Yobe varsity to make tree planting graduation requirement
August 13, 2026 9:44 pm
Yobe State University entrance gate
Yobe State University is set to make tree planting and sustained environmental stewardship a requirement for students before graduation as part of efforts to promote environmental sustainability across the institution.
The Vice-Chancellor, Prof. Muhammad Bashir Tahir, disclosed this on Thursday while flagging off the 2026 Tree Planting Initiative organised by the Department of Forestry and Wildlife Management, Faculty of Agriculture, under the theme, “Greening Our Faculty for a Sustainable Future.”
Tahir said under the proposed policy, every student would be expected to plant and nurture at least one tree from the time of admission until graduation.
He said students might be required to provide evidence of the tree they planted and sustained before being cleared to receive their certificates.
“Every student will be expected to plant and nurture at least one tree from the time of admission until graduation,” he said.
“They may be required to show evidence of the tree they planted and sustained before they are cleared to receive their certificates.”
The Vice-Chancellor described tree planting as important to humans, animals and the environment, saying trees help prevent erosion and flooding by absorbing large quantities of water.
He said trees also provide shade, fruits and a green environment conducive to learning, while serving as natural laboratories for students of biology, forestry, geography and other 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,” Tahir said.
He 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.
Tahir also promised that the university would introduce awards for the best-performing faculties and departments and ensure the sustainability of the programme.
Earlier, the Dean of the Faculty of Agriculture commended the student initiators, Mohammed Mallam Mohammed and Hauwa Ahmed Damagum, both 300-level students of the Department of Forestry and Wildlife Management, for championing the initiative.
He also appreciated the Programme Manager of the North East Arid Zone Development Programme, Dr Mulima Idi Mato, for donating nursery equipment and planting materials, as well as the Managing Director and Chief Executive Officer of Green City Garden, Ahmad Abba Disa, for supporting the programme.
In her vote of thanks, the Head of the Department of Forestry and Wildlife Management expressed appreciation to the Vice-Chancellor and the university management for their support, describing the initiative as a demonstration of YSU’s commitment to sustainability and environmental stewardship.
The ceremony culminated in the Vice-Chancellor planting the first tree, officially launching the 2026 tree-planting initiative.
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