Oando Foundation Expands Environmental Education Initiative to 50 More Schools Across Nigeria

...Phase V of “Clean Our World” Project Launches in FCT and Delta State, Sustains Impact in Lagos and Plateau

Oando Foundation, an independent charity established to support Nigeria’s Universal Basic Education goals, has launched Phase V of its flagship environmental education initiative, “Clean Our World” (COW). The new phase expands the program to 50 additional schools, including new implementations in the Federal Capital Territory (FCT) and Delta State, while strengthening activities in Lagos and Plateau States to ensure deeper impact and long-term sustainability.

According to a recent report by the United Nations Industrial Development Organization (UNIDO), Nigeria generates approximately 2.5 million tons of plastic waste annually, with only 12% being recycled. This alarming statistic highlights the urgent need for grassroots environmental education, especially among children and youth who will shape future sustainability practices.

To address this need, Phase V of the COW project will implement standardized environmental lesson delivery across schools through extensive teacher training, rollout of the Climate Action Superheroes (CASH) syllabus, and student-led climate action activities. With active participation from state governments and local education authorities, the program is designed to ensure consistent, high-quality delivery of environmental education in classrooms across Lagos, Plateau, Delta, and the FCT.

Commenting on the launch of Phase V of the Clean Our World (COW) project, Tonia Uduimoh, Head of Oando Foundation said:

“Implementation of the fifth phase of the COW initiative, in collaboration with our co-sponsor Sumitomo Chemical, and government partners marks a significant milestone in our journey towards embedding sustainability in education. By expanding into two new states, we are not only broadening our geographical reach but also deepening our impact in legacy states like Lagos and Plateau. Our goal is to instill a culture of sustainability from an early age, fostering responsible behaviors that extend beyond the classroom into the wider community. Through strategic partnerships and active government involvement, we aim to create a scalable model that can be replicated across the nation. This initiative is more than just an educational program; it's a movement towards a sustainable future. We believe that by equipping the younger generation with the necessary knowledge and skills, we are laying the groundwork for a cleaner, greener Nigeria.”

Also commenting on the initiative, Samuel Mariere, the executive chairman of Delta State Universal Basic Education Board (SUBEB), commended Oando Foundation’s efforts, noting:

“Oando Foundation’s COW V is a commendable programme that is broadening the knowledge and changing the attitudes of pupils, teachers, and stakeholders in our state towards understanding environmental education for a better healthier living.”

Since inception, the Clean Our World project has reached over 95,500 beneficiaries and trained 939 education stakeholders, including teachers, Local Government Education Authority staff, and SUBEB officials. These efforts aim to build institutional capacity for sustained environmental education and promote eco-conscious behaviors.

The initiative also supports the Foundation’s broader LEARNOVATE strategy, particularly the PLANET component, which focuses on environmental education, green skills development, and waste management in basic education. Through this, Oando Foundation aligns with global development goals such as SDG 4 (Quality Education) and SDG 13 (Climate Action), embedding sustainability in Nigeria’s educational framework.