benin City and Nigeria at large.

This study investigated the impact of women education on sustainable development in Nigeria. To achieve the purpose of the study, five (5) research questions were raised and answered. A sample size of 100 respondents was used for the study. The data collected was analyzed using frequency count and simple percentage. The study revealed that women’s education serves as a fundamental driver of sustainable national development. Educated women were found to play crucial roles in boosting economic productivity through entrepreneurship, formal employment, and innovation. It was concluded that women’s education significantly enhances social and political development by promoting health awareness, family well-being, and active participation in governance. The study recommended among others that government should allocate more resources to improve access to quality education for women, particularly in rural and underserved communities. This includes building schools, providing learning materials, and ensuring affordable or free education at all levels.