By Abdullahi Lukman
The United Nations Children’s Fund (UNICEF) has called on students in secondary schools and higher institutions across Katsina State to develop practical solutions to the impacts of climate change in their communities.
The appeal was made during a two-day sensitization workshop on the “Green Rising” initiative, held in collaboration with the Ideas and Data Global Academy and the Katsina State Ministry of Environment.
Speaking at the event, Mrs. Stella Terver, WASH Programme Officer at the UNICEF Kano Field Office, emphasized the importance of youth engagement in climate action.
She said the initiative aims to build students’ capacity to understand climate change, its effects on their environment, and the steps they can take to adapt or mitigate its impacts.
“This initiative is about equipping students with knowledge and tools to address climate challenges within their own communities,” Terver stated.
“From tree planting to plastic waste management, students can lead small but impactful projects that contribute to long-term environmental sustainability.”
UNICEF is targeting 200 students in each of 10 secondary schools per Local Government Area (LGA), with the program covering multiple LGAs including Bakori, Daura, Dutsinma, Funtua, Kafur, and others.
The organization also plans to support the formation of climate action clubs in these schools to sustain the momentum and care for planted trees, which are intended to yield edible fruits and enhance student nutrition in the long term.
In higher education institutions, another 200 students per campus will be trained to raise awareness and mobilize peers. Each trained student is expected to reach at least 250 others.
“The goal is to foster climate entrepreneurship and make schools climate-friendly environments free of litter and pollution,” Terver added.
Malam Mustapha Shehu, representing the Ideas and Data Global Academy, said the program would also connect students with Yoma—a digital platform that helps youth access learning, innovation, and funding opportunities.
He said students can use Yoma to develop climate-related ideas and seek support for scaling them up.
Supporting the initiative, Malam Nura Abubakar, Director of Waste Management and Environmental Assessment at the State Ministry of Environment, affirmed the government’s commitment to the project’s success.
He also urged the public to stop indiscriminate waste disposal, citing the dangers of flooding and environmental degradation.
