Oando Foundation Expands Environmental Literacy Project to 50 New Schools

By Aduragbemi Omiyale

Fifty new schools across the Federal Capital Territory (FCT) Abuja and Delta State have been added to the environmental literacy project of Oando Foundation known as Clean Our World (COW).

This is coming as the organisation launched the Phase V of the initiative designed to promote recyclable waste management practices in targeted schools and host communities.

The scheme focuses on standardized lesson delivery through wide-scale capacity building for teachers, deployment of the climate action superheroes (CASH) syllabus, and various in-school climate action activities, laying the foundation for a cleaner, greener future.

With active government participation, this phase of the project ensures uniform, consistent, and high-quality delivery of environmental education in schools across Lagos, Plateau, Delta States and the FCT.

To date, the project has impacted over 95,500 beneficiaries, encouraging the adoption of eco-conscious lifestyles. The Oando Foundation has also trained 939 education stakeholders, including teachers, Local Government Education Authority staff, and SUBEB officials, to ensure the effective delivery and utilization of environmental education tools and practices.

This initiative also builds on Oando Foundation’s current LEARNOVATE strategy, particularly its PLANET component, which promotes environmental education, green skills development, and waste management at the basic education level.

By fostering sustainability within the educational system, LEARNOVATE ensures that young learners are empowered to contribute to educational advancement, aligning the strategy with global goals like SDG 4 (Quality Education) and SDG 13 (Climate Action).

According to a recent report by the United Nations Industrial Development Organization (UNIDO), an estimated 2.5 million tons of plastic waste is generated annually in Nigeria, with only 12 per cent of that being recycled.

This underscores the urgent call for environmental education and action, especially amongst children and young people who are critical to shaping future sustainability practices.

“Implementation of the fifth phase of the COW initiative, in collaboration with our co-sponsor Sumitomo Chemical, and government partners marks a significant milestone in our journey towards embedding sustainability in education.

“By expanding into two new states, we are not only broadening our geographical reach but also deepening our impact in legacy states like Lagos and Plateau.

“Our goal is to instil a culture of sustainability from an early age, fostering responsible behaviours that extend beyond the classroom into the wider community.

“Through strategic partnerships and active government involvement, we aim to create a scalable model that can be replicated across the nation. This initiative is more than just an educational program; it’s a movement towards a sustainable future.

“We believe that by equipping the younger generation with the necessary knowledge and skills, we are laying the groundwork for a cleaner, greener Nigeria,” the Head of Oando Foundation, Ms Tonia Uduimoh, said.

Also commenting on the initiative, the executive chairman of the Delta State Universal Basic Education Board (SUBEB), Mr Samuel Mariere, said, “Oando Foundation’s COW V is a commendable programme that is broadening the knowledge and changing the attitudes of pupils, teachers, and stakeholders in our state towards understanding environmental education for a better healthier living.”