Zaria: The Ahmadu Bello University (ABU) Zaria, in collaboration with UNICEF, is set to plant 2,080 trees over the next three months as part of efforts to enhance environmental sustainability and reduce the effects of climate change in the region. Prof. Kabiru Bala, Vice-Chancellor of ABU, made this announcement during a workshop on Tree Planting, Waste Recycling, and Sustainable Practices for ABU students held at the university in Zaria.
According to News Agency of Nigeria, the workshop was organized by UNICEF in collaboration with ABU. Prof. Bala, represented by Prof. Sahalu Junaid, stated that the collaboration focuses on tree planting and sustainable waste management under UNICEF’s Green Rising Initiative. He highlighted ABU’s long-standing tradition of tree planting, noting that the university had planted over five million trees across its campuses in the past five years.
Under the recycling aspect of the partnership, UNICEF has supported the establishment of 12 waste collection kiosks on campus, where waste is purchased for recycling. Prof. Bala emphasized the importance of involving young people in these initiatives to promote entrepreneurship.
He further explained that the trees would be planted on a five-hectare land, with UNICEF providing support for the volunteers involved. Each volunteer will receive a transportation allowance of N2000 and a refreshment allowance of N1500. The initiative plans to engage approximately 100 students for fieldwork at least three times a week.
Ms. Theresa Pamma, Water Sanitation and Hygiene Expert at UNICEF’s Kaduna Field Office, described the partnership with ABU as strategic. She highlighted that UNICEF’s Green Rising Project aims to involve youth in climate change interventions, and ABU’s large student body and historical efforts in tree planting make it a valuable partner.
Pamma added that the project seeks to raise awareness about climate issues and encourage youth participation in implementing interventions. Although the initial target was 200 student volunteers, the overwhelming turnout has prompted discussions between UNICEF and the university to potentially increase this number.