The Audu Bako College of Agriculture, Dambatta (ABCOAD) came alive this week as students, staff, and community members joined hands with the Provost, Professor Mohammed Abdu Wailare, to launch a Tree Planting Campaign aimed at turning the institution into a model of environmental sustainability.
Kicking off the initiative, Prof. Wailare described tree planting as more than just an act of beautification.
“Tree planting is not just about making our environment look good. It is a legacy of life, a shield against climate change, and an investment for future generations,” he said. “As an agricultural institution, we must lead by example in promoting sustainable practices.”
The campaign, which forms part of ABCOAD’s Green Campus Project, will see hundreds of trees planted across the college and nearby communities. Students will play a central role in nurturing the seedlings, ensuring that the project also serves as a hands-on lesson in environmental stewardship.
Prof. Wailare used the occasion to appreciate those who made the day possible, including the Directorate of Renewable Energy and Climate Change, the Department of Forestry, the Directorate of Linkages and Affiliation, and the Kano State Government under Governor Abba Kabir Yusuf.
The Deputy Provost, Dr. Hassan Ibrahim, said the gathering was more than ceremonial. According to him, it was a reminder that protecting the environment is key to sustaining livelihoods, especially for farmers in Kano and beyond.
For Mallam Musa Garba, Director of Renewable Energy and Climate Change, the day marked a turning point. He noted that the state government had introduced fresh policies to discourage indiscriminate tree felling, reinforcing the college’s drive for greener, healthier surroundings.
The event ended on a symbolic note as the Provost, staff, students, and community leaders planted the first set of trees—each one representing hope, resilience, and a commitment to the future.
With this initiative, ABCOAD has not only reaffirmed its role as a centre of agricultural learning but also strengthened its voice in the fight against climate change and desertification in Nigeria.
