The Centre for Information Technology and Development (CITAD) has trained teachers from selected secondary schools in Kano state on the promotion of indigenous tree planting as part of efforts to combat desertification, strengthen climate resilience and preserve biodiversity.

The one-day workshop, held at the organisation’s headquarters in Kano under the theme, “Greening Our Future: Indigenous Tree Planting for Climate Resilience and Biodiversity,” brought together teachers, environmental experts and representatives of relevant institutions to enhance environmental education and encourage sustainable tree conservation in schools.

Speaking at the event, CITAD’s Executive Director, Dr. Y. Z. Yau, described desertification as one of the country’s growing environmental threats, attributing it largely to the indiscriminate felling of trees without corresponding reforestation efforts. He warned that several indigenous tree species, including ɗinya (desert date) and danya, are facing the risk of extinction if urgent conservation measures are not taken.

Dr. Yau said the workshop forms part of CITAD’s broader initiative to restore indigenous tree species and promote environmental sustainability.

He disclosed that the organisation had reached an agreement with Kano State education authorities to distribute different species of tree seedlings to eight secondary schools, allowing each school to select tree varieties best suited to its environment. According to him, some schools deliberately opted against fruit-bearing trees to discourage trespassing by people seeking to harvest the fruits.

He urged participating teachers to establish environmental clubs in their schools to educate students on the importance of tree planting, conservation and proper care of seedlings. He said the clubs would equip students with practical environmental skills while nurturing a new generation of advocates committed to protecting the environment and collaborating with similar groups across communities.

Also speaking, Professor Ibrahim Lawan Abdullahi of the Faculty of Life Sciences, Bayero University, Kano, commended CITAD for organising the training, describing it as a timely intervention that complements ongoing efforts to promote environmental sustainability. He lamented the steady disappearance of many indigenous tree species due to years of indiscriminate logging and inadequate replacement through tree planting.

Professor Abdullahi expressed confidence that the knowledge acquired by the teachers would translate into greater environmental awareness among students and the wider community. He said the initiative would contribute significantly to reducing indiscriminate tree felling while fostering a culture of tree planting and biodiversity conservation.

Earlier, the programme coordinator, Sani Khamis, presented an overview of the workshop, outlining its objectives, expected outcomes and participants’ roles in promoting indigenous tree planting.

Participants also received an interactive presentation from Ummy H. U. Adams, who highlighted the importance of exhibitions and public engagement as effective tools for environmental awareness and community sensitisation.

The workshop attracted stakeholders and participants from various educational and environmental institutions across Kano State.