Akwa Ibom State University (AKSU) has embarked on a tree planting campaign for environmental sustainability, preservation and protection. The tree-planting ceremony took place Monday, July 29, 2024 at Obio Akpa Campus, Oruk Anam Local Government Area.

The Vice-Chancellor, Prof. Nse U. Essien, led other Principal Officers of the University to plant edible tree crops and flowers for esthetic appeal and beautification of the University Campus. Prof. Essien stated that the tree-planting exercise symbolised the University's commitment to conserving biodiversity, building a greener future and developing the community. The Vice -Chancellor emphasised that by planting trees, the University was creating habitats for various species, promoting ecological balance and ensuring that AKSU remains haven for diverse forms of life. He encouraged every member of the University Community to nurture and take pride in the growth of the trees knowing that each tree represents hope, growth and commitment to the future. He added that the exercise will subsequently be replicated in the Main Campus.

Leading the tree-planting exercise, the Head of Obio Akpa Campus, Prof. NkanIkpo I. Ibok, expressed gratitude to the Vice-Chancellor for approving the ceremony. He also acknowledged contributions of the Director, Center for Continuing Education, Prof. Franca Anijaobi-Idem towards the success of the ceremony. Prof. Ibok expressed hope that in the next five years, the economic trees will yield fruits enough for consumption and exportation. He further praised the success of the exercise as a legacy. 

Speaking during the occasion, the Chairman of the tree-planting exercise, Dr. Ekong Daniel, from the Department of Public Administration, lauded the Vice-Chancellor for his visionary leadership, stating that tree-planting project remains a crucial initiative that will help mitigate the effects of wind and extreme  weather conditions resulting from climate change. In order to mitigate against hazards and ensure survival of the trees and flowers, Dr. Ekong recommended that the University Management should assign relevant Departments to water the plants and monitor them to avoid disease, pests and soil nutrient deficiency; allow the ranch system instead of open grazing; restrict parking of vehicles and extra-curricular activities to only designated areas.

Goodwill messages were presented by Prof. Akaneren Essien, Department of Animal Science; Sub-Dean, Students' Affairs, Dr. Udoro Jacob and President, Students' Union, Comrade Etimbuk Daniel, represented by his Vice, Comrade Ntefon Ossom. They spoke on the importance and economic values of trees to the environment.

Highlight of the event was planting of different trees and flowers and their binomial and nomenclatures. The array of trees chosen for the exercise included: Bismark flower, Queen palms, Silver palms and Thuja Orientals also known as Christmas trees. The economic trees were: Bitter cola, Bush mango, kolanut, apple, Indian apple, local apple, star apple, coconut. The exercise was supervised by the Dean, Faculty of Agriculture, Prof. Edna Akpan, coordinated by Dr. Otobong Eshiet from the same Faculty and handled by the Students Industrial Work Experience Scheme (SIWES) 2024 batch. 

In a vote of thanks, the Registrar and Secretary to Council and Senate, Dr. Ebi G. Eno-Ibanga, FNIM expressed gratitude to God for using the Head of Obio Akpa Campus, Prof. Nkanikpo I. Ibok, Prof. Franca Anijaobi-Idem and the entire Management staff to make the ceremony a success. She thanked the students and the staff on the Junior Cadre for their enthusiasm, inputs, commitment and passion for sustainability and positive impact on the University Community, enjoining them to embrace unity of purpose in fostering a culture of stewardship in the University. 

Notable personalities who graced the occasion were: Deputy Vice-Chancellor, Administration, Prof. Ita Ewa-Oboho; Bursar, Dr. Jacob M. Eseneyen; University Librarian, Dr. Nse E. Akwang, represented by the Head of Obio Akpa Campus Library, Mrs. Iniobong Akai; Ag. Dean, Faculty of Arts, Dr. Iniobong Umotong; Ag. Dean, Faculty of Education, Dr. Iniobong F. Akpan; Directors; Professors; Heads of Departments; staff and students. Traditional rulers from host communities were: Clan Head, Obio Akpa Campus Clan, His Highness, Obong C. B. Essien; Chairman, Village Council, Afaha Obio Akpa and Chairman, Land Donor, Obio Akpa Campus, Elder Comrade Awo Moses; Adviser, Obio Akpa Campus, Deacon Nsima Sampson Idiong