Professor at the Department of Zoology, University of Ibadan (UI)/Deputy Vice Chancellor, Kola Daisi University, Mrs. Olajumoke Morenikeji, and another scholar at the Department of Wildlife and Ecotourism Management at UI, Dr. Oluwakayode Coker; President of the Zoological Society of Nigeria (ZSN), Prof. Alexander Bababunmi Odaibo, and others have charged youths to make use of Artificial Intelligence (AI) and other emerging technologies to prevent endangered species from going into extinction.

The scholars and stakeholders maintained that youths must harness the power of AI for the preservation of wildlife, especially endangered species such as pangolins.

They made the call during the celebration of World Pangolin Day 2025, organised by the Pangolin Conservation Guild Nigeria, led by Prof. Morenikeji.

The event, which had the theme: ‘Youth Legacy for Pangolin Conservation’, was held at the ultramodern Multipurpose Hall, International School Ibadan, UI, Oyo State, with a special feature on: ‘Young Conservationists’ Leadership Summit 1.0′.

The programme featured a debate among some secondary school students in Ibadan, the presentation of awards and prizes to the winners of an essay writing competition, and a cultural display by the cultural troupe from Oyo and others.

For the debate, St. Annes Junior School 2 emerged winner while St. Annes Senior School 1 and Abadina College were the first and second runners-up. The Young Conservationist Trailblazer Award went to Nathaniel Owolabi.