The Delta State Universal Basic Education Board (SUBEB), in collaboration with the Universal Basic Education Commission (UBEC), has commenced a two-day State-Level Step-Down Training on the Greening Schools and Climate Change Initiative (GSCCI) for Desk Officers from the 25 Local Government Education Authorities (LGEAs) and Special Programme and Teacher’s Professional Development officers at the SUBEB Headquarters, Asaba.
The training, which holds from Tuesday, September 8 to Wednesday, September 9, 2026, is designed to build participants’ capacity to integrate climate change education into the basic education system, promote environmental sustainability and support the implementation of greening initiatives in schools across Delta State.
Declaring the training open, the Executive Chairman of Delta SUBEB, Hon. Samuel Mariere, represented by the Second Member of the Board, Comrade Onome Akpoghere, described climate change as a major global challenge with significant implications for health, education, agriculture and sustainable development.
He stressed the need for collective action against environmental pollution, ozone layer depletion and global warming, noting that schools play a vital role in raising environmentally responsible citizens.
Hon. Mariere highlighted the importance of recycling waste materials such as sachet water nylons and plastic containers, adding that technological innovations have made waste recycling and water purification possible. He also expressed concern over the harmful effects of emissions from generators and other pollutants on the environment and human health.
The Chairman expressed confidence that the training would provide participants with practical knowledge and skills to promote climate change education in schools and communities.
In her remarks, the State Coordinator of UBEC, Mrs. Sharon Dafiluelo, conveyed the greetings of the Executive Secretary of UBEC, Dr. Aisha Garba, to participants and organisers.
She said the Commission was committed to ensuring that the knowledge gained from the training translated into practical action in schools, adding that monitoring teams would visit schools to assess implementation.
The Owelle of Asaba and Founder of the Green Energy Foundation, Chief Chukwuemeka Chukwurah, commended Delta SUBEB for introducing climate change education at the grassroots, describing it as an investment in future generations.
He urged participants to ensure that climate change education moves beyond theory by encouraging practical activities such as tree planting and environmental conservation in schools and communities.
Chief Chukwurah explained that greenhouse gas emissions from industrial activities contribute to global warming, flooding, melting ice caps and other environmental challenges. He encouraged the planting of economically beneficial trees, noting that they provide environmental protection while supporting livelihoods.
Welcoming participants, the Director of Special Programmes, Mrs. Sandra Ogini, described the initiative as an important step towards creating greener, healthier and more sustainable school environments.
She appreciated the Executive Governor of Delta State, Rt. Hon. Sheriff Oborevwori, for his support and investment in education, and commended Hon. Samuel Mariere for his commitment to advancing basic education in the State.
Mrs. Ogini urged participants to actively engage in the training and ensure that the knowledge acquired is replicated in their respective LGEAs and schools, stressing the importance of effective implementation, monitoring and sustainability.
During the technical session, the lead facilitator, Dr. Babalola Adeniyi, a Lecturer in the Department of Agricultural Extension and Rural Development, Dennis Osadebay University, Asaba, presented on the causes, effects and mitigation strategies of climate change.
Using practical illustrations, Dr. Adeniyi identified erosion, flooding, destructive windstorms, gas flaring, deforestation, bush burning and unsustainable agricultural practices as some of the factors contributing to environmental degradation and climate change.
He encouraged participants to promote sustainable farming, waste recycling, afforestation and environmental awareness, stressing that trees help reduce greenhouse gases by absorbing carbon dioxide and releasing oxygen.
The facilitator also explained the difference between weather and climate, noting that while weather refers to short-term atmospheric conditions, climate represents long-term weather patterns. He emphasized that although climate change cannot be completely stopped, its effects can be reduced through mitigation and adaptation measures.
Delivering the vote of thanks, the Director of Teachers Professional Development (TPD), Mrs. Mary Eyagomare, appreciated the Governor, Hon. Samuel Mariere, Board members, resource persons, stakeholders and participants for their contributions to the success of the programme.
She urged participants to cascade the knowledge gained to teachers and learners in their schools, stressing that climate change education must become an integral part of teaching and learning. She added that monitoring would be carried out to ensure effective implementation of the initiative.
At the end of the workshop, participants are expected to have improved understanding of climate change and its implications for education, appreciate the importance of greening the curriculum, acquire strategies for integrating climate change education across subjects, support teachers and schools in implementing green education, identify practical environmental activities, and develop strategies for monitoring and sustaining the initiative across Delta State.
