By Matthew Johnson

Future Savers Sustainable Development Initiative has called for the inclusion of climate change clubs in secondary school curricula nationwide, warning that Nigeria risks raising a generation unprepared for the environmental crises already unfolding.

The organisation’s CEO, Mrs. Folashade Adams, made the call during an awareness campaign held at Sari-Iganmu Senior Secondary School, Lagos, where she stressed that climate change education must become a compulsory part of learning for Nigerian students.

Adams said the initiative is driven by the urgent need to equip young people with the knowledge and skills to address emerging environmental threats such as ecocide, extreme weather patterns, food insecurity and displacement of vulnerable populations.

“We are tasked with creating awareness and consciousness among children to help them proffer solutions to emergencies and environmental issues threatening the planet. Our goal is a world where every institution and individual is environmentally conscious in attaining a green, habitable earth. We are all about climate justice, climate education and disaster preparedness, especially for the younger generation.”

She warned that decades of industrialisation, pollution and unchecked population growth have contributed to the deterioration of the climate, worsening ozone layer depletion and exposing millions to health hazards, unstable weather and agricultural losses.

According to her, young people are inheriting environmental problems they did not create, making it essential to begin early education on sustainability.
“It’s more like they are inheriting problems they don’t even know anything about. So we are creating this awareness to help them start making sustainable choices that safeguard both the present and future generations.”

Adams urged the government to implement policies that promote environmental sustainability and support the establishment of climate clubs in schools.
“We want this climate club to come and stay just like we have the JET Club, Mathematics Club and ICT Club,” she said.

A member of Future Savers and geography teacher at the host school, Mrs. Mojisola Rashidat, described the campaign as eye-opening, noting that many adults lack foundational knowledge of climate hazards.
“Most adults are not aware of the dangers of tampering with the climate, and it is time to use the children to correct them. Planting more trees should also be encouraged,” she said.

She added that ozone layer depletion has contributed to rising cancer cases, while erratic rainfall continues to affect food production, leaving many communities vulnerable to hunger.

The head girl of the school, Abimbola Arafat, said the programme broadened the students’ understanding of environmental issues and the importance of a safe, stable climate.
She appealed for more educational programmes on health and environment, while urging the government to strengthen environmental sanitation practices across communities.

The campaign is part of Future Savers’ broader push to prepare young Nigerians for the realities of climate change and to foster a new generation committed to sustainable living.