By Ibrahima Yakubu
Kaduna, Nigeria — The Special Assistant on Climate Change to the Governor of Kaduna State, Yusuf Amoke Idris, has graduated with a First-Class equivalent (Very Good) from Technische Universität Dresden, one of Germany’s leading universities, after successfully completing the prestigious six-month postgraduate programme in Environmental Management.
The programme was offered through the university’s Centre for International Postgraduate Studies of Environmental Management (CIPSEM), a globally recognized institution established under the support of UNEP, UNESCO, and the German Federal Ministry for the Environment. It brings together experienced mid-career professionals from developing countries to strengthen their capacity in environmental governance, sustainable development, and climate action.
The 49th edition of the programme attracted participants from 21 developing countries across Africa, Asia, Latin America, and Oceania. Throughout the six-month intensive training, participants undertook more than 266 lectures covering 35 environmental subject areas, delivered by over 90 renowned professors, researchers, and environmental experts. The curriculum covered interdisciplinary and transdisciplinary approaches to environmental management, including climate policy, environmental economics, biodiversity conservation, scientific writing, policy analysis, research methodology, circular economy, renewable energy, and sustainable resource management.
In addition to the rigorous classroom sessions, participants completed 133 academic assignments, field excursions across Germany, and an independent research project culminating in the submission and defence of a final research paper.
At the completion of the programme, Yusuf Amoke Idris graduated with a final grade of 1.3 on the German academic grading scale, where 1.0–1.5 is classified as “Very Good”, representing a First-Class equivalent level of academic performance in the Nigerian grading system.
Speaking shortly after the graduation ceremony, Idris expressed gratitude to Almighty Allah for the successful completion of the programme and dedicated the achievement to Nigerians who continue to work tirelessly for the nation’s development.
“This achievement is dedicated to every Nigerian who believes that our country can become better through hard work, integrity, knowledge, and selfless service. Nigeria’s success is a personal responsibility for all of us,” he said.
Widely regarded as the pioneer Climate Policy Adviser in Northern Nigeria, Idris said the knowledge and practical experience acquired during the programme would be applied to advancing climate resilience, environmental sustainability, and green development in Kaduna State and across Nigeria.
He also expressed profound appreciation to the Governor of Kaduna State, Senator Uba Sani, for supporting his participation in the programme and providing the opportunity to represent Kaduna State and Nigeria on the international stage.
“I am deeply grateful to His Excellency, Senator Uba Sani, for his confidence, encouragement, and support. The exposure and expertise gained through this programme will contribute significantly to strengthening climate policy, environmental governance, and sustainable development initiatives in Kaduna State.”
Idris noted that the successful completion of the programme further reinforces Kaduna State’s commitment to building institutional capacity and promoting evidence-based policies to address climate change, environmental degradation, and sustainable development challenges.
