By Isaac Lewu

A former Head of the Department of Forestry and Wildlife Management, University of Ilorin, Dr R. O. Sadiku, has urged stakeholders, particularly students, to contribute their quotas to environmental sustainability.

Dr Sadiku made this call penultimate Tuesday (June 18, 2025) while speaking at “Marching for the Climate” organised by a student group, EcoGreen Gem.

The don explained that it was high time students, staff, and environmental advocates teamed up to raise consistent awareness on climate change and also promote sustainable practices.

Dr Sadiku commended the students for taking the initiative, stressing that the reality of climate change is evident in Nigeria through irregular rainfall, deforestation, and food insecurity.

She said it is no longer a future threat. It is happening now and we must respond with urgency. She commend EcoGreen Gems for setting a pace for others to follow.

The former Head of Department added that the students’ action was in line with the Department’s vision of grooming environmentally responsible leaders. She also urged the University management to provide institutional support for student-led sustainability initiatives and embed climate education into the curriculum.

Dr Sadiku also advocated greener campus policies, saying the University must match student efforts with supportive policies and actions. “Our students are leading the charge. It is time for planning and policy to follow.

 A student of the Faculty of Agriculture, Mr Owodunni.O. Awwal, explained that the campaign seeks to inspire individual responsibility in the fight against climate change. He said, “Our slogan, ‘One Move. One Gem. A Greener Planet,’ captures what we stand for. Change begins with each of us,”

Also speaking, another student of the Faculty, Miss Amarachi Peculiar Daniels, said that the event was a product of weeks of community mapping and sensitisation efforts, supported by the Environmental Management Unit and several academic mentors.