COW: How Oando Foundation Is Embedding  Sustainability in Education

Environmental advocacy has gained increasing attention in recent years as nations grapple with the challenges posed by climate change, pollution, and unsustainable practices. In Nigeria, addressing these issues is critical, particularly in public schools where many children lack access to resources that foster both environmental awareness and education. These schools often operate in under-resourced environments, further complicating efforts to equip students with 21st-century skills such as critical thinking, problem-solving, and environmental stewardship.
Education systems that prioritise sustainability and innovation can play a pivotal role in addressing these challenges. Integrating foundational learning with environmental education not only empowers young learners but also equips them to act in their communities. This holistic approach is central to the Oando Foundation’s mission, as the organization seeks to combine academic achievement with social impact.
To address these pressing challenges, Oando Foundation has strategically integrated environmental education into its broader LEARNOVATE framework. The PLANET component of the Foundation’s LEARNOVATE strategy focuses on promoting environmental education and green skills development at the basic education level. By fostering sustainability within the educational system, LEARNOVATE aims to create environmentally conscious future leaders while enhancing educational outcomes, aligning the strategy with global goals like SDG 4 (Quality Education) and SDG 13 (Climate Action).
In line with this strategy, the Foundation launched the Clean Our World (COW) project in 2020. Through this project, the organisation has made significant strides in equipping pupils and teachers with the knowledge and skills needed to address pressing environmental challenges through hands-on training on recycling, upcycling and waste management initiatives, the establishment of environmental clubs and the promotion of school gardening as a co-curricular activity.
The recently concluded fourth phase of the project directly impacted over 69,500 beneficiaries in 70 public primary schools across Lagos and Plateau States. At the core of COW Phase IV was the deployment of comprehensive environmental education syllabus and lesson plans across 1,021 public primary schools in Lagos state. This provides a structured plan for educators to integrate sustainability into the learning process.
Over the last four phases of the COW project, 95,500+ beneficiaries have been impacted including 939 teachers, Local Government Education Authorities (LGEA), and State Universal Basic Education Board (SUBEB) officials who have been trained to ensure effective delivery and use of the instructional materials provided. These educators have become critical agents of change, replicating the project’s goals and methodologies within their schools and communities.
Oando Foundation’s Programmes Manager, Tonia Uduimoh emphasised the importance of these efforts, stating, “Clean Our World is more than a project; it’s a movement. By equipping children with knowledge and engaging them as active participants, we are not only teaching sustainability but building a future where these young leaders take ownership of their environment.”
Emphasising on the initiative, Mr Hakeem Lamidi , Board Secretaryof the Lagos State Universal Basic Education Board (LASUBEB), commended Oando Foundation’s efforts, noting, “the Clean Our World project has made significant strides in promoting environmental education, aligning perfectly with the goals of our state on environmental matters. The board commends the project, the volunteers, and the partners for their unwavering dedication and tireless efforts. Your contributions have not only enhanced our environment in those LGAs that you have worked and are still working in, but also inspired a new generation and they are the ones seated here. The board is totally committed to supporting initiatives like Clean Our World that champion environmental stewardship and recognise the importance of community initiatives and partnerships in achieving sustainable development. To this end, we will continue to provide support to foster a cleaner and greener future.”.
The impact of the COW initiative extends beyond classrooms, reaching entire communities and sparking collective action toward environmental sustainability. The success of this fourth phase underscores Oando Foundation’s commitment to integrating environmental education into public schools, ensuring that students are informed and empowered to create lasting change.