Prof. Abdullahi Ibrahim Lawal, a lecturer in the Department of Life Sciences, Bayero University Kano (BUK), has called for the planting of native trees to protect insects, birds and other wildlife and restore biodiversity.
Lawal made the call during the ongoing School Tree Planting Exercise organised by the Centre for Information Technology and Development (CITAD) at Mairo Tijjani Girls Science and Technical College, Kano.
He said insects played critical roles in ecosystems and served as an important food source for birds and other wildlife.
“There are many species of birds and insects living on trees, but due to human activities and indiscriminate felling of trees, many of them are no longer available in our communities.
“We need to restore our natural spaces and build conservation and environmental awareness into our development plans. We need to plant trees that form the foundational basis for life,” he said.
The lecturer stressed the need to prioritise indigenous tree species, saying they could create microclimates that reduced heat while providing benefits to humans, plants and wildlife.
He said tree planting should not be limited to planting any available species but should focus on appropriate native and historically significant trees found in local communities.
Lawal also urged Nigerians to embrace indigenous tree planting, noting that human activities had disrupted the natural balance of ecosystems.
The exercise was also conducted at Mukhtar Adnan Day Science College, Kano.
CITAD said the initiative was aimed at expanding tree planting to public secondary schools across the state, while promoting the conservation of indigenous trees and restoration of local biodiversity.
The initiative also seeks to empower students to become environmental champions and advocates for the protection of native tree species and a greener, healthier and more sustainable environment.
Speaking on the exercise, Aisha Rabilu Ishaq, Vice Principal (Academics), who represented the School Director of Mairo Tijjani Girls Science and Technical College, commended CITAD for the initiative.
She said the exercise would help students develop a better understanding of environmental conservation and encourage them to take active roles in protecting their surroundings.
“This initiative will expose our students to the importance of trees, environmental protection and biodiversity conservation.
“We appreciate CITAD for bringing this programme to our school because it will encourage the students to develop a culture of tree planting and environmental responsibility,” she said.
Ishaq urged the students to nurture the planted trees and ensure their survival, saying the benefits of the exercise would extend beyond the school environment.