Lagos: The Foundation for a Better Environment (FABE) has successfully trained over 130,000 schoolchildren in environmental sustainability, circular economy, and gardening skills across 174 government schools. Mrs. Temitope Okunnu, the Chief Executive Officer and founder of FABE, revealed this achievement during the EcoSchoolsNG Youth Climate and Circular Economy Summit and Annual Closeout and Innovation Showcase 2026.
According to News Agency of Nigeria, the EcoSchoolsNG program is a 10-month intensive training initiative focused on climate environmental education and circular economy skills. FABE Foundation, in partnership with Aspire Coronation Trust (ACT) Foundation, has been sponsoring this program since 2021. Okunnu emphasized that empowering the next generation with environmental skills is crucial for addressing the effects of climate change.
Okunnu highlighted that Nigeria is not lacking solutions to the climate crisis; rather, these solutions are present in classrooms and school gardens across the country. Students are actively participating in waste management and sustainability efforts, such as sorting waste and preventing the mixing of recyclables with non-recyclables. She pointed out that despite Nigeria’s environmental challenges, the EcoSchoolsNG program has enabled over 130,000 students to take action since 2016.
Furthermore, Okunnu noted that since 2020, in collaboration with Aspire Coronation Trust Foundation, they have educated and equipped 23,000 students in 112 schools across eight communities in Lagos and Ogun states. The students are not only learning about sustainability but are also implementing practical solutions like building recycling systems, creating eco-gardens, and converting waste into compost. They are even producing biogas and digestate from fruit waste, demonstrating leadership in sustainability movements within their schools and communities.
Mrs. Abiodun Owo, Project Manager at ACT Foundation, explained that ACT Foundation’s support for FABE Foundation’s EcoSchoolsNG project aligns with their commitment to promoting environmental sustainability. ACT Foundation partners with non-profits in areas such as health, entrepreneurship, environment, and leadership. Owo expressed satisfaction with the partnership, noting the tangible results and entrepreneurial spirit fostered among the students through the program.