Nigeria’s top institution of higher learning, the University of Ibadan (UI), has reiterated its dedication to protecting the campus vegetation and advancing environmental sustainability. This was brought up by the Nigerian Conservation Foundation (NCF) and Polaris Bank Limited during a courtesy visit. UI’s policy against careless tree cutting was highlighted by Professor Kayode Adebowale, who was accompanied by Registrar Ganiyu Saliu. Adebowale clarified that the institution’s conservation efforts are evidenced by the abundance of Iroko trees on campus. To commemorate its 75th anniversary, the institution launched a tree-planting initiative that will be funded by private donations.
In order to effectively address environmental issues, Saliu emphasised the value of cooperation between communities and academic institutions. In keeping with World Environment Day 2024’s subject of land restoration, desertification, and Drought resilience, he praised Polaris Bank for sponsoring the tree-planting campaign. The bank’s involvement in the program is consistent with its dedication to environmentally responsible and sustainable operations, according to Abimbola Ozomah, Executive Director of Polaris Bank. Aiming to strengthen the NCF’s Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) initiatives, Senior Manager Adedayo Memudu of the NCF emphasised the importance of maintaining balance between human growth and the natural world.
There is a long history of environmental protection at UI.
Following the signing of a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) between UI, Polaris Bank, and NCF, the tour came to an end with a symbolic tree planting ceremony. Long-term effects on the local ecosystem and neighbouring communities are anticipated to be substantial from the University of Ibadan’s tree-planting program. The institution hopes to enhance air quality, preserve biodiversity, and sequester carbon by planting 1,000 trees. Due to trees’ ability to absorb carbon dioxide from the atmosphere, thousands of kilogrammes of carbon Emissions are thought to be offset each year.
Furthermore, increasing green spaces can lessen the effects of urban heat islands, which is particularly helpful given Nigeria’s rising temperatures. This helps moderate the local environment. In order to counteract the effects of Desertification in the area, tree roots will also help stabilise the soil, lowering the likelihood of Erosion and enhancing groundwater recharge. Excited comments regarding the program have been made by numerous students and faculty members. There is a long history of Environmental Protection at the University of Ibadan. In an effort to preserve campus green spaces, the institution started implementing tree-planting programs as early as the 1970s.
Over the years, UI has grown over 500 different kinds of plants and trees.
Also, the institution conducted research and advocated for Deforestation and biodiversity loss in the early 2000s in collaboration with the Nigerian Environmental Study Action Team (NEST). UI has grown more than 500 different kinds of plants and trees over the years, including its well-known Iroko tree population, which is meticulously maintained to protect the campus’s natural history. Through these initiatives, UI’s standing as a pioneer in environmentally friendly campus administration in Nigeria has been strengthened. In terms of environmental sustainability, Polaris Bank has a proven track record.
Reforestation projects in Northern Nigeria have been supported by the bank as part of its corporate social responsibility (CSR) pledges to battle desertification. In order to assist rehabilitate damaged land and increase food security, the bank teamed up with the local community in 2021 to plant 10,000 trees in drought-prone areas. Abimbola Ozomah, Executive Director of Polaris Bank, stated: “Planting trees is one way that we give back to the environment and communities that we serve. We believe in creating sustainable futures for everyone. Being a significant participant in the worldwide effort to restore land is our objective.”
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A similar driving factor behind environmental conservation in Nigeria has been the Nigerian Conservation Foundation (NCF). With the goal of protecting Nigeria’s threatened species, rehabilitating habitats, and encouraging community-led conservation initiatives, the NCF has undertaken a number of projects since its establishment in 1980. With the goal of restoring 25% of Nigeria’s degraded forests by 2045, the Green Recovery Nigeria Initiative is one noteworthy effort. NCF’s overarching objective of developing alliances that promote land and ecosystem restoration is in line with the cooperation with the University of Ibadan.