By Abbas Nazil
Niger State has launched a school greening initiative targeting 123 primary schools to promote climate change education, tree planting and practical agriculture among pupils, as part of efforts to strengthen environmental sustainability and food production.
The 2024/2025 Greening Schools and Climate Change Education Intervention is being implemented by the Niger State Universal Basic Education Board (NSUBEB) in collaboration with the Universal Basic Education Commission (UBEC).
The initiative aims to transform school compounds into greener learning environments where pupils can develop practical agricultural skills, understand environmental challenges and learn how trees and sustainable farming practices can help mitigate the effects of climate change.
Speaking at the formal launch at 123 Primary School in Minna, the Commissioner for Basic and Secondary Education, Hadiza Mohammed, who represented Governor Mohammed Umaru Bago, emphasised the need for participating schools to ensure the seedlings survive and mature.
She said the programme must extend beyond planting trees to include proper maintenance and long-term care, stressing that its success would depend on the commitment of school authorities, teachers and pupils.
Mohammed explained that planting economic trees could provide additional benefits to schools, including income from fruit sales and improved access to fresh produce for pupils.
The seedlings being distributed include mango, guava and pawpaw, alongside windbreak species intended to protect school compounds and agricultural plots from strong winds and other adverse weather conditions.
She advised school management teams to consult agricultural experts when selecting planting locations, particularly for windbreaks, to ensure the trees serve their intended purpose.
The commissioner also encouraged schools to assign pupils responsibility for caring for the seedlings individually or in groups under teachers’ supervision, saying the approach would promote environmental awareness, responsibility and ownership.
According to her, the programme also seeks to revive school farming, which has declined over the years, by exposing children to practical agricultural activities that could equip them with useful skills for the future.
NSUBEB Chairman Liman Ibrahim-Alhaji said each participating school would receive 20 seedlings, comprising five economic trees and windbreak species.
Ibrahim-Alhaji, who was represented by Mudi Mohammed, Permanent Member II of the board, urged head teachers and teachers to ensure the seedlings were properly planted, protected and nurtured.
He said the intervention would contribute to reducing the effects of climate change while creating greener, healthier and safer learning environments for pupils.
Meanwhile, Maimuna Mohammed, Director-General of School Education Reforms in Niger State, said the initiative had progressed beyond its pilot phase and was being expanded across schools with support from the state government and UBEC.
She described the programme as “STEAM Farming”, an educational approach that integrates Science, Technology, Engineering, Arts and Mathematics with practical agricultural activities.
The model is designed to help pupils apply classroom knowledge to real-life challenges, including food production, environmental protection and climate change mitigation.
Through school gardens and farming activities, participating schools are expected to produce fruits, vegetables and other food items, potentially improving access to fresh produce while strengthening pupils’ understanding of sustainable agriculture.
The programme also seeks to demonstrate the relationship between environmental conditions and food production, helping pupils understand the importance of responsible land use and climate-resilient farming practices.
However, the long-term success of the initiative will depend on sustained funding, adequate water supply, regular maintenance and effective monitoring of the planted trees and school gardens.
NSUBEB, the Ministry of Basic and Secondary Education and school management teams are expected to work together through a dedicated committee to monitor implementation and ensure the programme achieves its objectives.
The initiative reflects Niger State’s broader effort to integrate environmental responsibility into basic education, equipping young people with practical skills and knowledge to contribute to climate action, agricultural development and a healthier environment.
