By Faridat Salifu
Fifty-two teachers from 28 secondary schools in Oyo State have recently been trained to deliver climate education and green skills to students, following a two-day capacity-building workshop organised by EcoSmart Club under its EcoChampions programme.
Supported by SOS Children’s Villages, the workshop aimed to equip teachers with the tools to establish environmental clubs in schools and prepare students for emerging opportunities in the green economy.
The first day of the workshop featured sessions on climate change, green skills development, and how to run impactful environmental clubs. On the second day, teachers participated in practical sessions on recycling, upcycling, and environmental advocacy.
Inclusive participation was a core part of the programme, with schools like Methodist Grammar School Deaf Unit represented. EcoSmart Club emphasized its commitment to ensuring no student is left behind in the green transition, regardless of ability.
Hannah Omokhaye, founder of EcoSmart Club, said the initiative responds to the growing global demand for green talent and Nigeria’s projected creation of over 840,000 green jobs by 2060, according to the country’s Energy Transition Plan. She cited LinkedIn’s Global Green Skills Report, which notes that demand for green talent is growing twice as fast as supply, and that 77 percent of young people feel unprepared for green careers.
“Students need more than theoretical knowledge. They need practical skills and climate awareness, and teachers are central to shaping those mindsets,” Omokhaye said.
The Oyo State Ministry of Education, Science and Technology endorsed the initiative. Mr Ajiboye Oladapo, Deputy Director of Quality Assurance, commended EcoSmart Club and encouraged teachers to champion sustainability in their schools.
Participants expressed enthusiasm for implementing what they learned. Mr Adeyemo Babatunde, a geography teacher from Adifase High School, said the training shifted his understanding of climate change and how to prepare students for future opportunities. Mrs Fasanya Tolulope of Apata Grammar School Logudu pledged to form an EcoSmart Club in her school and involve students in peer education.
Omokhaye called on education stakeholders to prioritize environmental sustainability in Nigeria’s curriculum and invest in more frequent teacher trainings.