By Abbas Nazil
The Kano-ACReSAL project has launched a statewide climate change education campaign across major science and technical schools, beginning with the Girls Science and Technical College, Kano, as part of its “Catch Them Young” initiative.
The sensitization effort, conducted on July 7, 2025, marks the second phase of the project’s Climate Change Education (CCE) initiative, aimed at nurturing young environmental ambassadors and advancing environmental sustainability in Kano State.
Speaking during the event, the Acting Project Coordinator of Kano-ACReSAL, Dr. Abdulhamid Bala, emphasized the urgency of addressing climate change, which he described as a persistent and growing global threat.
He underscored the role of young people as critical agents of change and reiterated Kano-ACReSAL’s commitment to equipping students with the knowledge and skills to drive sustainable environmental practices.
Dr. Bala called on the students to take up the mantle of environmental stewardship and serve as climate ambassadors for Kano State, spreading awareness within their schools and broader communities.
He highlighted the state government’s commendable strides in environmental sustainability, including the ongoing transition to solar energy under the leadership of His Excellency Alhaji Abba Kabir Yusuf.
Notable achievements such as the solarization of Ministries, Departments, Agencies (MDAs), and public streetlights were cited as practical examples of climate-friendly governance.
The campaign featured interactive sessions led by environmental experts drawn from academia and the Kano-ACReSAL team.
Dr. Ummi Khaltum Muhammad from the Centre for Dryland Agriculture at Bayero University Kano and Professor Muhammad Alhaji from Kano University of Science and Technology (KUST), Wudil, engaged the students in discussions about the causes, impacts, and solutions to climate change.
The sessions aimed to not only educate but also inspire the students to become proactive in climate action.
To ensure continuity and engagement, an Environmental Club was established in the school.
The club is expected to serve as a hub for climate awareness activities, with its members—designated as Climate Change Ambassadors—taking the lead in promoting sustainable practices within and beyond the school environment.
These ambassadors will be mentored through the Kano-ACReSAL project to contribute to long-term environmental consciousness and sustainable development goals.
In a symbolic gesture to promote tree planting and enhance the school’s green cover, 100 improved fruit tree seedlings were donated to the school.
The seedlings will be managed by the new ambassadors and the school management.
Additionally, Information, Education, and Communication (IEC) materials were distributed to support continuous awareness-building.
The campaign team included Kano-ACReSAL officials such as the Acting Project Coordinator Dr. Abdulhamid Bala, Climate Change Officer Dr. Abdullahi Mu’azu, and officers overseeing natural resources, social livelihood, gender-based violence, GIS, administration, communication, and NYSC members, alongside academic partners.
The initiative aims to empower a new generation to respond to the environmental challenges of the future.
