Defence Ministry embeds environmental sustainability into armed forces school curriculum
In a bid to promote climate responsibility and sustainable development, the Ministry of Defence has formally integrated environmental sustainability into the curriculum of all Armed Forces Primary and Secondary Schools across Nigeria.
The initiative was unveiled during the official flag-off of the National Green School Program at the Nigeria Navy Secondary School, Kuje, Abuja. Representing the Permanent Secretary of the Ministry of Defence, Ambassador Gabriel Aduda, at the event was the Director of Education, Mr. Marcus Kura.
Ambassador Aduda, through Mr. Kura, stated that the new curriculum marks a deliberate shift towards instilling environmental consciousness in young Nigerians through practical, hands-on learning.
“This initiative aligns with Nigeria’s climate goals and the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). Our Armed Forces schools must become model institutions for sustainability, equipping young minds with the knowledge and skills to protect and preserve the environment,” he said.
As part of the rollout, a robust Monitoring and Evaluation (M&E) framework will be introduced to track the implementation, progress, and impact of the program across schools.
The framework is expected to ensure accountability and guide continuous improvement in environmental education delivery.
The program is being executed in partnership with the National Green School Program, a nationwide initiative focused on embedding environmental literacy into the educational system.
Students will be involved in a range of eco-friendly activities such as tree planting, recycling projects, clean-up campaigns, and participation in sustainability-focused school clubs.
Speaking at the event, the Commandant of the Nigeria Navy Secondary School, Commander J.O. Ibiang, described the initiative as a transformative intervention. “This program is not just a ceremonial launch; it is a call to action.
We are preparing our students to be champions of environmental stewardship,” he said, while commending the Ministry’s leadership for supporting the initiative.
The event attracted senior officials from the Ministry of Defence, representatives from the Ministries of Environment and Education, military education officers, school administrators, and students.
The Chief of Defence Staff was represented by the Director of Education at Defence Headquarters, COMD Adetunji.
Highlights of the ceremony included a symbolic tree-planting exercise, a display of student-led recycling innovations, and a collective pledge by participating schools to uphold green values and practices.
With this bold step, the Ministry of Defence is positioning Nigeria’s military schools at the forefront of the country’s push for a greener, more sustainable future.
