Aliyu Rahmat Sustainable Development Goals Club (TAR SDG Club)
The Aliyu Rahmat Sustainable Development Goals Club (TAR SDG Club), founded in 2024 by Aliyu Rahmat Olajumoke, is a student-led organisation at the University of Ilorin in Nigeria that addresses educational and social inequalities “where the silence is loudest.” Inspired by Olajumoke’s childhood experiences of classmates facing exclusion, the club works to link students’ everyday lives with the UN Sustainable Development Goals through leadership development, empathy-building and community service.
In its first year, the club reached over 800 students in five schools, teaching peacebuilding, dialogue, and conflict resolution. Its initiatives have expanded into sexual and reproductive health outreach and disability inclusion. One of its flagship projects, AccessABILITY, has provided footwear to more than 2,000 children with special needs, prioritising dignity and visibility for underserved students.
TAR’s work reflects broader trends in Nigeria where student groups often fill gaps left by formal systems, providing life-skills education, health awareness, and advocacy in communities lacking counsellors or extracurricular structures. Despite limited funding, the club’s projects align with SDGs 3 (Health), 4 (Quality Education), 10 (Reduced Inequalities) and 16 (Peace, Justice and Strong Institutions).
Student volunteers describe the project as life-changing, challenging stereotypes about youth passivity, and demonstrating that meaningful impact can begin on a small scale. Experts note that TAR effectively bridges information gaps around the SDGs, strengthens peacebuilding attitudes among young people, and equips volunteers with leadership, communication and problem-solving skills.
Although funding remains a major challenge, educators and youth development specialists believe the club’s model has the potential to influence communities across Nigeria and contribute to long-term social cohesion and educational equity.