Over 100 students, teachers, and stakeholders gathered at SASCON International School, Abuja, on Tuesday, March 18, 2025, to unveil a Co-Created Climate Education Manual designed to enhance climate change education in Nigerian schools.
The manual, an initiative led by Professor Chukwumerije Okereke with funding from the University of Bristol, United Kingdom, aims to equip secondary school students with essential climate literacy and practical tools to address environmental challenges. It builds on the success of co-creation and inception workshops held in Abuja and Enugu State in September 2024.
Government Endorsement and Support
Delivering her goodwill message, Dr. Iniobong Abiola-Awe, Director of the Department of Climate Change (DCC), Federal Ministry of Environment, described the manual as a significant step forward in climate education.
She commended stakeholders for their collective efforts in empowering young people to take climate action and contribute to a sustainable, low-carbon economy.
Dr. Abiola-Awe highlighted various DCC-led initiatives across major Nigerian cities aimed at fostering climate innovation and peer mentoring among students.
“As we launch this manual today, I encourage everyone here to adopt and utilize it. Learning has no limits—we grow every day through knowledge and action. Together, we can make a lasting impact, not just for this generation but for those to come,” she said.
Dr. Bukola Obateru, representing the Director General of the Department of Science, Technology, and Innovation, FCTA Education Secretariat, expressed gratitude to all contributors, emphasizing that their efforts will shape the planet’s future.
“Fighting climate change is a collective responsibility. Through climate education, we can inspire action and build a sustainable future for generations to come,” she added.
National Orientation Agency’s Commitment
Mallam Lanre Issa-Onilu, Director of the National Orientation Agency (NOA), represented by Miss Peace Gobo, reaffirmed the agency’s support for the initiative. He noted that NOA has developed a National Climate Charter, with climate awareness as a core pillar, and recently created an Environment, Climate, and Energy Department to drive the government’s environmental sustainability goals.
“Every citizen, especially young people, must be climate-aware because they are the future,” he emphasized.
Stakeholders’ Endorsements and Call to Action
In his goodwill message, Sir Richard Inyamkume, Registrar General of the Institute for Climate Smart Research and Policy Advocacy, described the initiative as a pivotal step toward a sustainable future.
> “This manual empowers students, educators, and communities to deepen their understanding of climate change and take informed action. It is a tool of hope and change, guiding us toward a greener future,” he stated.
Other distinguished stakeholders, including Miss Ifechi Anikwe (Clean-Tech Hub), Mr. Shekwoyemi Kure (ActionAid Nigeria), Mrs. Chioma Ome (Country Director, Solar Sister Nigeria), and Rifkatu Joseph Odeyemi (Eco-Friendly Sensitisation and Advocacy), also endorsed the manual, describing it as a timely resource that aligns with Nigeria’s Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).
The Official Launch
Unveiling the Climate Education Manual, Professor Chukwumerije Okereke provided an overview of its objectives and development methodology. He emphasized that the next phase is ensuring widespread adoption to achieve its intended impact.
READ ALSO: Illegal Mining: “Nobody Is a Saint” – Dr. Alake, Applauds Mining Marshals for One Year of Hard Work
2025 World Water Day: FG Urges Nigerians to Use Water Responsibly for Sustainable Growth
He expressed appreciation to all stakeholders and gave special thanks to the First Lady of Enugu State, Mrs. Nkechinyere Mbah, for her endorsement and for writing the manual’s foreword.
The launch was a landmark event, bringing together students, educators, and key players in the climate advocacy space to witness the unveiling of this vital educational resource.
