…aims to promote climate action, environmental sustainability
By Babatunde Ayedoju
The Ondo State Universal Basic Education Board (SUBEB), in collaboration with the Universal Basic Education Commission (UBEC), has officially launched the Greening Schools tree planting campaign for Climate and Environmental Sustainability, reaffirming the State Government’s commitment to climate action, environmental conservation, and sustainable basic education.
Speaking at the event, which was held at held at St. James’ Mega Primary School, Irowo, Akure, the Commissioner for Education, Science and Technology, Prof. Igbekele Ajibefun, described the initiative as timely and strategic, noting that climate change remains one of the greatest global challenges requiring practical and collective action.
He stressed that schools have a vital role in nurturing environmentally responsible citizens, adding that climate education must go beyond classroom instruction to practical activities such as tree planting, environmental conservation and sustainable school gardening.
Prof. Ajibefun, therefore, urged beneficiary schools to make effective use of the seedlings and agricultural materials provided under the programme, emphasising that the success of the initiative would depend on the commitment of school administrators, teachers and pupils to nurture the trees to maturity.
Earlier in her address, the Permanent Secretary of SUBEB, Princess Abike Bayo-Ilawole, described the campaign as a major milestone in the education sector’s response to the growing threat of climate change.
According to her, climate change has become one of the defining global challenges, making it imperative for schools to move beyond teaching environmental concepts and take practical actions that promote environmental protection.
She described the Greening Schools Climate Change Education Intervention (GSCCI) as more than a programme, but a movement designed to raise a generation of environmentally conscious pupils who understand that protecting the planet begins within their schools and communities.
The Permanent Secretary disclosed that 60 public primary schools across Ondo State have been selected to benefit from the initiative, adding that each beneficiary school will receive 20 oil palm seedlings,15 coconut seedlings, 10 economic tree seedlings, wheelbarrow, one knapsack sprayers, organic fertiliser, pesticides, herbicides and head pan.
She explained that the intervention would enable schools to establish tree nurseries, plant economic and shade trees and integrate climate change education into teaching and learning, adding that pupils would also acquire practical skills in tree planting, school gardening, vegetable production, and other environmentally sustainable practices.
Bayo-Ilawole emphasised that schools remain the ideal platform for instilling values of environmental responsibility.
According to her, “When a child plants and nurtures a tree to maturity, that child learns patience, responsibility, and stewardship.
A greener school environment enhances learning and contributes to healthier, more resilient communities.”
She further stated that the initiative aligns with the vision of the Ondo State Government and the mandate of the Universal Basic Education Commission to deliver quality and sustainable basic education while contributing to global efforts to combat climate change.
The Permanent Secretary charged principals, head teachers, School Desk Officers and Local Government Education Authority (LGEA) Desk Officers, to ensure the sustainability of the project, urging every beneficiary school to take ownership of the initiative and encourage every pupil to plant and nurture at least one tree to maturity.
She, therefore, mandated the beneficiary schools to commence the planting of the economic tree seedlings distributed under the initiative from the following day, emphasising that the prompt implementation of the project is essential to achieving the objectives of the Greening Schools and Climate Change Education Initiative.
Also speaking at the event, the Ondo State Coordinator of the Universal Basic Education Commission (UBEC), Mrs Olanike Adams, underscored the importance of tree planting in promoting environmental sustainability and mitigating the adverse effects of climate change.
She explained that trees play a critical role in improving air quality, conserving biodiversity, preventing soil erosion, regulating temperature and creating healthier learning environments.
Adams reaffirmed UBEC’s commitment to supporting programmes that promote climate-smart education and environmental sustainability in basic education schools across the country.
The Greening Schools Tree Planting Campaign forms part of the broader efforts of the Ondo State Government and the Universal Basic Education Commission to integrate climate change education into the basic education curriculum while promoting sustainable environmental practices that will benefit present and future generations.