{"id":18186,"date":"2026-06-20T13:02:45","date_gmt":"2026-06-20T13:02:45","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/dev.iita.org\/news-item\/nature-nurture-and-legacy-public-school-students-camp-at-iita-forest-center-sponsored-by-iita-legends\/"},"modified":"2026-06-29T16:51:35","modified_gmt":"2026-06-29T16:51:35","slug":"nature-nurture-and-legacy-public-school-students-camp-at-iita-forest-center-sponsored-by-iita-legends","status":"publish","type":"news-item","link":"https:\/\/iita.org\/fr\/news-item\/nature-nurture-and-legacy-public-school-students-camp-at-iita-forest-center-sponsored-by-iita-legends\/","title":{"rendered":"Nature, nurture, and legacy: Public school students camp at IITA Forest Center sponsored by IITA legends"},"content":{"rendered":"

\"The
The campers learning about forest trees, their benefits for conservation and more.<\/figcaption><\/figure><\/p>\n\n\n\n

In a heartwarming blend of education, conservation, and commemoration, the Centre forestier de l'IITA<\/a> recently hosted a two-day outdoor camping experience for students from two public secondary schools in Ibadan: Pade School of Science, Pade, and Community High School, Ajibade. This memorable camping, held 11\u201312 July, was fully sponsored by the Retrobeights, friends of the late Captain David Sewell<\/a>\u2014a revered figure whose legacy with IITA spans more than four decades.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

IITA Forest Center, known for offering immersive nature-based experiences, regularly opens its doors to the public for camping activities. However, the cost can sometimes be a barrier for students in public schools. Through this generous gesture, 20 students and their teachers enjoyed a deeply enriching experience at no cost.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\"Students
Students having fun at the bonfire place during the camping.<\/figcaption><\/figure><\/p>\n\n\n\n

The event commenced with a warm welcome from IITA Forest Center staff, who introduced students to the center\u2019s ethos and the legacy of their benefactor. The evening set off on a high note around a lively bonfire, where students shared stories, danced, and formed friendships that transcended school boundaries.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

The following morning, campers enjoyed a complimentary breakfast at the IITA International House (I-House) before heading on a birdwatching adventure. With binoculars, bird identification books, and guidance from trained ornithologists, the students learned to identify birds by their call, coloration, and other unique features\u2014a first-time experience for many of them.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Another highlight was the gardening workshop led by Joshua Babatunde, a field worker at the Forest Center. The students were taught how to grow Indigenous vegetables for food security and as a potential source of income. The hands-on session emphasized sustainability, local food systems, and the practical benefits of home gardening.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\"Students
Students of Pade School of Science and Community High School, Ajibade having the bird-watching experience during the camping.<\/figcaption><\/figure><\/p>\n\n\n\n

A therapeutic forest walk followed, where students explored the rich biodiversity of IITA\u2019s forest reserve. They learned about native trees and their importance for medicine, food, and ecosystem conservation.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

One of the most engaging parts of the camp was the treasure hunt, inspired by the iconic Gulder Ultimate Search. Students used handmade cardboard maps to track down \u201cforest treasures,\u201d combining physical activity with critical thinking and teamwork.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Sharing his experience, Olaniyi Hassan, Head Boy of Pade School of Science, said, \u201cWe had fun, danced, played games, watched birds, and transplanted seedlings. It\u2019s been exciting, and I\u2019m grateful for the opportunity.\u201d Tairu Jimata, Social Prefect of Community High School, shared, \u201cI\u2019ve gained skills I can use to earn income.\u201d She added, \u201cThis experience has opened my eyes to becoming a nature ambassador and promoting tourism through conservation.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n

As the Forest Center continues to promote environmental education among youth, this initiative is a testament to the power of legacy and generosity in shaping future custodians of our natural world.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Contributed by Folake Oduntan<\/em><\/p>\n\n\n\n

Celebrating biodiversity at Nigerian Bird Festival 2023<\/a><\/p>\n\n\n\n

IITA Forest Center holds the second edition of Nigerian Bird Festival<\/a><\/p>","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"

In a heartwarming blend of education, conservation, and commemoration, the IITA Forest Center recently hosted a two-day outdoor camping experience for students from two public secondary schools in Ibadan.<\/p>","protected":false},"featured_media":18187,"template":"","meta":{"site-sidebar-layout":"default","site-content-layout":"","ast-site-content-layout":"default","site-content-style":"default","site-sidebar-style":"default","ast-global-header-display":"","ast-banner-title-visibility":"","ast-main-header-display":"","ast-hfb-above-header-display":"","ast-hfb-below-header-display":"","ast-hfb-mobile-header-display":"","site-post-title":"","ast-breadcrumbs-content":"","ast-featured-img":"","footer-sml-layout":"","theme-transparent-header-meta":"","adv-header-id-meta":"","stick-header-meta":"","header-above-stick-meta":"","header-main-stick-meta":"","header-below-stick-meta":"","astra-migrate-meta-layouts":"default","ast-page-background-enabled":"default","ast-page-background-meta":{"desktop":{"background-color":"var(--ast-global-color-5)","background-image":"","background-repeat":"repeat","background-position":"center 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