FUDMA’S ‘Flowers Paradise’, Milestone Achievement in Ecological Sustainability – Experts
By Yunusa Ya’u
Federal University Dutsin-Ma (FUDMA) is witnessing a green initiative, tagged “Flowers Paradise,” with experts from the institution’s Department of Forestry and Wildlife Management describing the project as a milestone achievement in campus beautification and ecological sustainability.
A comprehensive briefing at the University’s main campus, brought together environmental experts, university administrators and departmental staff to assess the progress of the ambitious greening programme and chart a sustainable path forward for the institution’s environmental development agenda.
Speaking at the event, the Head of the Department of Forestry and Wildlife Management, Muhammed Bukar Gomna, delivered an extensive presentation on the “multifaceted benefits of ornamental plants adorning the university landscape”.
According to the him, “these carefully selected species serve functions that extend far beyond their visual appeal, playing crucial roles in environmental conservation and public health.“Ornamental plants on our campus are not merely decorative elements; they represent a living laboratory for environmental sustainability”, Gomna stated.
“These plants are actively engaged in carbon sequestration, absorbing carbon dioxide from the atmosphere and releasing oxygen, thereby contributing significantly to air purification and the improvement of environmental quality across the university community”, he added.
Senior Environmental Health Superintended & General Supervisor, Usman Usman Umar.Ixora coccinea, with its “striking clusters of red, orange and yellow flowers”, has become a signature element of the university’s garden design. The plant’s “dense foliage and year-round flowering makes it an excellent choice for hedges, borders and accent plantings” that define the ‘ campus horticultural character.
The departmental head further explained that “the strategic placement of flowering plants and trees throughout the campus creates micro-climates that help regulate temperature, reduce noise pollution and provide natural habitats for beneficial insects and bird species”.
“This”, he noted, “promotes a healthy ecosystem and enhances the overall well-being of students, staff and visitors who interact with the green spaces daily”.
Gomna identified several major ornamental species that have been successfully cultivated across the university’s expansive grounds, each contributing uniquely to the campus’s aesthetic and environmental value.
He called for the expansion of tree and flower planting activities across all campuses of the university, emphasizing that “a green environment” reflects the institution’s culture of hospitality and academic excellence.
“We must view this initiative not as a one-time project, but as an enduring commitment to environmental stewardship”, he said.
The departmental head recommended “the establishment of a dedicated botanical garden that would serve both educational and recreational purposes, providing students with hands-on learning opportunities in horticulture, botany and environmental science”, while offering the university community a tranquil space for relaxation and reflection.
The Senior Environmental Health Superintendent and General Supervisor, Usman Umar, provided valuable insights into the operational aspects of maintaining the university’s growing floral landscape.
Umar expressed profound appreciation to the University management for its continuous commitment to staff welfare, environmental development and the improvement of learning conditions for students.
He noted that the management’s support has been instrumental in creating a conducive working environment that motivates staff to perform at their best.
However, the Supervisor highlighted significant operational constraints that hinder the department’s ability to maintain and expand the green initiative, and urged the University management to provide additional working tools and equipment, including watering hoses, irrigation pipes, trimming shears, cutlasses, hoes and other essential horticultural implements.
The “Flowers Paradise” initiative has significantly strengthened FUDMA’s reputation as a serene, environmentally friendly and aesthetically appealing institution dedicated to sustainable development and community well-being.
The project has become a source of pride for the university community and a talking point among visitors and prospective students who experience the campus’s welcoming and well-maintained environment.
The initiative aligns with broader national and global efforts to promote environmental sustainability, combat climate change and create green spaces that enhance quality of life.
