Kashim Ibrahim University Launches Tree-Planting Campaign to Tackle Desertification

By: Adamu Aliyu Ngulde, Maiduguri

MAIDUGURI, Nigeria Kashim Ibrahim University on Thursday launched a tree-planting campaign aimed at combating desertification, environmental degradation and climate change in Borno State.

The campaign, organized by the university’s Faculty of Agriculture, is part of a broader “Green Campus Initiative” inspired by the state government’s recent tree-planting drive at the Trailer Park in Maiduguri, officials said.

Vice Chancellor Prof. Gutti, in his opening remarks, said the initiative aligned with national plans by the National Universities Commission and TETFund to roll out similar programs nationwide. He pledged that the university’s management would provide resources, including a water tanker, to ensure the trees are properly nurtured.

Borno State Commissioner for Environment, Mohammed Habib, served as special guest of honor and praised the university for being among the first institutions to follow the state’s lead. Habib, a former director of works at the school, described Kashim Ibrahim University as “the fastest growing young state university that has already earned a name across the federation.”

Habib also donated 2,000 olive seedlings to the campaign, promising delivery within 24 hours. He urged students to take responsibility for nurturing the trees as part of their civic duty.

Prof. H.B. Kabura, chairman of the campaign, thanked the university leadership and the commissioner for their support. He said the committee would not only nurture the planted trees but also expand the initiative to include economically valuable species for the benefit of staff and students.

The event ended with symbolic tree planting by Habib, the vice chancellor and senior university officials.