In a proactive effort to mark the 2023 World Children’s Day, the Bauchi Field Office of the United Nations Children’s Fund (UNICEF) organized an inter-school quiz competition centered on climate change. Held at the Oricon Hotel in Azare, the event brought together secondary school students to deepen their understanding of climate issues and encourage them to act as Climate Change Ambassadors. Through this competition, UNICEF aims to instill awareness among young people, equipping them with the knowledge to tackle climate challenges proactively.
Dr. Clement Adams, Officer in Charge of the Bauchi UNICEF Field Office, noted that this year’s World Children’s Day theme is dedicated to raising awareness about climate change’s effects on children and their educational environment. He explained that UNICEF has supported the integration of climate education into school curricula, empowering students with essential knowledge to address and mitigate climate risks.
The competition, moderated by senior lecturers from Aminu Saleh College of Education, Dr. Mahmud Mohammed, and Dr. Fatima Binta Haruna, concluded with Government Junior Secondary School Unguwar Hadejia from Shira Local Government Area emerging as the winner. The event included schools from other areas such as Government Day Junior Secondary School, Yana, and Government Junior Secondary Katagum.
UNICEF further engaged students through on-site visits, where they assessed the outcomes of the climate curriculum one year after implementation. During these visits to Shira and Zaki LGAs, educators and students alike shared how the curriculum’s introduction has prompted a cultural shift towards environmental preservation. Students from schools like Government Day Junior School in Sakwa actively participate in their Nature Clubs, which focus on projects such as tree planting, erosion control, and waste recycling.
Teachers, like Abdullahi Idris Sakwa, observed a growing environmental consciousness among students, who now apply their knowledge to promote afforestation in their communities. Students expressed how the program has increased their awareness of seasons, climate impacts, and the benefits of a greener environment. By empowering these young individuals, UNICEF’s climate initiative is planting seeds of environmental responsibility that will benefit Nigeria’s communities for years to come.
