The Kano State Government has launched an initiative to plant 800 tree seedlings at the Aminu Kano College of Islamic and Legal Studies, AKCILS, as part of efforts to promote environmental sustainability and strengthen climate resilience.
The exercise was flagged off under the “Make AKCILS Green” initiative, organised by the college’s Agricultural Science Department in collaboration with the Kano State Ministry of Water Resources, Environment and Climate Change.
The Commissioner for Water Resources, Environment and Climate Change, Dr Dahir M. Hashim, who formally flagged off the tree-planting exercise, said the initiative demonstrated the importance of translating environmental awareness into practical action.
Hashim urged other schools, tertiary institutions, government agencies, private organisations and individuals to adopt similar programmes and make environmental protection a permanent part of their activities.
He said tree planting was essential to creating greener communities, protecting the environment and building resilience against the effects of climate change.
“It is impressive to see an institution with the history and standing of AKCILS translate environmental awareness into concrete action,” the commissioner said.
According to him, environmental sustainability requires collective responsibility, stressing that government institutions alone could not address the challenges associated with environmental degradation and climate change.
Hashim said educational institutions had an important role to play in promoting environmental consciousness among young people because students could become ambassadors of environmental protection within their communities.
He urged the management and students of AKCILS to sustain the tree-planting initiative and ensure that the seedlings were properly nurtured to maturity.
“Together, we can make every campus greener and contribute to a healthier, more climate-resilient Kano State,” he added.
The commissioner also encouraged other institutions across the state to emulate AKCILS by establishing tree-planting programmes within their campuses and premises.
Speaking during the event, the Acting Provost of AKCILS, Dr Ali Tamasi Mu’az, commended the Kano State Government, under the leadership of Governor Abba Kabir Yusuf, for its environmental and climate change reforms.
Mu’az said the college was committed to supporting initiatives aimed at protecting the environment and promoting climate awareness among its students and staff.
The Acting Provost also presented requests to the Ministry of Water Resources, Environment and Climate Change seeking government intervention in some areas affecting the institution.
Hashim said the ministry had accepted the requests and commenced action towards addressing them.
He assured the college of continued collaboration with the ministry in implementing programmes capable of improving environmental conditions and promoting sustainable development.
The “Make AKCILS Green” initiative will see 800 tree seedlings planted within the college environment, increasing its vegetation cover and providing students with practical opportunities to participate in environmental conservation.
The initiative is also expected to strengthen environmental education among students, particularly those studying Agricultural Science, by allowing them to apply classroom knowledge to practical environmental management.
Beyond improving the appearance of the college, the tree-planting exercise is expected to contribute to reducing environmental degradation and creating a healthier learning environment for students and staff.
The programme comes amid growing concerns over the effects of climate change, deforestation, rising temperatures, soil degradation and other environmental challenges affecting communities across northern Nigeria.
Tree planting is widely regarded as one of the practical measures for improving green cover, reducing erosion, supporting biodiversity and strengthening communities’ resilience to climate-related challenges.
For educational institutions, environmental programmes can also provide students with practical knowledge about conservation while encouraging them to take greater responsibility for their surroundings.
West Trybe reports that the “Make AKCILS Green” initiative places environmental sustainability at the centre of campus development, with the planting of 800 trees expected to improve the college’s green cover while encouraging students and other institutions to embrace long-term environmental stewardship.
