After months of strategic engagement with key stakeholders, the National Greening Schools Programme (NGSP) was officially flagged off today across Armed Forces Primary and Secondary Schools in Nigeria. The ceremony held in Nigerian Navy Secondary School, Kuje, Abuja was presided over by the Permanent Secretary of the Ministry of Defence, Ambassador Gabriel Tanimu Aduda, who was ably represented by the Director of Education, Mr. Marcus Kura.
In his address, the Permanent Secretary reaffirmed the Ministry’s commitment to collaborating with the NGSP to integrate environmental sustainability into the curricula of all Armed Forces schools. He emphasized the importance of practical and project-based learning in shaping a generation that is environmentally conscious. He also announced the establishment of a robust monitoring and evaluation framework to track the implementation and impact of the programme.
The event featured opening remarks by the Chief of Defence Staff (CDS), General Christopher Gwabin Musa, delivered on his behalf by the Director of Education at Defence Headquarters.
Highlighting the broader national and global significance of the initiative, the National Coordinator of the NGSP, Mr. Unyime Robinson, presented an overview of the Greening Education Programme in Nigeria. He noted that the initiative aligns with Nigeria’s commitment under the Greening Education Partnership (GEP)—a global movement by UN member states to address the climate crisis through systemic transformation of education.
The NGSP is structured around four key pillars: Greening schools, Greening curricula, Teacher training and system-wide capacity building and Greening communities
Mr. Robinson emphasized that the programme represents a vital step in Nigeria’s efforts to promote sustainable development and climate resilience through education, by equipping future leaders with the knowledge and tools to address climate and environmental challenges.
A major highlight of the event was the official inauguration of the Climate Change and Green Champions Club. This was led by the NGSP Focal Person at the Federal Ministry of Education, Mrs. Bamidele Victoria Titilayo, who also presented certificates to club members and decorated newly inducted Green Champions.
As part of the launch activities, a fruit orchard was established with the ceremonial planting of various fruit trees, symbolizing the programme’s long-term commitment to environmental stewardship.
The event drew wide participation from parents, teachers, students, and personnel of the Nigerian Navy and other branches of the Armed Forces, marking a significant milestone in Nigeria’s journey towards a greener, more climate-resilient education system.
The National Greening Schools Programme is an initiative of National Committee on Greening Schools in collaboration with the African Centre for Environment, Agriculture and Rural Development with official endorsement of Federal Ministry of Education.
