The Department of Climate Change, Federal Ministry of Environment, in collaboration with the Society for Planet and Prosperity, has launched a major climate education initiative aimed at strengthening environmental awareness across schools in Abuja.
The initiative focuses on equipping teachers with the knowledge and tools needed to educate students about climate change and environmental sustainability.
The training is also to strengthen climate literacy in the schools and contribute meaningfully to a more sustainable and resilient Nigeria.
Speaking during the kickoff workshop at the Climate Education Training for FCT Secondary school Teachers held in Abuja, the nation’s capital, President of the Society for Planet and Prosperity, Professor Chukwumerije Okereke explained that the programme will train teachers across schools in the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), including institutions in Bwari, Gwagwalada, and Abuja Municipal Area Council (AMAC).
He noted that the first phase of the training began with about 40 teachers from schools within AMAC.
According to him, the teachers are being trained using a comprehensive Climate Education Manual developed by the Society last year. The manual covers key climate change concepts and practical approaches that educators can use in classrooms and climate clubs.
“The idea is to ensure that teachers fully understand the topics in the manual so they can confidently pass this knowledge on to their students,” he said.
Beyond the initial training, Professor Chukwumerije emphasised that the support will be ongoing. The team plans to visit schools regularly to provide additional tutorials, capacity-building sessions, and guidance in establishing and strengthening climate clubs.
“We are not leaving them after this training,” he assured. “We will go from school to school, helping them form clubs and ensuring that climate change education becomes a living, active part of school life,” he said
Director Science, Technology and Mathematics, SEB, Mr Abdullahi Muse Zakir says the goal is to ensure that climate education becomes practical, engaging and solution-driven within the classrooms.
“When students understand the science behind climate change and the role they can play in protecting the environment, we nurture responsible leaders and innovators for tomorrow.” He said
He urged the participants to share experiences and embrace new ideas throughout the workshop. Together, we can strengthen climate literacy in our schools and contribute meaningfully to a more sustainable and resilient Nigeria.
Across Nigeria and particularly here in the Federal Capital Territory, we are witnessing the realities of climate change through rising temperatures, irregular rainfall, flooding, and environmental degradation. These changes directly affect our schools, our communities, and the future of our children.
“As teachers, you are not only teachers of curriculum but shapers of mindset and values. The knowledge and awareness you pass on to your students will influence how the next generation understands environmental responsibility, sustainability, and innovation. This workshop is therefore not just about training, but also empowerment.” He stated
Vice Principal Academics Government Secondary School Tudun-Wada Wuse, Mr Eba Elima Williams, explained that the programme is centred on the environment we live in and how it can be sustained for the benefit of everyone.
According to him, the programme is expected to extend to other schools across the FCT, grouped by zones, with their school being the first to host it.
He noted that the event has drawn participation from about 40 schools within the FCT, “making it a significant starting point for what is expected to become a widespread initiative. As a pilot programme, it sets the pace for subsequent editions and demonstrates the organisers’ commitment to promoting environmental awareness among students in the region.”
He highlighted their enthusiasm and active participation, noting that they are learning important lessons about the environment, defined as everything around us, including ourselves. He stressed that proper environmental management and sustainability are essential not only for students’ health but also for the nation’s overall prosperity.
Director of Operations, Ebaidebheki Initiative Ms. Faith Kaminus, urged teachers to go beyond the classroom in supporting their students.
She encouraged them to inspire learners to deepen their understanding of climate change and to actively explore innovative climate solutions.
She further emphasised the importance of guiding students on how to develop and implement climate-related ideas, noting that teachers play a critical role in shaping environmentally conscious minds.
Ms Kaminus stated that educators should recognise their value beyond traditional teaching. By committing to climate action and sustainability efforts, “stressing that teachers can also serve as sustainability consultants and role models within their communities.”
One of the participants, a teacher from Government Secondary School Idu-Karimo in FCT, Dr Isah Philp Abdulmalik, says the workshop has helped him understand that he must pay closer attention to climate-responsive architecture and environmental planning in the FCT.
“As an educator and climate ambassador, I am committed to extending this knowledge to my students and community. In my new school, where there is currently no climate club, I plan to establish one to raise awareness about climate action and environmental responsibility,” he stated
The initiative is expected to deepen climate awareness among young people and empower the next generation to take informed action toward environmental sustainability.
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“This initiative will help Nigeria develop a clearer, shared understanding of what a changing global energy landscape could mean for Nigeria – our revenues, our jobs, our industries, and our communities – and what practical options are available to strengthen resilience. It will also help us identify credible pathways for economic diversification beyond oil and gas, and the kinds of policies and enabling conditions needed to unlock new opportunities and drive competitiveness.”
