- By Sarah Olufemi
Efforts should be made by universities across the nation to imbibe the culture of tree planting in addition to effective pedagogical delivery, as this practice would enhance sustainability of the earth, Vice Chancellor of Lagos State University of Education (LASUED), Prof. Bidemi Bilkis Lafiaji-Okuneye has said.
She spoke at the weekend at the 2024 Lagos State Annual Tree Planting exercise which held on the school’s main campus in Oto/Ijanikin, Lagos.
The VC said the theme for this year’s exercise:”Nourish our future,” echoes the Lagos State Government’s profound desire to create a safe and environmentally sustainable state for generations yet unborn.
She said the institution imbibed the culture of planting trees 16 years ago when the programme was launched in the state, adding that the university’s greening project has the tremendous support of members of staff who have embraced the culture towards a sustainable environment.
“This inclusive greening initiative is gradually addressing the growing apprehension on climate change. Global warming has always a significant role in orchestrating climate change, impacting rainfall patterns worldwide. The shifting climate patterns can also disrupt the traditional seasonal rainfall cycles,leading to unpredictable weather conditions. This can have profound impacts on agriculture,water resources and overall ecosystem health as species struggle to adapt to rapidly changing environments.
Addressing the causes of global warming through annual tree planting by the Lagos State Government is crucial to combating these impacts and building resilience to a changing climate. This effort critical to securing a promising future for future generations,” she said.
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She emphasised the importance of trees to humans,noting that studies have shown that by spending quality time among trees and in green places, they reduce the amount of stress in people and significantly enhance quality of life.
“Trees provide oxygen and purify the air we breathe by removing harmful particles from the atmosphere. Aside the economic benefit of generating income from sale of fruits and woods,the value of our homes increases than similar ones with no landscaping,” the VC added.
Lafiaji-Okuneye urged everyone to plant a tree and nurture it to survival,adding that it would create a sustainable future for generations to come in the state.
Thereafter, top management officials of the university planted trees on campus.