THE IMPACT OF ENVIRONMENTAL EDUCATION PROGRAMMES ON STUDENTS ACADEMIC PERFORMANCE:A CASE OF KANO MUNICIPAL ZONAL EDUCATION QUALITY ASSURANCE, KANO NIGERIA

Environmental education has become an essential aspect of modern education due to increasing environmental challenges such as pollution, climate change, deforestation, and waste management. It equips students with the knowledge, attitudes, and skills needed to protect and sustain the environment. This study investigates the impact of environmental education programmes on students' academic performance in selected secondary schools under the Kano Municipal Zonal Education Quality Assurance, Kano, Nigeria. A descriptive survey research design was adopted for the study. Data were collected through structured questionnaires administered to students and teachers and analyzed using frequencies, percentages, mean scores, and standard deviation. The findings revealed that environmental education programmes improve students' understanding of science concepts, increase environmental awareness, promote critical thinking, and positively influence academic performance. However, inadequate instructional materials, insufficient practical activities, and limited teacher training were identified as major challenges affecting programme effectiveness. The study concludes that effective implementation of environmental education programmes can significantly enhance students' academic achievement and environmental responsibility. Recommendations are provided for educational authorities, schools, teachers, and policymakers.