Education experts have called for reforms in Nigeria’s school curriculum to embed environmental sustainability and promote eco-friendly practices among students.
The call was made at the Green School Activation Summit, organised by the Advance Initiative for International Development (AIIDEV) at the University of Ibadan’s Centre for Sustainable Development.
The summit also launched the Green School Activation Programme, which aims to integrate green education and sustainability practices into secondary schools. The scheme, piloted in the Federal Capital Territory, Lagos and Oyo State, has so far reached more than 100 schools and 300 teachers.
Prof. Adejoke Akinyele, Dean of the Faculty of Renewable Natural Resources at the University of Ibadan, warned that deforestation, pollution, and climate change pose urgent threats. She emphasised the importance of education in building environmentally conscious citizens, advocating for a “whole-school approach” that encompasses curriculum reform, eco-friendly facilities, and community engagement.
AIIDEV’s Regional Lead, Emmanuel Ola-Olowoyo, said the programme would provide seeds, resources and teacher training while tracking schools’ progress through annual reports and competitions.
Speakers also highlighted practical steps, including school gardening, tree planting, waste recycling, and the adoption of renewable energy.
