The National Association of Nigerian Students (NANS) has partnered with the Nigerian Conservation Foundation (NCF) for a Three-Day National Educational Trip and Environmental Leadership Program.
The leadership program is scheduled to be held between the 26th and 28th of March, 2026, at Lekki Conservation Centre, with the theme “Beyond the Classroom: Education in the Wild – Learning from Nature While Exploring Conservation in Action.”
The event is designed to provide Nigerian students with practical, experience-based environmental education beyond the confines of conventional classroom learning.
Speaking on the initiative, NANS presidential spokesperson, Comrade Alao John described the partnership as a deliberate step toward strengthening environmental consciousness, youth leadership, and sustainability advocacy among Nigerian students.
According to him, the collaboration with the Nigerian Conservation Foundation, Nigeria’s premier non-governmental organization is dedicated to nature conservation and sustainable development, aligned with its commitment to producing socially responsible and environmentally conscious future leaders.
He said: “The three-day program will host one hundred (100) participants, comprising representatives of Nigerian students studying in all tertiary institutions in the country. Participants have been drawn from various tertiary institutions across the federation to ensure diversity, inclusion, and national representation.
“Throughout the program, participants will engage in guided field experiences, expert-led lectures, interactive conservation sessions, and hands-on learning activities focused on biodiversity conservation, climate action, sustainable development, community engagement, and environmental responsibility.
“The initiative is expected to equip students with practical knowledge and leadership skills required to drive environmental advocacy and positive behavioural change within their campuses and communities.”
The programme is hosted by Com. Alao John, as part of a broader effort to reposition the Nigerian student movement as a key stakeholder in national development, climate advocacy, and environmental sustainability.
Alao emphasized that the initiative reflected the Association’s resolve to integrate education, leadership development, and civic responsibility.
He noted that the program represents a collective investment in Nigeria’s future, stressing that environmental education among young people remains critical at a time when climate change, environmental degradation, and biodiversity loss continue to pose serious national and global challenges.
He, however, reaffirmed the commitment of the association to peaceful collaboration with relevant institutions and stakeholders in advancing youth-driven initiatives that promote education, sustainability, and national progress.
