ABU partners with UNICEF on tree planting, waste recycling
In an attempt to mitigate the effects of climate change within the University environment, Ahmadu Bello University, Zaria in partnership with the United Nations Children Emergency Fund (UNICEF) has organised a workshop on tree planting, waste recycling and sustainable practices for students.
The workshop took place on Saturday, 1st March, 2025 at Abdullahi Smith Lecture Theatre, Main Campus, Samaru, Zaria.
In an opening remark, Chairman of the occasion, Prof. Sahalu B. Junaidu, stated that UNICEF has a project called green rising which is targeted at students.
Prof. Sahalu, who is also the Dean, Students Affairs Division, disclosed that Ahmadu Bello University has a long tradition of tree planting and that when UNICEF brought the programme to the University, they have come to the right place.
He said the programme will see to the planting of 2,800 trees and 100 students volunteers would be taken to the site for the planting twice a week.
Prof. Sahalu thanked UNICEF for bringing the programme to the University and urged students to actively participate.
In another remark, a Water, Sanitation and Hygiene (WASH) Specialist with UNICEF, Mrs. Theresa K. Pamma, explained that the programme is focusing on youths because they form the highest population, more affected by climate change and are supposed to be active in mitigating climate change issues.
Mrs. Pamma noted that issues of climate change are no longer strange in Nigeria and therefore the programme is a call to action for students, who are future leaders.
According to her, choosing ABU for the programme is strategic, and that it will not be there alone, they are looking at how to mobilise others to join the campaign.
She said no institution in Nigeria will beat the strength of ABU of planting over five million trees, enjoining the University to continue in that spirit.
In a paper presentation titled “Seedling Production and Nurturing of Plantation”, Prof. Bashir Yusuf Abubakar of the Department of Botany defined tree nursery as a place where seedlings are propagated, managed and grown to plantable size.
He said tree nurseries can be owned and managed by self help groups, schools or by range of other local institutions.
He identified reliable water supply, good soils and other planting materials as some of the factors to be considered in selecting site for tree nursery.
In another presentation titled “Recycling of Waste”, Prof. Umar Ahmad of the Department of Community Medicine emphasized that elimination of hazard to man and prevention of pollution of the environment are some of the objectives of waste management.
Represented by Dr. Olasinde Abdulazeez Ayodeji, Prof. Ahmad stated that unhealthy disposal of solid waste is considered as one of the most important problems in many societies.
According to him, solid wastes are all the wastes arising from human and animal activities that are discarded as useless or unwanted.
Speaking on the Health Benefits of Trees to Human and Environment, Dr. S.K Musa of the University Health Services highlighted that purifying air, mental health, that is reducing stress are some of the benefits of trees to humans.
Dr. Musa said temperature control, medicinal value, that is healing properties and noise reduction are also some of the benefits.
Delivering a talk on the Role of Forest Guards in Securing Forests, the Ag. Chief Security Officer, ABU, Zaria, Malam Ashiru T. Zango said forest guards preserve the forest from illegal activities like encroachment, in addition to conserving and monitoring animals in the forest.
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Public Affairs Directorate,
Office of the Vice-Chancellor,
Ahmadu Bello University, Zaria.
(AHW).
Monday, 3rd March, 2025.
