By Ojoma Akor
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.
A statement from NCF signed by Olusomi Oduguwa, its head of communications and corporate branding, said the MoU signing ceremony took place on Monday at the University of Ilorin.
The partnership aims to establish a 5-hectare Conservation Park within the university campus, develop programs that promote youth engagement in environmental conservation, register UNILORIN students as NCF members, and undertake joint research and project development initiatives, including a carbon assessment of the university’s forests.
Professor Wahab Olasupo Egbewole (SAN), Vice-Chancellor of the University of Ilorin, said, “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.”
Dr. Joseph Onoja, Director General of NCF, said the deliberate steps and efforts of the University of Ilorin are commendable, adding that on-the-ground conservation efforts will go a long way toward amplifying their advocacy for nature conservation.
He said, “Partnerships like this will boost our demonstration efforts, provide a training ground, and serve as a practical learning center for university students on forest resources management.”
The statement said that over the years, NCF has worked with schools, including tertiary institutions, to establish and develop curricula and activities that promote nature conservation and raise environmentally conscious students.
It said that establishing conservation parks in tertiary institutions is a new approach aimed at providing a practical solution to environmental conservation and sustainable development in Nigeria.
