In a significant step towards advancing environmental education and promoting sustainability, the Oando Foundation, in partnership with Sumitomo Chemical, the Lagos State Universal Basic Education Board, the Plateau State Universal Basic Education Board, and GreenHubAfrica, has successfully completed the fourth phase of its Clean Our World (COW) project in Lagos and the first phase in Plateau State. This initiative has reached over 69,500 beneficiaries across 70 public primary schools in both states.
Nigeria generates an estimated 32 million tonnes of solid waste annually, one of the highest in Africa, with plastic waste making up 2.5 million tonnes. Acknowledging the urgent need to tackle this issue, the Oando Foundation, through its Clean Our World initiative, is leading efforts to integrate environmental education into public primary schools and local communities across Nigeria. The initiative also aligns with the United Nations Sustainable Development Goal (SDG) 4.7, which aims to equip learners with the knowledge and skills necessary for sustainable development, including climate action and sustainable lifestyles.
Speaking at the close-out ceremony in Lagos, Tonia Uduimoh, Programmes Manager at Oando Foundation, said, “We are proud to have completed this phase of the Clean Our World project in Lagos and Plateau, which reflects our commitment to empowering young Nigerians with the knowledge and tools to champion environmental sustainability. This initiative goes beyond classroom teaching, fostering climate-conscious behaviors among students, teachers, and their communities. By focusing on waste management and recycling education, we’re equipping these young learners to tackle pressing environmental challenges like plastic pollution and urban flooding. Our partnership with Sumitomo Chemical, Lagos and Plateau State Universal Basic Education Boards, GreenHubAfrica, and others amplifies the impact, allowing us to reach more schools and sustain our advocacy efforts.”
Building on the success in Lagos, the project expanded to Plateau State this year, marking the first phase in the region. In both Lagos and Plateau States, students engaged in various activities on waste management, recycling, sanitation, and sustainable practices, promoting a new generation of climate champions. The project also focused on capacity-building for teachers, providing them with specialized training, interactive tools, and instructional materials to effectively teach environmental education and encourage climate action.
The benefiting Local Government Areas (LGAs) in Lagos State include Ikeja, Somolu, Alimosho, Surulere, Ifako-Ijaye, Lagos Mainland, Lagos Island, Amuwo-Odofin, Ajeromi-Ifelodun, and Eti-Osa, while Plateau State’s participating LGAs are Jos North, Jos South, and Bassa.
Mr. Hakeem Lamidi, Board Secretary of the Lagos State Universal Basic Education Board (LASUBEB), praised Oando Foundation’s efforts, stating, “The Clean Our World project has made significant strides in promoting environmental education, aligning perfectly with our state’s environmental goals. We commend the project, volunteers, and partners for their dedication, which has not only improved the environment in these LGAs but also inspired the new generation of students. The board is committed to supporting initiatives like Clean Our World that promote environmental stewardship and sustainable development.”
Okeshina Deborah, Head Teacher at Awoyaya Nursery and Primary School, expressed gratitude, saying, “On behalf of the school, we are incredibly grateful for the knowledge gained through Oando Foundation’s Clean Our World initiative. This program has expanded our understanding of sustainability and even opened opportunities for income generation through recycling. We appreciate Oando Foundation’s unwavering dedication to supporting our teachers and pupils, inspiring us to build a sustainable future.”
The COW IV close-out ceremony was attended by high-level executives, dignitaries, and industry leaders from the private sector, government agencies, civil society, and other sectors. Among the notable attendees were Mr. Hakeem Lamidi of LASUBEB, Ademola Ogunbanjo of Oando Clean Energy Limited, Bankole Oloruntoba of the Nigeria Climate Innovation Center, and other distinguished guests.
The Clean Our World project is a key component of Oando Foundation’s LEARNOVATE strategy, which aims to improve foundational learning through innovative approaches and promote sustainability within education systems. The ‘PLANET’ component of this strategy focuses on environmental education, green skills development, and waste management initiatives at the basic education level, as well as supporting eco-friendly innovations that enhance education delivery. By equipping students, teachers, and communities with knowledge of sustainable practices, LEARNOVATE strives to nurture environmentally conscious leaders while improving educational outcomes.
Since its launch, the Clean Our World project has expanded its reach, with previous phases covering more schools and communities. In collaboration with Sumitomo Chemical, Oando Foundation has raised awareness on environmental education and sustainable waste management practices, such as recycling, in Lagos. The project has grown from seven schools in three communities in phase 1 to twelve schools in five communities in phase 2, and twenty-four schools in ten communities in phase 3, demonstrating its success in promoting sustainability.