In a bold step towards promoting environmental sustainability and climate consciousness among young learners, the Benue State Universal Basic Education Board (SUBEB), in collaboration with the Universal Basic Education Commission (UBEC), the Benue State Council on Climate Change, and UN TER Limited, has launched Greening Clubs and a statewide Tree-Planting campaign in basic schools across Benue State.
The initiative, flagged off on Wednesday at RCM Primary School, Poor, Makurdi, forms part of activities marking the 2026 World Environment Day celebration and is aimed at instilling environmental stewardship in pupils while encouraging practical climate action within school communities.
Speaking at the event, the Commissioner for Education and Knowledge Management, Dr. Margaret Adamu, represented by the Permanent Secretary, Basic Education, Mrs. Bibiana Tyoishi, described environmental education as a vital instrument for sustainable development. She noted that equipping children with knowledge about environmental protection is essential for building climate resilience and fostering responsible citizenship.
In her remarks, the Executive Chairman of Benue SUBEB, Dr. Grace Adagba, said the programme was designed to nurture a culture of environmental responsibility among learners and create greener, healthier school environments.
She announced that Greening Clubs have been established in twenty schools across the state, while forty schools will each plant twenty trees under the campaign. Dr. Adagba also conveyed Governor Hyacinth Alia’s approval for the fencing and renovation of RCM Primary School, Poor, Makurdi, describing the intervention as part of the administration’s commitment to improving learning environments.
Representatives of the partnering organizations delivered goodwill messages, commending SUBEB for pioneering a school-based environmental initiative that promotes climate awareness and sustainable practices among pupils. They included Mr. Idzi Baba Emmanuel of UBEC, Dr. Daniel Mailumo of the Benue State Council on Climate Change, and Mrs. Stephen Ahile of UN TER Limited.
Meanwhile, the Board also hosted a one-day Stakeholder Engagement on Education Needs Assessment in collaboration with UNICEF. Presenting the assessment report, UNICEF Education Specialist, Enugu Field Office, Mr. Believe Eke, identified critical gaps within the basic education sector and advocated evidence-based interventions to enhance educational outcomes in the state.
Stakeholders at the engagement reviewed the findings and proposed practical measures to guide future educational planning and programme implementation.
In a related development, officials of the Japan International Cooperation Agency (JICA) Nigeria Office paid a working visit to the Board to assess progress on ongoing school rehabilitation projects under the Grant Aid Project and discuss implementation readiness.
The delegation, led by Programme Coordinator (Education), Mr. Stephen Nwanya, and Basic Education Advisor, Mr. Hikaru Kusakabe, held discussions with SUBEB management on strategies for effective project execution.
Speaking during the visit, Dr. Adagba disclosed that the intervention is now being implemented through UBEC’s Direct Intervention Programme following the completion of surveys and feasibility studies. She revealed that St. Theresa’s Primary School, Wurukum, is among the beneficiary schools earmarked for comprehensive rehabilitation.
As part of its support for foundational learning, the JICA delegation donated 120 Mathematics Drill Textbooks for distribution to LGEA Primary School, Adikpo-Nanev, and St. Francis Primary School, Otukpo, to strengthen numeracy skills among pupils.
The series of engagements underscores SUBEB’s commitment to advancing quality basic education through strategic partnerships, improved infrastructure, and initiatives that promote environmental sustainability across Benue State.
