The Delta State Universal Basic Education Board, SUBEB, in collaboration with the Universal Basic Education Commission, UBEC, on Tuesday commenced a two-day State-Level Step-Down Training on the Greening Schools and Climate Change Initiative, GSCCI, for education officers in Asaba.
The training, holding from September 8 to 9, 2026, at the SUBEB Conference Hall, Mariam Babangida Way, off Okpanam Road, Asaba, is themed “Enhance the Implementation of Climate Change and Greening Curricular”.
It is targeting Desk Officers from the 25 Local Government Education Authorities, LGEAs, and Special Programmes Officers across the state.
Declaring the training open, the Executive Chairman of Delta SUBEB, Hon. Barr. Samuel O. Mariere, represented by the Second Board Member, Comrade Onome Apkoghere, described climate change as one of the greatest environmental challenges confronting the world today with far-reaching consequences for public health, education, agriculture and sustainable development.
Hon Mariere said issues such as environmental pollution, ozone layer depletion and global warming require urgent collective action, stressing that schools have a critical role to play in raising a generation of environmentally responsible citizens.
The Subeb Boss highlighted the importance of recycling waste materials such as sachet water nylons and plastic containers, and decried the harmful effects of emissions from heavy generators on human health and the environment.
He expressed confidence that facilitators would equip participants with the knowledge and practical skills required to promote climate change education and environmental sustainability in schools and communities.
The SUBEB Chairman said participants are expected to acquire practical knowledge on the implementation and monitoring of greening and climate change activities, as well as the use of appropriate procedures and checklists for documenting activities across school locations.
In her remarks, the UBEC State Coordinator, Mrs. Sharon Dafilielo, conveyed the greetings of the UBEC Executive Secretary, Dr. Aisha Garba, to participants, saying that the Commission is committed to ensuring that knowledge acquired translates into practical action in schools, adding that monitoring teams will visit schools to assess implementation.
In a goodwill message, the Owelle of Asaba Kingdom and Founder of the Green Energy Foundation, Chief Chukwuemeka Chukwurah, commended SUBEB for introducing climate change education at the grassroots, describing it as a strategic investment in future generations.
He urged participants to ensure climate change education goes beyond classroom theory by translating it into practical environmental activities such as tree planting, community awareness and environmental conservation.
Chief Chukwurah encouraged the planting of economically valuable trees such as mango and orange.
Also speaking, the Director of Special Programmes, SUBEB, Mrs. Sandra Ogini, described the workshop as an important step towards creating greener, healthier and more sustainable school environments.
She appreciated Governor Sheriff Oborevwori for his sustained investment in education.
The lead facilitator, Dr. Babalola Adeniyi of Dennis Osadebay University, delivered a technical presentation on the causes, effects and mitigation strategies of climate change.
He identified gas flaring, deforestation, bush burning and unsustainable agricultural practices as major contributors to greenhouse gas emissions.
Dr. Adeniyi urged participants to promote sustainable farming, waste recycling and afforestation, noting that trees absorb carbon dioxide and improve air quality.
The Director of Teachers Professional Development, Mrs. Mary Eyagomare, on her part urged participants to cascade the knowledge gained to teachers and learners in their respective schools.
The organisers said the training is expected to strengthen the capacity of education officers to integrate climate action into the basic education curriculum, support greening initiatives in schools, and develop strategies for effective monitoring and sustainability across Delta State.