The University of Benin (UNIBEN) is taking a significant step in the fight against climate change with its plan to plant 10,000 trees across its campus and beyond. Professor Edoba Omoregie, the Vice-Chancellor, announced this initiative during a courtesy visit by the leadership of the Edo State Council of the Nigeria Union of Journalists (NUJ).
According to Omoregie, this tree-planting campaign is a key part of his five-point agenda aimed at transforming the university. “Since I came on board, I have been emphasizing that the University of Benin must move forward. And the reason for my appointment is to make that possible,” he stated.
He highlighted the university’s long-standing legacy, noting that it has thrived for 55 years, making it a pillar of stability in Edo State. As part of his strategic vision, he aims to enhance academic excellence, invest in capacity building, prioritize staff and student welfare, improve infrastructure, and promote an environmentally friendly campus.
“In that wise, we want to plant trees very soon. We are going to commence a campaign of planting 10,000 trees on this campus. And we will take it even further to the state generally, Benin City and so on,” he said, pointing out the noticeable lack of greenery in the city despite being located in a rainforest region.
Beyond aesthetics, he emphasized that the project serves a greater purpose—environmental conservation, public health benefits, and climate change mitigation. “The planting of trees is not just for fun. There are environmental conservation reasons behind that. It also has an impact on health, climate change remediation, and so forth,” he added.
Omoregie recalled that one of his first actions as Vice-Chancellor was to plant trees, a symbolic gesture reinforcing his commitment to sustainability. He assured the NUJ of the university’s willingness to collaborate in building a better and more vibrant society.
In response, NUJ Edo State Council Chairman, Festus Alenkhe, congratulated Omoregie on his appointment and praised his leadership in steering UNIBEN toward greater academic heights. He also assured the Vice-Chancellor of the Union’s full support in achieving his vision for the institution.
With this ambitious tree-planting campaign, UNIBEN is setting an example of environmental responsibility, proving that institutions of higher learning can lead the way in sustainability efforts.
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