A Lagos-based charity school, Slum2School Green Academy, has been named among the Top 10 finalists worldwide for the prestigious World’s Best School Prize for Environmental Action 2026.
The recognition was announced by T4 Education, the organisation behind the World’s Best School Prizes, a global initiative that celebrates outstanding schools making a significant impact in education and society.
Located in Saga, a remote riverine community in Epe, Lagos State, Slum2School Green Academy was honoured for its commitment to both quality education and environmental sustainability. The school has developed an innovative climate-smart learning model that provides underserved children with access to education while promoting environmental responsibility.
The academy currently serves about 250 pupils drawn from eight riverine communities. Through experiential and inquiry-based learning methods, students are encouraged to actively participate in their learning process. According to reports, the approach has enabled many learners to achieve remarkable academic progress within a short period.
Speaking on the achievement, the founder of T4 Education and the World’s Best School Prizes, Vikas Pota, praised the school for demonstrating that Nigerian educational institutions can compete successfully on the global stage.
He noted that the shortlisted schools serve as examples of how education can help prepare young people to address major global challenges such as climate change, inequality, and social instability. He also encouraged governments and educational institutions around the world to learn from the innovative practices being implemented by the finalists.
The World’s Best School Prizes recognise excellence in five major categories: Community Collaboration, Environmental Action, Innovation, Overcoming Adversity, and Supporting Healthy Lives. Winners will be selected by an expert judging panel, while shortlisted schools will also compete for a Community Choice Award through a public voting process.
Slum2School Green Academy was established to address the educational challenges faced by children living in isolated riverine communities, where access to schools is often difficult due to geographical barriers. Before the academy was established, many children had to travel long distances by canoe to attend school.
To address these challenges sustainably, the school was constructed using locally sourced bamboo and wood materials. The campus operates as a climate-friendly learning environment powered entirely by solar energy.
The academy has implemented several environmentally sustainable initiatives, including rainwater harvesting systems, waste-to-biogas technology, and renewable energy solutions. Students actively participate in environmental projects such as gardening, composting, recycling, and transforming water hyacinth into useful products.
Beyond environmental education, the school provides access to modern learning facilities, including a digital learning laboratory, coding programmes, and a library aimed at strengthening literacy and digital skills.
Reports indicate that the school has achieved significant academic improvements among its learners. A large percentage of students have recorded progress in literacy and numeracy, while many who previously lacked foundational learning skills are now reading at or near grade level.
The impact of the academy extends beyond the classroom. Hundreds of families within the surrounding communities have benefited from improved access to clean water, sanitation facilities, and environmental awareness programmes promoted by the school.
Education stakeholders have described the academy’s approach as a model that could be replicated across Africa. By combining educational equity, environmental sustainability, and innovation, the school demonstrates that quality education can thrive even in some of the continent’s most challenging environments.
As part of the recognition, the shortlisted schools and eventual winners will be invited to participate in the World Schools Summit scheduled to take place in London, United Kingdom, in January 2027. The event will provide an opportunity for education leaders, policymakers, and school representatives from around the world to exchange ideas and share best practices.
The achievement highlights the growing global recognition of innovative educational initiatives emerging from Nigeria and reinforces the important role schools can play in advancing both learning and environmental sustainability.
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