Nigeria Unveils Climate Education Manual to Boost Environmental Literacy in Schools
ABUJA/Nigeria: Over 100 students, teachers, and stakeholders gathered at SASCON International School, Abuja, on Tuesday, March 18, 2025, for the official unveiling of a co-created Climate Education Manual, designed to enhance climate change education in Nigerian schools.
The initiative, led by renowned climate scholar Professor Chukwumerije Okereke, was funded by the University of Bristol, United Kingdom. It aims to equip secondary school students with the knowledge and practical skills needed to understand and address climate change challenges. The manual builds on the success of co-creation and inception workshops held in Abuja and Enugu in September 2024.
Dr. Iniobong Abiola-Awe, Director of the Department of Climate Change (DCC) at the Federal Ministry of Environment, described the launch as a significant step in Nigeria’s climate action efforts. She commended stakeholders for their dedication to empowering the younger generation with climate knowledge and fostering a sustainable, low-carbon economy.
“As we launch this manual today, I encourage everyone to adopt its use. Learning is a continuous process, and every effort counts in shaping a sustainable future,” she said.
Representing the Director-General of the Department of Science, Technology, and Innovation at the FCTA Education Secretariat, Dr. Bukola Obateru applauded the collaborative efforts that led to the manual’s development. She emphasized that combating climate change is a shared responsibility that requires awareness and action at all levels.
“Through education and awareness, we can build a sustainable future for ourselves and future generations,” she stated, expressing gratitude to Professor Okereke and his team at the Society for Planet and Prosperity for spearheading the initiative.
The National Orientation Agency (NOA), represented by Miss Peace Gobo on behalf of Director Mallam Lanre Issa-Onilu, pledged its support for the manual. Gobo highlighted NOA’s efforts in raising climate awareness through a National Climate Charter and the recent creation of an Environment, Climate, and Energy department to align with the government’s sustainability goals.
Sir Richard Inyamkume, Registrar General of the Institute for Climate Smart Research and Policy Advocacy, described the initiative as a crucial step toward a greener future.
“As we launch this manual, we aim to empower students, educators, and communities with knowledge that fosters informed climate action. Let this resource serve as a tool of hope and change,” he said.
Professor Okereke, while presenting an overview of the manual, emphasized the need for its widespread adoption to achieve its objectives. He expressed gratitude to all stakeholders involved in its development and acknowledged the endorsement and support of the First Lady of Enugu State, Mrs. Nkechinyere Mbah, who contributed a foreword to the manual.
Among those present were Miss Ifechi Anikwe of Clean-Tech Hub, Mr. Shekwoyemi Kure from ActionAid Nigeria, Mrs. Chioma Ome, Country Director of Solar Sister Nigeria, and Rifkatu Joseph Odeyemi from Eco-Friendly Sensitization and Advocacy. They endorsed the manual, describing it as a timely and essential resource for advancing Nigeria’s Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).
The launch marked a historic milestone in Nigeria’s climate education efforts, bringing together key players committed to shaping a more environmentally conscious generation.
