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The Ministry of Defence has taken a bold step towards climate action and youth education reform with the integration of environmental sustainability into the curriculum of Armed Forces Primary and Secondary Schools across Nigeria.

The initiative was unveiled at the official flag-off of the National Green School Program, held at the Nigeria Navy Secondary School in Kuje, Abuja. According to a statement signed by Patience Ituke, Principal Superintendent of Press in the Ministry, the move reflects the government’s commitment to fostering environmental awareness through education, particularly within military-run schools.

Speaking on behalf of the Permanent Secretary, Ambassador Gabriel Aduda, the Director of Education in the Ministry, Mr. Marcus Kura, described the integration as a strategic effort to align national defence education with Nigeria’s broader environmental objectives and the Sustainable Development Goals. He emphasized that the curriculum would employ project-based learning and practical engagement to instill in students a sense of responsibility toward the environment.

Ambassador Aduda also announced the development of a Monitoring and Evaluation framework to track the effectiveness of the initiative across Armed Forces schools. This system, he said, would help measure impact, improve implementation, and ensure accountability as the program unfolds.

The flag-off ceremony showcased partnerships between the Ministry of Defence and the National Green School Program, aimed at transforming schools into environmentally conscious communities. Students will be exposed to hands-on ecological activities and empowered to lead sustainability efforts within and beyond their schools.

In his remarks, the Commandant of the host school, Commander J.O. Ibiang, commended the Ministry’s leadership, noting that the program was not merely symbolic but a vital step toward long-term change in students’ mindsets and habits.

The event was attended by representatives of the Chief of Defence Staff, senior officers from the Defence Headquarters, education officials, school heads, and government stakeholders. It featured tree planting activities, a showcase of student-led recycling innovations, and commitments from participating schools to uphold green values.

This initiative underscores the Ministry of Defence’s resolve to use education as a platform for national transformation, positioning future leaders to tackle global environmental challenges from an early age.