Yobe State University (YSU), Damaturu, says it is set to make tree planting and sustained environmental stewardship a requirement for students before graduation.
The Vice-Chancellor of the university, Prof. Muhammad Tahir, disclosed this at the launch of the 2026 Tree Planting Initiative organised by the Department of Forestry and Wildlife Management, Faculty of Agriculture.
The initiative, with the theme “Greening Our Faculty for a Sustainable Future”, is aimed at promoting environmental sustainability across the university.
Tahir said that under the proposed policy, every student would be required to plant and nurture at least one tree from the time of admission until graduation.
He explained that students might be required to present evidence of the tree planted and sustained before being cleared to receive their certificates.
According to him, the initiative will not only promote environmental sustainability but also instil a culture of responsibility and environmental stewardship among students.
The vice-chancellor described tree planting as important to humans, animals and the environment, noting that trees help to prevent erosion and flooding by absorbing large quantities of water.
He added that trees provide shade, fruits and a green environment conducive for learning, while also serving as natural laboratories for students of biology, forestry, geography and related disciplines.
“I am very impressed with this initiative and sincerely appreciate the lady and the young man who initiated this programme.
“I also commend the Head of the Department for listening to them and organising this event,” he said.
Tahir directed the Department of Forestry and Wildlife Management to collaborate with the Directorate of Works and Physical Planning to organise annual tree-planting competitions among faculties and departments.
He promised that the university would introduce awards for the best-performing faculties and departments to encourage sustained participation in the programme.
Earlier, Dr Jibril Yerima, the Dean, Faculty of Agriculture, commended the student initiators, Mohammed Mohammed and Hauwa Damagum, both 300-level students of the Department of Forestry and Wildlife Management, for championing the initiative.
He also appreciated Dr Mulima Mato, the Programme Manager of the North East Arid Zone Development Programme (NEAZDP), for contributing nursery equipment and planting materials for the programme.
The dean also acknowledged the support of the Managing Director/Chief Executive Officer of Green City Garden, Ahmad Disa, towards the initiative.
In her vote of thanks, Dr Rabi Saleh, the Head of the Department of Forestry and Wildlife Management, appreciated the vice-chancellor and university management for their support.
She described the initiative as a demonstration of the university’s commitment to environmental sustainability and stewardship.
The ceremony culminated in the vice-chancellor planting the first tree, officially launching the 2026 tree-planting initiative.
