Oriental Energy’s Uwem Ite elected chairman of Nigeria’s greening education institute

Uwem Ite, head of Community and Government Relations at Oriental Energy Resources Limited, has been elected chairman of the Governing Council of the Institute for Greening Education in Nigeria (IGEN).

Mr Ite announced his election in a Facebook post, saying the institute held the inaugural meeting of its governing council on 6 October 2026, following its formal registration and recognition by the federal government.

The appointment places Mr Ite at the head of the council responsible for guiding the institute’s strategic direction as it seeks to advance environmental education and green skills development in Nigeria.

At the inaugural meeting, the council appointed Unyime Robinson as the institute’s executive secretary for an initial four-year term.

It also adopted the IGEN Strategic Plan for 2026–2030 and the first-year operational work plan for 2026/2027, according to Mr Ite.

Mr Ite described the development as an important milestone for the institute, which he said is now positioned to become Nigeria’s foremost national institution for advancing greening education and green skills.

Greening education generally involves integrating environmental sustainability, climate awareness and responsible resource management into teaching, learning and skills development. Green skills equip people with the knowledge and competencies needed to support environmentally sustainable economic activities.

The institute’s adoption of a five-year strategic plan and an initial operational work plan provides a framework for translating its stated objectives into programmes and activities. 

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Mr Ite currently serves as head of Community and Government Relations at Oriental Energy Resources Limited, an oil and gas company operating in Akwa Ibom State.

His election follows growing attention to environmental sustainability, climate change and the need to equip young people with skills relevant to a transition towards more sustainable economic activities.

The institute’s effectiveness will depend on how it translates its strategic priorities into practical education programmes, partnerships and measurable outcomes.