Enugu Trains Students, Teachers to Become Climate Champions

The Enugu State Government has stepped up efforts to build climate awareness among young people by training pupils and teachers on practical ways to tackle climate change.

The one-day training, held at the Parliament Hall of the State Post-Primary Schools Management Board, focused on the use of the Climate Education Manual—a guide developed in March 2025 to help schools teach climate-related issues in simple, actionable ways.

The manual, co-created by teachers and students under the leadership of Prof. Chukwumerije Okereke with support from the University of Bristol, UK, equips learners with practical knowledge to understand and respond to climate challenges.

Speaking at the event, the wife of the Enugu State Governor, Mrs. Nkechinyere Mbah, represented by Mrs. Chinyere Ugwu, described the initiative as a bold step toward raising environmentally responsible citizens.

“Teachers play a key role in training students to become climate ambassadors,” she said.

Also, the Commissioner for Environment, Prof. Sam Ugwu, represented by Dr. Nnamdi Arum, praised the organisers for empowering students with knowledge that promotes sustainability.

“By using this Climate Manual, we can build a culture of environmental stewardship in our schools and communities,” he noted.

The training, organised by the Society for Planet and Prosperity in partnership with the Office of the First Lady and the Senior Adviser to the Governor on Climate Policy, featured sessions on renewable energy, clean cooking, water and sanitation, and climate careers.

Participants also engaged in hands-on activities—turning waste into briquettes and ottoman chairs, showing how recycling can be both creative and useful.

Commending the initiative, the Chairman of the Post-Primary Schools Management Board, Rev. Fr. Hillary Mgbodile, urged that the programme be expanded to more schools, while Mrs. Zita Oba from the Ministry of Education suggested extending it to primary schools for continuity.

Organisers announced that the next phase of the project will establish Green Clubs in secondary schools to promote ongoing environmental action and awareness.