By Abbas Nazil
The Academic Staff Union of Universities (ASUU), Alex Ekwueme Federal University, Ndufu-Alike (AEFUNAI) branch in Ebonyi State, has launched a tree-planting campaign to combat climate change, tackle environmental degradation and promote a greener university environment.
The initiative, which began at the union’s branch secretariat, is part of efforts to implement a directive from ASUU’s National Executive Council (NEC) encouraging tree planting across Nigerian universities.
The branch chairperson, Comrade Louis Omenyi, said the campaign was designed to strengthen environmental sustainability within the university community while demonstrating the importance of taking practical action against climate change.
Speaking during the exercise, Omenyi explained that the union deliberately selected its secretariat, which is still under construction, as the starting point of the campaign, reflecting the principle that environmental responsibility should begin at home.
He said planting trees around the facility would help improve its surroundings and contribute to protecting the environment against the adverse effects of climate change.
Omenyi commended the national leadership of ASUU, led by Comrade Chris Piwuna, for introducing the tree-planting initiative across universities, describing it as an important step towards encouraging environmental protection and sustainability within academic institutions.
He noted that universities could play a significant role in addressing environmental challenges by adopting practical measures that promote greener campuses and encourage staff and students to become more environmentally conscious.
The Director of Climate Change at AEFUNAI and ASUU branch treasurer, Comrade Christiana Igberi, also praised the initiative and pledged her directorate’s support for efforts to maintain an environmentally friendly atmosphere around the union’s secretariat.
Igberi’s commitment is expected to strengthen collaboration between the union and the university’s climate change directorate in sustaining the campaign and encouraging environmental responsibility within the institution.
Similarly, Ifeanyi Chukwu, Director of the AEFUNAI Campus Green Initiative and Head of the Department of Architecture, commended the union for taking practical steps towards improving the campus environment.
Chukwu urged other campus-based unions to adopt similar initiatives, stressing the importance of collective participation in promoting environmental sustainability across university communities.
He also assured the ASUU branch of technical assistance from the Campus Green Initiative and the Department of Architecture to support efforts to maintain an environmentally friendly secretariat.
The highlight of the exercise was the planting of one tree each by the 10-member executive committee of the ASUU branch, marking the beginning of the union’s tree-planting campaign at the university.
Tree planting is widely recognised as an important environmental intervention because trees absorb carbon dioxide, provide shade, improve air quality and support biodiversity when appropriately selected and maintained.
At university campuses, well-planned tree planting can also help reduce heat, improve outdoor learning and recreational spaces, and create more comfortable surroundings for students and staff.
However, the long-term benefits of the AEFUNAI initiative will depend on the survival and growth of the planted trees, requiring regular watering, protection and maintenance.
The campaign highlights the role of academic institutions and staff unions in supporting climate action through practical environmental measures, while encouraging other universities to integrate tree planting and environmental awareness into their campus activities.
