CHEMISTRY EDUCATORS’ AWARENESS AND UTILIZATION OF GREEN CHEMISTRY PRINCIPLES IN TERTIARY INSTITUTIONS IN AKWA IBOM STATE: IMPLICATIONS FOR ENVIRONMENTAL SUSTAINABILITY

Abstract

This study examined the level of Chemistry educators’ awareness and utilization of green chemistry principles in tertiary institutions in Akwa Ibom State and its implications for environmental sustainability. A descriptive survey research design was adopted for the study. The population of the study consisted of 86 Chemistry educators in the 6 public tertiary institutions in Akwa Ibom State. A sample size of 54 Chemistry educators was used for the study. Simple random sampling technique was used to select 3 public tertiary institutions out of the 6 public tertiary institutions in the study area. In each of the selected tertiary institutions, an accidental sampling technique was used. The instrument used for data collection was the Awareness and Utilization of Green Chemistry Principles Questionnaire (AUGCPQ) with a reliability coefficient of .87. Data collected were analyzed using mean, standard deviation and independent t-test statistics. The results indicated a moderate level of chemistry educators’ awareness and low level of utilization of green chemistry principles in tertiary institutions in Akwa Ibom State. Also, there was no significant difference in the level of male and female chemistry educators’ awareness and utilization of green chemistry principles in tertiary institutions in Akwa Ibom State. Based on the findings, it is concluded that the importance of green chemistry in the curriculum not only supports academic growth but also contributes to raising environmentally responsible future scientists, which is essential for sustainable development and environmental protection in the region and beyond. It is therefore recommended among others that workshops, seminars and continuous professional development programs for chemistry educators focused on the practical application of green chemistry principles should be organized. Chemistry curriculum in tertiary institutions should be reviewed and revised to include green Chemistry principles as a core component. This will ensure that students are exposed to sustainable practices early in their academic journey, creating a generation that of chemists who prioritize environmental sustainability.