A non-governmental organisation, Future Savers Sustainable Development Initiative (FSSDI), has inaugurated a Climate Club at Sari Iganmu Senior Secondary School, Lagos State, as part of efforts to promote environmental awareness and climate education among young Nigerians.
The inauguration, which took place recently, is aimed at encouraging students to take early responsibility for environmental protection, climate justice and disaster preparedness.
Speaking at the event, the Executive Director of FSSDI, Mrs Folashade Adams, said the Climate Club was designed to operate like established school clubs such as the JET Club and Maths Club, with the long-term goal of institutionalising climate education across primary and secondary schools.
“We want this club to run like JET Club, Maths Club and others, and to be recognised in primary and secondary schools so that children can take responsibility early,” Adams said.
She explained that the organisation is seeking support from well-meaning Nigerians to expand the initiative to more schools, particularly those in rural areas. According to her, partnerships with relevant organisations and engagement with policymakers will also be critical to achieving meaningful environmental impact.
Adams noted that climate education remains limited among children, despite the growing threats posed by climate change. “Today’s children don’t know much about climate change and the environment. Yet these issues are very important. This club is meant to raise awareness about environmental consciousness and preparedness, and also influence parents to lead more sustainable lives,” she said.
Describing the project as a pilot scheme, Adams added that the Climate Club would be student-driven, allowing learners to exchange ideas, build understanding and take ownership of environmental initiatives within their school community.
“We have been involved in tree-planting projects in schools, but creating this club allows the students to take ownership. They will run it themselves and learn through participation,” she explained.
She further stated that the organisation’s broader mandate is to build environmental consciousness among children and empower them to propose solutions to environmental challenges and emergencies threatening the planet.
“Our goal is a world where every institution and individual is environmentally conscious in attaining a green, habitable earth. We focus on climate justice, climate education and disaster preparedness, especially for the younger generation,” Adams said.
The school’s Geography teacher and Team Lead of FSSDI, Mrs Babatunde Rasheedat, described the Climate Club as a timely and necessary intervention. She said introducing environmental education at an early stage would help students understand the importance of protecting the planet.
“The earth is the only planet that sustains life. If you have only one dress and you don’t take care of it, once it is destroyed you will have nothing to use,” she said, adding that students were taught about climate change, ozone layer depletion and the risks of flooding.
Some students expressed enthusiasm about the initiative. An SS2 student, Abdulsalam Salamat, said the club had improved her understanding of climate change and environmental responsibility.
“Today, I learnt about climate change and why it is important to know about the environment. I also learnt how to dispose of waste properly,” she said.
Also speaking, the Head Girl of the school, Abimbola Arafat, said the programme broadened students’ understanding of environmental issues and the need for a safe and stable climate. She called for more educational programmes on health and the environment, while urging government authorities to strengthen environmental sanitation practices in schools.
The initiative forms part of Future Savers’ wider campaign to prepare young Nigerians for the realities of climate change and to nurture a new generation committed to sustainable living.
