Assessment of Wildlife Conservation Awareness Among Secondary School Students in Kebbi State

Environmental education and wildlife conservation awareness among young people are widely recognized as foundational to achieving long-term conservation behavioral change. This study assesses the level of wildlife conservation awareness among secondary school students in Kebbi State, within Nigeria's North West geopolitical zone. A total of 320 students from eight secondary schools across Birnin Kebbi and Argungu Local Government Areas were surveyed using structured questionnaires. The instrument measured awareness of local wildlife species, knowledge of national conservation laws, attitudes toward wildlife, and exposure to environmental education in the school curriculum. Results indicate that while a majority of students can identify commonly encountered species such as monitor lizards and crocodiles, awareness of protected species status and conservation legislation is significantly lower, with fewer than 25 percent demonstrating adequate knowledge. Students in urban schools showed marginally higher awareness scores compared to rural counterparts. Exposure to environmental education in the school curriculum was limited, with most teachers reporting insufficient textbook coverage of wildlife topics. Attitudes toward wildlife were predominantly neutral, with positive attitudes most prevalent among students whose families had direct involvement in ecotourism or wildlife-related employment. The study recommends the revision of the Kebbi State secondary school science curriculum to include structured wildlife education modules, teacher training programs, and school-based wildlife clubs linked to national parks. Keywords: conservation awareness, environmental education, secondary schools, Kebbi State, North West Nigeria