World Environment Day Significant to Ahmadu Bello University – VC

From Femi Oyelola, Kaduna

The Vice-Chancellor of Ahmadu Bello University (ABU), Prof. Adamu Ahmed, described World Environment Day as highly important to the university, emphasizing the need to protect and restore the campus ecosystem for a sustainable future.

Prof. Ahmed spoke at the 2026 World Environment Day Symposium and Tree Planting, held on July 21, 2026, at the university. He was represented by the Deputy Vice-Chancellor of Administration, Prof. Bello Sabo

According to him, the theme of the symposium, Inspired by Nature: Restoring ABU’s Ecosystem for Resilience, Adoption, and Sustainable Microclimate,” was carefully selected due to its strategic significance to the university and its surrounding communities.

The Vice-Chancellor noted that ABU has been fortunate to have successive Vice-Chancellors who have maintained the beauty of the university’s environment over the years. He urged staff and students to continue the tradition of environmental stewardship.

Prof. Ahmed also thanked all guests for honoring the invitation and wished them safe journeys back to their respective destinations.

In his remarks, the Chairman of the occasion, *Prof. Aminu Ladan Sharehu*, who also chairs the Kaduna State Local Government Service Board, commended the university management for sustaining the annual observance. He called the event historic and appreciated the invitation to chair it.

Delivering the keynote address, the Chairman of the Nigerian Institution of Surveyors, NIS, Kaduna State Branch, Surv. Maikano Samson, warned that rapid urbanization poses serious environmental challenges.

He stated that approximately 68% of the world’s population will live in urban areas by 2050, with Africa expected to experience one of the fastest rates of urban growth.

“According to Samson, Nigeria is already undergoing this transformation, and cities such as Lagos, Abuja, Kano, and Port Harcourt continue to expand rapidly,” he said.

He explained that well-planned urbanization stimulates economic growth, promotes innovation, improves access to education and healthcare, and creates opportunities for better living standards.

However, he cautioned that when urban expansion occurs without proper planning, it exerts enormous pressure on land, infrastructure, and natural ecosystems.

The symposium included stakeholders from within and outside Kaduna State, including academics, environmentalists, and professional groups, who joined the university in celebrating the day with a tree-planting activity.