Welcome everyone to the page for the Nigeria Chapter of the Society for Conservation Biology (NSCB)!
The Nigeria Chapter has been registered with the Corporate Affairs Commision of Nigeria on 8th March 2022 as: “Nigerian Society for Conservation Biology LTD/GTE” (COMPANY REGISTRATION NO. 1902773 incorporated under the COMPANIES AND ALLIED MATTERS ACT 2020).
NSCB was established to bring together conservation professionals and practitioners to discuss different issues bothering on biodiversity conservation in Nigeria.
It provides an opportunity for us all as specialists in the field of conservation to discuss together on how the known science and the art of conservation can translate into solving environmental and societal problems in Nigeria.
NSCB was registered:
- To advance the conservation and protection of Nigerian biodiversity through research, participation, and engagement of conservation professionals and practitioners as well as policy makers and the general public.
- To create a forum for networking, deliberation, and interaction on current conservation issues as well as presentation of research findings by researchers and academics.
- To build capacity and create empowerment for students and professionals in the biodiversity conservation profession.
- To promote conservation science to the public and through all levels of education.
- To establish peer reviewed publication outlets for scientific dissemination of quantitative and qualitative research findings
Introduction
It is a known fact that Nigeria, just like other developing African countries, has witnessed a certain percentage of biodiversity loss; some of which are irreversible and various forms of environmental challenges including depletion of our different valuable ecological resources as a result of over-exploitation, natural and artificial disasters etc.
Nigeria Chapter of SCB was endorsed to be a chapter of SCB in January 2014 with about 26 membership status. After the endorsement, the Chapter has grown its members to over a hundred and there is still more members being added.
NSCB - started with sole goal of elevating conservation science & practice in Nigeria especially within education, policy & society at large. The utmost vision of NSCB - to have a Nigeria where natural biodiversity & environment are in a state of flourishing together; based on sound science, informed policies & volunteer spirit.
A collaborative effort of all Nigerian conservation experts are needed to increase national awareness towards sustainable conservation and utilization of the different diverse biological resources of Nigeria.
NSCB Activities
- Biodiversity Conservation Conference (biannual)
- Bimonthly webinar
- Policy and Advocacy Activities
- Mentorship for young Conservationists
- Conservation Education for Primary and Secondary school students
- Establishment of Conservation Gardens in Schools
NSCB Board
President: Dr. (Mrs.) Fatsuma Olaleru
Dr. (Mrs.) Fatsuma Olaleru is a natural resources conservationist with particular interest to non-human primates in urban spaces, where they have been threatened through human activities. Her passionate pursuit about conserving the indigenous mona monkey (Cercopithecus mona, Schreber, 1774) populations in the University of Lagos, have earned her the appellation ‘Mama monkeys’. She studies and advocates for the protection of this taxon and other Nigerian fauna in their natural habitats. Through her works, we have a better understanding of the population status and feeding ecology of this species, the challenges they are facing through habitat destruction and urbanisation, and absence of protected areas in Lagos State. She also encourages non-lethal human-monkey conflict resolution in Lagos megacity and its relic forests where the mona monkeys are found, and seeks to promote their eco-tourism potentials.
Dr. Olaleru have led and continues to coordinate several conservation bodies both locally and internationally. She was the first African to Chair the Young Women in Conservation Biology (YWCB), an arm of the Society for Conservation Biology, Africa Region (SCB-AR). Presently she is on the SCB-AR’s Board as the Director of the YWCB. Through this, she has organised capacity building workshops both physically and virtually for African women in the conservation space. We also identify and recognise early career female conservationists from Africa through the YWCB Award. Through this, more female conservationists are encouraged to come into the field and do more. In addition, Dr. Olaleru is the Chapter’s President for SCB, Nigeria.
Vice President and President Elect: Dr. Abubakar S. Ringim
Abubakar S. Ringim is a dedicated and accomplished biodiversity conservationist who is deeply passionate about protecting the environment. He holds a BSc in Zoology from Bayero University Kano, an MSc in Biodiversity Conservation from the University of Dar es Salaam in Tanzania, and a PhD in Bioenvironmental Sciences from Morgan State University in the USA. He co-founded the Federal University Dutse (FUD) Conservation Society and currently serves as its Secretary. Additionally, he is the Deputy Director at FUD's Centre for Arid Zone and Wetlands Ecology. Ringim plays key roles in several conservation organisations, including serving as Vice President of the Nigerian Society for Conservation Biology. He is also a member of the Nigerian Coordination Group of Key Biodiversity Areas, a board member of the West African Conservation Network, and a member of the Nigerian Field Society and the West African Ornithological Society. In his administrative capacities, Ringim is the Chairman of the FUD Zoological Garden and the Deputy Coordinator for Postgraduate Programs in the Department of Animal and Environmental Biology at FUD, among other responsibilities. His research centres on biodiversity conservation and citizen science, focusing on translating scientific findings into practical solutions. Ringim has published numerous peer-reviewed articles and online content on biodiversity conservation and has participated in various national and international conferences. Beyond his professional work, he is an adventurous nature photographer who uses his passion to inspire others in the field of conservation. www.abubakaringim.com
Treasurer: Dr. Joy Oghenekevwe Arabomen
Dr. Joy Oghenekevwe Arabomen is a seasoned Research Fellow with the Forestry Research Institute of Nigeria, where she has served since 2007. With a specialization in Forest Socioeconomics and Management, Dr. Arabomen’s work focuses on the intersection of forest resources, community livelihoods, and sustainable management practices.
She is an active member of several professional bodies, including the Forestry Association of Nigeria, the International Society of Tropical Foresters, and the African Forest Forum. Her research contributions and dedication to forest conservation and policy have made her a respected voice in Nigeria’s forestry sector and beyond.
Secretary: Dr. Islamiat Abidemi Raji
Dr. Islamiat Abidemi Raji is a Rose Postdoctoral Fellow at the K. Lisa Yang Center for Conservation Bioacoustics at the Cornell Lab of Ornithology. She is a landscape and urban ecologist whose research focuses on plant–animal interactions and the ecological and social impacts of urbanization and land-use change.
At the Cornell Lab, Dr. Raji integrates bioacoustics, machine learning, and participatory research to develop scalable biodiversity monitoring systems in rapidly changing urban environments. Her current research investigates bird diversity on university campuses and in cities across multiple countries using autonomous acoustic recorders and AI tools to detect and analyse bird vocalizations. She is particularly interested in decentralised and inclusive conservation research; hence she adopts inclusive approach and methods to answer conservation and ecological questions. She is exploring predictive factors that encourages bird persistence in urban areas and human nature interaction in cities in connection to human wellbeing. Her aim is to design conservation frameworks that promote both ecological and social resilience in cities.
Dr. Raji is passionate about youth mentorship, outreach, and interdisciplinary collaboration. She regularly works with students, local scientists, and community members to co-develop conservation approaches that are inclusive, data-driven, and grounded in local context.
Assistant Secretary
Mr. Caleb Popoola
Caleb is a dedicated Environmental Scientist with a B.Sc. in Environmental Science and Resource Management from the National Open University of Nigeria. With a strong passion for conservation, he joined the Society for Conservation Biology to protect Nigeria's rich biodiversity. His undergraduate research focused on mitigating environmental pollution from mechanic workshops.
With five years of experience in third-party logistics, Caleb has fostered a positive work culture and mentored his team. He volunteers with MeWin, an NGO promoting environmental well-being through biodiversity conservation. Caleb has developed community outreach programs on tree planting and reducing carbon footprints, and supported efforts to combat illegal tree cutting at Okomu National Park.
As Public Relations Officer for his LCDA in Lagos and Assistant General Secretary of a community in Ibadan North LGA, Caleb demonstrates his commitment to community service. In his free time, he enjoys photography, traveling, music, volunteering, and exploring new culinary skills.
Clockwise: Dr. Adedotun Onoyinka Afolayan, Dr. Abubakar S. Ringim, Dr. Islamiat Abidemi Raji, Mr. Caleb Popoola, Dr. Joy Oghenekevwe Arabomen
NSCB Board of Trustees:
- Prof. Bola Adeleke (former NSCB Secretary) Osun State University, Nigeria
- Dr. Folaranmi D. Babalola (Former NSCB President), University of Ilorin, Nigeria
- Dr. Joseph Onoja, Nigeria Conservation Foundation, Nigeria
- Dr. Stephen M. Awoyemi, Central European University, Austria
From left to right: Prof. Bola Adeleke, Dr. Folaranmi D. Babalola, Dr. Joseph Onoja, Nigeria, Dr. Stephen M. Awoyemi
Policy Group:
Principal Policy Officer - Mr. Abubakar S. Ringim and
Policy Working Team Members:
- Mr. Adeniran A. Akanni
- Dr. Abidemi Raji
- Mrs. Bridget Ogolowa
- Mr. Emmanuel E. Oseghale
Policy Council Members
- Dr. Awoyemi Stephen
- Dr. Fatsuma Olaleru – Vice President
- Dr. Adedotun Afolayan - President
- Other volunteers
NSCB Policy & Advocacy Group
Goal – to strengthen & defend policies that promote conservation & sustainable use of Nigeria diverse biodiversity.
Scope – Local (within Nigeria)
NSCB-PAG Principal Policy Officer
Responsibilities:
a. Initiate and develop credible policy (ies) for NSCB.
b. Coordinate the NSCB’s policy and advocacy strategies.
c. Liaise with the global Society for Conservation Biology for policy approval.
d. Undertake media campaigns and public speaking using social media (wherever possible),
including social media handles to facilitate civic engagement and collective action regarding
biodiversity conservation in Nigeria.
NSCB-PAG Members
Responsibilities:
Assist NSCB Principal Policy Officer in setting strategic policy and advocacy directions for NSCB.
Assist in NSCB policy development.
Convey and manage advocacy strategies.
Undertakes media campaigns and public speaking using social media (wherever possible) to facilitate civic engagement and collective action regarding biodiversity conservation in Nigeria.
Developed and Circulated Policy Documents