FUNATO Expands Green Initiative As VC Leads Tree-Planting Campaign At Technology Campus

The Vice-Chancellor of the Federal University of Agriculture and Technology, Okeho (FUNATO), Professor Olaniyi Jacob Babayemi, has reaffirmed the institution’s commitment to environmental sustainability with the continuation of its Operation Plant a Tree campaign at the university’s Technology (TECH) Campus in Orita Area, Okeho.

The exercise, held on Thursday, featured the planting of Parkia biglobosa (African locust bean) tree seedlings as part of the university’s drive to promote a greener and healthier environment.

Represented by the Deputy Vice-Chancellor, Professor Lamidi Oladejo Ojedapo, the Vice-Chancellor urged members of the university community to sustain the momentum of the initiative, which was officially launched at the institution’s Main Campus on July 17 during a colourful ceremony attended by more than 500 registered participants.

Professor Babayemi highlighted the numerous environmental and socio-economic benefits of tree planting, including the creation of a healthier ecosystem, mitigation of global warming, improved air quality, preservation of valuable economic tree species, beautification of the environment, provision of shade, and reduction of greenhouse gas emissions.

He commended the College of Engineering and Technology (COLET) and the College of Environmental Design and Geospatial Technology (CEDGET), which make up the Technology Campus, for embracing the initiative and encouraged other colleges and members of the university community to emulate their commitment by planting more trees.

In his welcome address, the Dean of the College of Engineering and Technology, Professor Samson Olakunle Ojoawo, described the tree-planting initiative as a demonstration of the visionary leadership of the Vice-Chancellor and his management team.

He noted that introducing such an environmental programme at the early stage of the university’s development reflects a strong commitment to sustainable growth. According to him, the use of modern technology, including improvised natural manure, in nurturing the trees would further enhance the institution’s reputation and positively impact the surrounding community.

Also speaking, the Dean of the College of Environmental Design and Geospatial Technology, Professor Dorcas Oluwaseyi Adeoye, applauded the university management for prioritising environmental development programmes, describing tree planting as a key component of sustainable environmental management.

She appreciated the university officials and participants who supported the exercise, saying the initiative would contribute significantly to creating a more vibrant and eco-friendly campus.

Several university officials who attended the event also praised the management for institutionalising the tree-planting campaign. Among them were the Chairman of the Tree Planting Committee and Dean of the College of Plant Science and Crop Production, Professor Rasheed Olufemi Awodoyin, represented by the Head of the Department of Crop Science, Professor Samuel Adelani Babarinde; Dean of the College of Agricultural Development and Human Ecology, Professor Adegbenga Emmanuel Adekoya; Dean of Students’ Affairs, Professor Luqman Abiodun Akinbile; Farm Manager, Dr. (Mrs.) Olomola; Head of the Department of Forestry, Professor Adeduntan; Head of the Department of Electrical and Electronics Engineering, Dr. Elijah Olabode; Head of the Department of Biomedical Engineering, Professor Olusola Oke; and Head of the Department of Urban and Regional Planning, Dr. Raheem.

The event also attracted several academic and non-academic staff members of the university, underscoring the institution’s collective commitment to environmental conservation and sustainable development.