In a significant move towards enhancing national climate responsibility and reforming youth education, the Ministry of Defence on Thursday announced that environmental sustainability will now be integrated into the curriculum of all Armed Forces Primary and Secondary Schools across the country.
Permanent Secretary Ministry of Defence, Ambassador Gabriel Aduda, unveiled “this strategic policy” during the flag-off ceremony of the National Green School Programme held at the Nigeria Navy Secondary School, Kuje, Abuja.
Ambassador Aduda, who was represented by the Ministry’s Director of Education, Mr. Marcus Kura, emphasized the Ministry’s commitment to fostering environmental consciousness among students through practical and project-based learning approaches.
According to the Permanent Secretary: “This initiative aligns with Nigeria’s climate objectives and the Sustainable Development Goals. Our Armed Forces schools must serve as models of sustainability, equipping young minds with the knowledge and skills necessary to protect and preserve our environment.”
Ambassador Aduda also announced the establishment of a comprehensive Monitoring and Evaluation (M&E) framework to assess the progress and impact of the program across the schools. This framework will measure outcomes, ensure accountability, and provide data to support continuous improvement.
The initiative is being implemented in collaboration with the National Green School Program, which aims to mainstream environmental education into school systems nationwide. “Through this partnership, students will engage in practical eco-friendly activities, including tree planting, recycling projects, clean-up campaigns, and sustainability-focused school clubs,” Mr. Kura added.
Earlier, the Commandant of the Nigeria Navy Secondary School, CDR. J.O. Ibiang, remarked that the National Green School Program is more than a ceremonial event; it is a call to action designed to instill environmental consciousness and sustainability in students. He expressed gratitude to the Permanent Secretary for his unwavering support.
The flag-off event was attended by the Chief of Defence Staff, represented by Director of Education at Defence Headquarters, along with senior officials from the Ministry of Defence, military education officers, representatives from the Ministries of Environment and Education, school administrators, teachers, and students.
Highlights of the event included tree planting exercises, an exhibition of student-led recycling innovations, and a pledge from participating schools to uphold green values.