..Ag. Vice Chancellor Urges Final Year Students

The Acting Vice Chancellor, Ibrahim Badamasi Babangida University, Lapai, Professor Hassan Ibrahim, has urged final year students of the Institution to become ambassadors of “green humanity.”

His remarks were delivered by the Deputy Vice Chancellor (Academic), Professor Muhammad Aliyu Bello, during a two days workshop on Climate Action on Tree Planting and Youth Engagement organised by Ibrahim badamasi babangida university lapai in collaboration with Unicef Green Rising Activation to promote climate action and green economy initiatives for final year students.

Professor Hassan encouraged the students to return to their communities and mobilize their people to plant trees.

Highlighting the economic and environmental benefits of tree planting, he said, “Planting trees is not just an environmental necessity but also a financial opportunity. Through carbon credits, you can earn money while contributing to a healthier planet.”

The Acting Vice Chancellor reaffirmed the University’s commitment to environmental sustainability, referring to IBBUL as a “Green University.”

He explained that the University was actively involved in promoting the planting and sustenance of tree crops, engaging in green economy projects, and creating employment opportunities. These initiatives aim to combat the effects of climate change, support agricultural development, and contribute to the attainment of UNICEF’s Green Goal of planting 1,000 trees by March 2025.

Professor Hassan praised the contributions of farmer Governor Umaru Mohammed Bago, who has been a leading advocate for climate action and green economy initiatives in Niger State.

He emphasized IBBUL’s collaboration with agricultural institutes and agencies to champion these efforts and its commitment to maintaining its position as a leader in climate action and green initiatives.

Concluding his remarks, Professor Hassan expressed confidence in the workshop’s success and reaffirmed IBBUL’s role as a trailblazer in driving climate action in Nigeria.

“Let us continue to lead by example and show that IBBUL is at the forefront of the green revolution,” he said.

In his presentation, Professor Lawal Alimi Folorunso, a distinguished academic in Agricultural Economics and Director of Centre for Applied Sciences and Technology Research (CASTER) in the University, gave an insightful on the topic “Green Economy and its Entrepreneurship for Self-Employment and Wealth Creation.”

Professor Musa Achimugu Dickson presented a paper on “Visual Storytelling for Climate Justice: Engaging Audience on Social Media to Protect Nature and Biodiversity.”

The Champion and Chief Executive Officer of Project 200 million trees in Nigeria, Dr. Ibrahim Dooba presented a paper on “How to Make millions of Naira from Tree Planting and Forests: Strategies and The Journey from Seedlings Raising, Nurturing and Carbon Crediting,” where he
urged the final year students to consider tree planting as a lucrative venture with environmental and financial benefits.

Dr. Dooba emphasized the potential of backyard farming and large-scale planting as sustainable sources of income. Using papaya (popularly called pawpaw) as an example, he provided a step-by-step guide to growing and managing the crop, from seed preparation to harvesting.

He explained how to identify male and female seedlings for optimal yield and highlighted the use of organic manure for sustainable farming practices.

According to Dr. Dooba, papaya plants start fruiting within four months and can generate significant income. He also suggested drying and selling papaya leaves locally and internationally, citing their medicinal value. Beyond papaya, he recommended other short-term crops like guava, pomegranate, and plantain, as well as long-term investments like Brazilian cashew, which yields high profits after three years.

Dr. Dooba also introduced the concept of carbon credits, explaining how individuals and organizations can earn revenue by planting trees that offset carbon emissions. He detailed how companies responsible for greenhouse gas emissions purchase these credits as part of their environmental responsibility.

He concluded by emphasizing the dual benefits of tree planting enhancing livelihoods and contributing to the fight against climate change.

In his Vote of thanks, the Registrar and Secretary of Council, Alhaji Idris Saleh Kusherki, who was represented by Dr. Mahmud Sheikh, express his heartfelt gratitude to everyone who has contributed to the success of the training programme.

He explained that the workshop has proven to be a valuable platform, enabling us to explore innovative ideas about the green economy.

He deeply appreciates the efforts of the Guest Speakers who have enriched the programme with their insightful presentations and expertise.

The workshop served as a platform to inspire students and stakeholders to take decisive action toward environmental conservation and sustainability, aligning with the University’s vision of fostering a green and prosperous future.