By Blessing MacYoung, Melody Ojimadu, Feyisara Kareem, Vera Amayah, and Stephanie Cocobassey.
There’s no denying the media’s important role in shaping public awareness and actions. Journalists help people understand environmental issues like pollution, climate change, and deforestation.
Since these environmental issues will continue to be a major global concern, media students who understand them will be better prepared for careers in journalism, public relations, and advocacy.
Approximately seven months ago, the idea of having an environmental-centric community within the walls of the Nigerian Institute of Journalism (NIJ) in ogba was brought to life and was named Ecozone.
Launched on August 1, 2024, by its founding lecturer, Mr. Anthony Oligbo, the community aims to raise awareness about climate change and highlight the need to promote a thorough understanding of environmental issues among students.
Following the launch of Ecozone, NIJ has joined the ranks of esteemed tertiary institutions in Nigeria, including the University of Ibadan (UI), University of Lagos (UNILAG), and University of Nigeria, Nsukka (UNN), in promoting climate change awareness.
However, these institutions have taken a proactive approach by integrating climate change studies into their curricula, undertaking research projects, organising workshops and seminars, and engaging with local communities. The interdisciplinary initiatives span various departments, including environmental science, geography, and agriculture.
Speaking on the inspiration behind the idea of Ecozone, Mr. Oligbo said that the course inspired him, noting that he has a deep affection for the environment and nature.
In his words, “When I was assigned the course Environmental Reporting to teach, I started doing research on how I could extend my teachings beyond the four walls of the classroom.
“I have a friend who works at the Nigerian Conservative Foundation (NCF), who also runs a programme that would benefit environmentally inclined people. I grew interest and that marked the beginning of the Ecozone club, which is not just a club but a community.”
HOW ECOZONE OPERATES
Ecozone’s President, Emmanuel Ashemiriogwa, emphasized that the core objective of the development is to learn about the environment, workshop, and training while improving the members’ overall knowledge on all that concerns the environment and liaising with experts in the industry.
Ashemirogwa explained that his primary goal is to supervise and ensure members have a safe learning space and that other students know about the club’s existence in NIJ and the benefits they gain after joining.
“Our short-term goals involve continual learning, training and sanitisation, planting of trees and workshop. This takes place every month among us as a team.
“Our long term goal is to build a very strong community of environmentally conscious journalists and also to be recognised as a leading community in training students aside class lectures,” the final-year student stated.
He noted that Ecozone is open to all students, provided they are passionate about environmental activities. However, he explained that the group’s leadership is very conscious of gathering like-minded minds who are interested in positively impacting the sustainability of the environment.
He also highlighted the community’s primary focus, including providing members with hands-on experience and exposure to environmental issues through a wide range of activities.
THE CHALLENGES
One thing that has been observed to be common within these eco-centric communities is that, in their quest to create awareness of climate change, they face some challenges, including limited funding, curriculum limitations, and capacity-building needs.
While speaking with NIJ Insight, Mr. Oligbo expressed confidence that Ecozone would positively impact the environment while growing exponentially beyond NIJ with branches in other schools.
The lecturer highlighted the benefits of the eco-centric club for the students, including improved communication and leadership skills, exposure, and a better understanding of the environment and climate sustainability.
“You will learn about the environment and its sustainability. You stand to gain local and international competencies as a member. It’s a club that no one should look away from.It’s a club that is raising the next generation of environmentally conscious people,” he said.
HOW NIJ STUDENTS ARE PARTICIPATING IN ECO-RELATED EVENTS
When asked about upcoming events for the group, Ashemiriogwa revealed that “2024 was very productive, and in 2025, we are looking to partner with institutions like UNILAG and YABATECH because they have functioning clubs that are environment-related. We believe that this exposure will contribute to our growth and capacity-building as environmental journalists.”
On his part, National Diploma (ND) 2 student and the General Secretary of Ecozone, Amaechi Godwin, stressed the importance of the community, acknowledging that it has improved his knowledge.
Godwin said, “The community has benefitted me a lot, starting from the tree planting in the school which was done in December, 2024, to making an Ecozone customised bag with recycled jean materials, having lectures on climate change and how it affects the environment, and also attending the National Conservation Foundation (NCF) 23rd Memorial Lecture where I was privileged to meet with the former Vice President of Nigeria, Professor Yemi Osinbajo.”
The Financial Secretary of Ecozone, Oluwaseyifunmi Adebayo, expressed satisfaction as a group member, stating that her interest in the environment grew after she offered environmental reporting in her previous class.
“The course opened my eyes to the hazards that could occur when the environment is not properly cared for. Aside from attending events, I also learnt what it means to be a leader and how to create contents revolving around the environment with the aim of educating the public,” Adebayo disclosed.
She also mentioned that she had learned much about climate sustainability, adding that Ecozone would break boundaries beyond NIJ.
ECO-CENTRIC CLUBS IN HIGHER INSTITUTIONS: THE BIGGER PICTURE
The world is shifting towards green jobs. Participating in eco-friendly initiatives can help students gain experience in environmental management, renewable energy, and sustainable businesses.
Students involved in these clubs develop problem-solving skills and leadership qualities. They can influence policies and drive change even beyond school. From recycling projects to sustainable farming, these clubs encourage hands-on activities that can improve campuses and communities.
Amidst climate change campaigns at the tertiary institutions level, notable climate initiatives in Nigeria are the Climate Change Act 2021, Net-Zero Commitment, Focus on Renewable Energy, Addressing Land Use Change, Climate Education and Community Engagement, and Green Bonds.
While the Climate Change Act 2021 serves as the primary legal framework to tackle climate change, establishing a system for carbon budgeting and creating the National Council on Climate Change with Net-Zero Commitment, Nigeria has pledged to achieve net-zero emissions by 2060, focusing on renewable energy sources like solar and wind.
The ‘Energy Transition Plan’ emphasises the transition to renewable energy sources, such as solar and wind power, while considering gas as a transition fuel. However, Addressing Land Use Change involves recognising the significant emissions from deforestation, as Nigeria is implementing initiatives to promote reforestation and sustainable land management practices.
On Climate Education and Community Engagement, programs are being developed to educate communities about climate change and empower them to participate in adaptation efforts. The government has issued green bonds to finance climate-friendly projects, including renewable energy development and flood mitigation measures.
