CIRCULAR ECONOMY AND THE NIGERIAN EDUCATION SYSTEM: OPPORTUNITIES, CHALLENGES, AND PATHWAYS FOR SUSTAINABLE EDUCATIONAL DEVELOPMENT

Abstract

The circular economy (CE) offers a sustainable alternative to traditional linear models of production and consumption by emphasizing resource efficiency, waste reduction, recycling, reuse, and sustainable practices. In the Nigerian education system, which faces challenges such as resource scarcity, high operational costs, environmental waste, and inefficient management, integrating circular economy principles presents significant opportunities for sustainability, cost reduction, and innovation. This chapter explores the concept of circular economy, its relevance to education, and the potential benefits for Nigerian schools, colleges, and universities, including enhanced environmental sustainability, cost savings, skills development, and institutional resilience. It also examines the key challenges of implementation, such as limited awareness, inadequate infrastructure, high initial costs, resistance to change, policy gaps, and inequities in access to resources. The chapter concludes by emphasizing the need for strategic planning, policy support, capacity building, and investment in sustainable infrastructure and digital systems to facilitate effective adoption of circular economy practices. By addressing both the opportunities and barriers, this chapter provides a framework for promoting sustainable educational development in Nigeria.