…engage UNICEF, JICA on Basic Education dev

By Peter Duru, Makurdi

The Benue State Universal Basic Education Board (SUBEB), in partnership with the Universal Basic Education Commission (UBEC), has launched Greening Clubs and a Tree Planting Campaign in schools across the state as part of efforts to promote environmental sustainability and climate awareness among pupils.

The initiative, which was flagged off to commemorate the 2026 World Environment Day, is being implemented in collaboration with the Benue State Council on Climate Change and UN TER Limited.

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 tool for sustainable development and climate resilience.

She noted that exposing young learners to environmental conservation practices would help prepare them to tackle emerging climate challenges while fostering a culture of responsible environmental stewardship.

Mrs. Tyoishi also reaffirmed the commitment of Governor Hyacinth Alia’s administration to environmental protection through climate-focused policies and ecological restoration programmes.

In her address, the Executive Chairman of Benue SUBEB, Dr. Grace Adagba, said the programme was designed to encourage practical climate action and instill environmental consciousness among school children.

“Through this initiative, we are creating opportunities for learners to become active participants in environmental conservation. The goal is to raise a generation that understands the importance of protecting and sustaining the environment,” she said.

Dr. Adagba disclosed that Greening Clubs would be established in 20 schools, while 40 schools would each plant 20 trees under the campaign.

She also announced the approval of Governor Hyacinth Alia for the fencing and renovation of RCM Primary School, Poor, Makurdi, as part of efforts to improve learning infrastructure across the state.

Representatives of UBEC, the Benue State Council on Climate Change and UN TER Limited commended the Board for championing an initiative that combines education with environmental sustainability.

The UBEC representative, Mr. Emmanuel Idzi, alongside Dr. Daniel Mailumo of the Benue State Council on Climate Change and Mrs. Stephen Ahile of UN TER Limited, praised the programme as a practical approach to building climate consciousness among pupils from an early age.

Beyond environmental sustainability, SUBEB also strengthened collaboration with key development partners to address challenges in the education sector.

The Board, in conjunction with UNICEF, hosted a one-day Stakeholder Engagement on Education Needs Assessment, bringing together education stakeholders to review findings and identify strategies for improving learning outcomes.

Presenting the assessment report, UNICEF Education Specialist, Enugu Field Office, Mr. Believe Eke, highlighted critical gaps in the basic education sector and urged stakeholders to embrace data-driven interventions.

“Addressing the challenges identified in this assessment will require collective commitment and evidence-based planning to ensure better educational outcomes for children,” he stated.

In another development, a delegation from the Japan International Cooperation Agency (JICA) Nigeria Office, led by Programme Coordinator for Education, Mr. Stephen Nwanya, and Basic Education Adviser, Hikaru Kusakabe, paid a working visit to SUBEB to review ongoing school rehabilitation projects.

Dr. Adagba informed the delegation that the intervention, following the completion of surveys and feasibility studies, is being implemented through UBEC’s Direct Intervention Programme.

She revealed that St. Theresa’s Primary School, Wurukum, is among the schools selected for comprehensive rehabilitation under the project.

The visit also witnessed the donation of 120 Mathematics Drill Textbooks by JICA to support numeracy development and improve mathematics learning in schools.