By: Pius Dukor, Port Harcourt.
As the issue of environmental sustainability is attracting global attention , it is pertinent that institutions in Nigeria begin to look at collaborations on the subject of discussion. It was based on this that the University of Ilorin (UNILORIN) and the Nigerian Conservation Foundation (NCF) have signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) to collaborate on environmental conservation and sustainability initiatives.
According to the statement made available to journalists, the MoU signing ceremony took place on Monday, April 13th, 2026, at the University of Ilorin, noting the partnership aim is to establish a 5-hectare Conservation Park within the University campus, develop programs promoting youth engagement in environmental conservation, register UNILORIN students as NCF members, and undertake joint research and project development initiatives, including carbon assessment of University forests among others.
"The partnership reflects our commitment to promoting environmental sustainability and conservation in our university. We commend NCF, a critical stakeholder, for this unique partnership that enhances our efforts on environmental conservation and sustainable development. We look forward to working with NCF to create a positive impact on our campus and beyond," said Professor Wahab Olasupo Egbewole (SAN), who is the Vice-Chancellor of the University of Ilorin.
In his Remarks, Dr. Joseph Onoja, Director General of NCF, said, the collaboration is “the deliberate steps and efforts of the University of Ilorin and is commendable.
He explained that having conservation efforts on the ground will go a long way in amplifying our advocacy for nature conservation, saying that partnerships like this will boost our demonstration efforts, while providing a training ground, and serve as a practical learning centre for University students on forest resources management”.
Speaking further, he maintained that over the years, NCF has worked with schools, including tertiary institutions, to establish and develop curriculum and activities that promote nature conservation while raising environmentally conscious students.
The establishment of conservation parks in tertiary institutions is a new approach aimed at providing a practical solution to environmental conservation and sustainable development in Nigeria. It will be recalled that as the issue of climate change is getting stronger, institutions, Federal, State and Local governments, communities , and Corporate organizations should put in measures to mitigate the effects of climate change on our environment.(Atlantic Newsday)
