The Universal Basic Education Commission (UBEC), in collaboration with the Cross River State Universal Basic Education Board (SUBEB), has commenced the implementation of the Greening Schools and Climate Change Education Intervention (GSCCED) in the state, aimed at equipping pupils and teachers with the knowledge and skills to tackle environmental challenges and promote sustainable development.
The initiative was flagged off in Calabar during a One-Day State-Level Step-Down Training for education managers, school administrators and Local Government Education Authority (LGEA) officials, who are expected to drive the integration of climate change education, biodiversity conservation, waste management and environmental sustainability into teaching and learning in public basic schools.
Speaking at the event, the representative of the Executive Secretary of UBEC, Dr. Mrs. Etcheri Ansa, described the intervention as a demonstration of the Federal Government’s commitment to preparing young Nigerians to respond effectively to the growing threats posed by climate change through quality basic education.
Ansa explained that the programme emerged from extensive consultations involving the Federal Ministry of Education, relevant Ministries, Departments and Agencies, development partners, climate experts, academia and civil society organisations, culminating in the development and approval of the National Integration Guidelines and Manual for implementation across the 36 states and the Federal Capital Territory.
She disclosed that UBEC has deployed a web-based monitoring and evaluation portal to ensure accountability, facilitate real-time reporting and track implementation nationwide, urging state implementation teams to provide timely and accurate data to support effective programme delivery.
According to her, the African Centre for Environment, Climate, Agriculture and Rural Development (ACEARD) has been engaged as the national technical support organisation to provide capacity building, implementation support, technical guidance, monitoring and evaluation in collaboration with UBEC.
Ansa called on state officials, LGEA desk officers, school administrators and other stakeholders to work closely with UBEC and ACEARD to ensure the successful implementation and sustainability of the intervention, expressing confidence that the training would lay a solid foundation for climate change education in public schools.
Earlier, the Executive Chairman of Cross River SUBEB, Mrs. Fedelia Okpo Ene, represented by the Director of Academic Services, Mrs. Caroline Ana, described the programme as a strategic investment in the future of education and environmental stewardship.
She said the intervention would equip education stakeholders with practical skills to create greener, healthier and safer learning environments while nurturing a generation of environmentally responsible citizens.
Ene encouraged participants to actively engage in the training, share experiences and apply the knowledge gained in their respective schools to ensure the successful implementation of the programme.
“Together, we can build greener schools, healthier communities and a more sustainable future for generations to come,” she said.
The technical session was facilitated by Mr. Uyime Robison of the African Centre for Environment, Climate, Agriculture and Rural Development (ACEARD), who trained participants on practical strategies for greening schools and integrating climate change awareness and sustainable environmental practices into the basic education curriculum.
Also in attendance was Dr. Omuta Obanowu, who represented UBEC, alongside other education stakeholders participating in the implementation of the intervention.
The State-Level Step-Down Training is expected to strengthen the capacity of education stakeholders to effectively implement the Greening Schools and Climate Change Education Intervention, foster environmentally responsible practices among teachers and pupils, and promote sustainable school communities across Cross River State.
By Joy Ndoma
