The Federal Ministry of Defence has announced the integration of environmental sustainability into the curriculum of all Armed Forces primary and secondary schools across the country.
The policy, which aims to align military education with Nigeria’s broader climate objectives, was formally launched on Wednesday during a flag-off ceremony for the National Green School Program at the Nigerian Navy Secondary School, Kuje, Abuja.
Representing the Permanent Secretary of the Ministry of Defence, Ambassador Gabriel Aduda, at the event was the Ministry’s Director of Education, Mr. Marcus Kura.
In his remarks, Mr. Kura emphasized the need for military schools to lead by example in promoting eco-friendly values and practices among Nigeria’s youth.
“This initiative is not just about planting trees or managing waste.
“It is about creating a culture of environmental stewardship, where young Nigerians understand the importance of protecting their environment and are equipped with the skills to act on that knowledge”, he said.
According to Ambassador Aduda’s statement, the initiative supports Nigeria’s commitments under the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), particularly Goal 13 on climate action and Goal 4 on quality education.
He also announced the establishment of a robust Monitoring and Evaluation (M&E) framework to track the effectiveness of the program across participating schools, ensure accountability, and guide continuous improvements.
The program is being implemented in collaboration with the National Green School Program, a nationwide effort aimed at mainstreaming environmental education in schools.
Under this partnership, students will participate in hands-on activities such as tree planting, recycling, environmental clean-up campaigns, and the formation of sustainability clubs.
Speaking at the event, the Commandant of Nigeria Navy Secondary School, Commander J.O. Ibiang, described the program as “a call to action” that goes beyond policy to instill lasting environmental values in students.
He praised the Ministry of Defence for its proactive approach and reaffirmed the school’s commitment to championing the green cause.
The flag-off event drew a wide array of stakeholders, including the representative of the Chief of Defence Staff, Director of Education at Defence Headquarters, Commodore Adetunji; senior officials from the Ministries of Defence, Environment, and Education; military education officers; school principals; teachers; and students.
Highlights of the day included a tree planting ceremony, a student-led exhibition showcasing recycling innovations, and a formal pledge from participating schools to uphold environmental values and practices.
The Ministry of Defence’s latest move underscores the growing recognition of the role education can play in tackling climate change, particularly in shaping the mindset of the next generation of leaders, including those in military and public service.