FCT UBEB FLAGS OFF SCHOOL GREENING CAMPAIGN, TASKS STUDENTS ON ENVIRONMENTAL STEWARDSHIP

By: Prudence Okonna

The Executive Chairman of the Federal Capital Territory Universal Basic Education Board (FCT UBEB), Florence Wenegieme, has urged schools across the Federal Capital Territory to leverage existing school clubs to nurture and sustain trees planted within their premises as part of efforts to promote environmental sustainability and climate action.

The Chairman made the call during the flag-off of the UBEC/FCT UBEB Greening Schools and Tree Planting Campaign held at Junior Secondary School (JSS) Bako in Kwali Area Council on Monday, June 15, 2026

Addressing stakeholders, community leaders, education administrators, teachers and students, the Chairman described the initiative as more than a ceremonial exercise, noting that it represents a deliberate investment in the future of children, communities and the environment.

According to her, the campaign is designed to strengthen climate resilience, foster environmental responsibility and create a healthier and more conducive learning environment for learners across public basic schools in the FCT.

“Across the globe, climate change has emerged as one of the greatest challenges of our time. Rising temperatures, desertification, flooding, erosion and environmental degradation continue to impact communities and livelihoods. These realities underscore the need for proactive measures that promote environmental sustainability and encourage responsible stewardship of our natural resources,” he said.

The Chairman noted that schools are not only centres for academic learning but also institutions for shaping values, attitudes and behaviour that contribute to national development.

Wenegieme explained that the School Greening Programme would instill environmental consciousness in learners while improving school environment through increased tree cover, enhanced biodiversity, improved air quality and protection against soil erosion.

She further stated that the initiative aligns with global best practices in environmental education and contributes to the attainment of the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals, particularly SDG 4 on Quality Education and SDG 13 on Climate Action.

The FCT-UBEB Chairman revealed that the campaign will cut across the over 600 primary and more than 200 junior secondary schools in the six area councils of the nation’s capital.

While expressing appreciation to the Universal Basic Education Commission (UBEC) for its support and commitment to educational development and environmental sustainability, Wenegieme also appreciated the FCT Minister, Barr Nyesom Wike for his leadership and support as well the Mandate Secretary for Education, the Permanent Secretary, LEA Secretaries, principals, teachers, parents, community leaders and other stakeholders for their collaborative efforts toward the success of the programme.

The Chairman paid special tribute to the Etsu of Kwali for his continued support for education and community development, describing traditional institutions as critical partners in mobilising communities for sustainable development.

“The trees planted here today represent growth, hope and resilience. I encourage you to nurture and protect them. Let them serve as a lasting reminder that every individual has a role to play in protecting the environment and building a sustainable future,” Wenegieme said.

In his remarks, the Etsu of Kwali, His Royal Highnesss Luka Ayedoo Nizassan called on the students to embrace tree planting as a lifelong responsibility and a legacy for future generations.

The traditional ruler, who recalled participating in a similar exercise during his primary school years, told the pupils that the campaign was intended to teach them practical skills in tree planting and environmental conservation.

He explained that the absence of adequate trees contributes significantly to rising temperatures and harsh weather conditions.

“One of the reasons why we are feeling very hot today is that there are no trees around us. If there were more trees here, they would provide shade and help cool the environment. That is one of the reasons we are here today,” he said.

Drawing from personal experience, he narrated how he planted a mango tree in 1989 at a government residential quarter in Kuje and nurtured it throughout his childhood, adding that he recently revisited the area and was delighted to find that the tree remained standing decades later.

The royal father urged the learners to take ownership of the trees planted during the exercise, warning that the initiative would only succeed if the seedlings were properly protected and nurtured.

He challenged the Head Boy, Head Girl and other pupils to assume responsibility for the survival of the trees, describing the campaign as a rebirth of the tree-planting culture that once formed an important part of school life.

The Etsu, while encouraging the children to plant trees in their homes and communities, promised to provide more seedlings to the school.

Earlier in his welcome address, the Director of Junior Secondary School, FCT-UBEB, Mr. Victor Orifah, described the event as a significant milestone in the collective commitment to environmental sustainability, climate action and the promotion of safe, healthy and learner-friendly school environments.

According to him, the initiative reflects FCT UBEB’s vision of integrating environmental responsibility into the school system while nurturing learners as active stewards of a sustainable future.

Orifah reiterated that the Greening Schools Campaign would enable learners to acquire the knowledge, values and practical skills required to address environmental challenges.

The Director also expressed appreciation to the Executive Secretary of UBEC for her visionary leadership and commitment to innovation, sustainability and educational transformation in Nigeria.

Abuja Digest reports that the event featured the symbolic planting of trees by education officials, traditional leaders, school administrators and pupils as part of ongoing efforts to promote environmental sustainability, climate resilience and responsible citizenship among learners across the Federal Capital Territory.