Ecocykle’s game “PLAN” effective in boosting knowledge on climate change in Nigeria, study finds

Ecocykle is proud to announce a groundbreaking academic milestone: its innovative climate education game, PLAN, has been scientifically validated as an effective tool for enhancing knowledge and retention of climate change concepts among Nigerian students. This makes it the first-ever climate educational game to be applied in high-level academic research in Nigeria.

This achievement was confirmed in a doctoral research dissertation defended by Dr. Tine Agernor, at the Benue State University, Makurdi, Nigeria, marking a significant contribution to climate education and sustainable learning methodologies in Nigeria and beyond.

The PLAN game, co-developed by Aliyu Sadiq and Lauritta Boniface, is designed to foster climate literacy in a fun, interactive, and engaging way, currently impacting more than 5000 people across 11 countries. By bridging the gap between environmental science and everyday action, the game equips young people with practical knowledge into climate action, circular economy, and sustainable living.

In the just concluded comparative research involving more than 188 students between the ages of 13 and 15, findings showed that the PLAN Game was more effective in generating interest, improving academic performance, and enhancing retention of climate change concepts among students in Benue State. Notably, female students found the game particularly engaging as a learning tool. This underscores the significance of the PLAN Game not only as an instrument for climate education but also as a means of encouraging greater female participation in climate action.

Speaking on the milestone, Dr. Tine Agernor, facilitator of the doctoral research using the PLAN Game, said: 

Conducting my PhD research using the P-L-A-N Game was a great experience for me and my findings showed that it can enhance learning amongst teenagers on climate change concepts”

In a remark by Lauritta Boniface, PLAN Game co-developer of and Executive Director of Ecocykle, she said;

When we developed the Play, Learn and Act Now (PLAN) Game, our goal was to simplify climate change learning and inspire inclusive action among young people. I am incredibly excited that the game has become the first-ever climate game to be applied in high-level academic research in Nigeria. Backed by this research, it is now empirically proven to boost interest, knowledge, and retention of climate action especially among girls”.

Ecocykle extends heartfelt congratulations to Dr. Tine Agernor for his successful PhD defense, as well as gratitude to all team members, partners, and students who contributed to the study.