IBB University Campus Greening Project: A Model for African Greening Environmentalists

By

D. O. Balogu*, M. Yakubu, E. Gbodi, R., L. Nginga, A. Mishra, U. U. Elele, J. Babangida,N. Kumar, I. K. Musa, M. N. Maiturare, and I. A. Kolo**.

Ibrahim Badamasi Babangida University, Lapai, Niger State, NIERIA.*Contact for Corresponding Author: dbalogu7@yahoo.com; **Vice Chancellor

A UNIVERSITY GREENING ENVIRONMENT PROJECT:IBRAHIM BADAMASI BABANGIDA UNIVERSTIY, LAPAI, NIGER STATE, NIGERIA

Submitted to European Organisation for Sustainable Development Education Event, Karlsruhe, Germany

November 6-8, 2013

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IBB University Campus Greening Project: A Model for African Greening Environmentalists

D. O. Balogu*, M. Yakubu, E. Gbodi, R. L. Nginga, A. Mishra, U. U. Elele, J. Babangida,I. K. Musa, M. N. Maiturare, and I. A. Kolo**,

Ibrahim Badamasi Babangida University, Lapai, Niger State, NIERIA.*Contact for Corresponding Author: dbalogu7@yahoo.com; **Vice Chancellor

ABSTRACT

The Greening Environment Project of IBB University, Lapai, Niger State, Nigeria is designed to maximize carbon sequestration, campus beautification, and training through greening laboratories to inculcate in students the essence of greening environment and sustainable development. The University is located in a vast land area of approximately six square miles (15.544 sq km) that includes both forest land and old cashew plantation. The university policy and objectives include ensuring that standing trees should not be cut-down. Old tree are pruned and given chance to flourish on campus. So the campus outdoor greening activities include (1) the planting for assorted trees and flowering plants, (2) pruning and conservation of existing trees, and (3) ensuring that all non-tarred, non-asphalt-laden or gravel-covered roads, side-walks, and parts are covered with green cover-plants. There are challenges and opportunities for the University to excel in the greening environment project. Its strength lies with a determined administration which works to achieve campus greening environment to the extent allowed by its available resources. But the rate of achievement could be slowed by paucity of funds. Alternatively, efforts are contemplated in canvassing for in-kind contributions from interested individuals. Increasing the awareness of the indigenous communities of the relationship between climate change phenomenon and green environment would be helpful. The result of IBBUL’s initiated research on Climate Change has created partial awareness of the impact of climate change for the indigenous communities. The degree of awareness could widen by activities through collaboration with international organizations. The general threat to greening efforts which may delay targeted results in some parts of Africa is poverty. In some African communities, more than 75% of their poor inhabitants use wood-burning as cooking fuel. Towards this end IBBUL’s project intervention includes increasing opportunity for the use non-fossil fuel sources through either the development or acquisition of appropriate technologies. Areas of interest which could be generalized for the rest of Africa include the use of solar energy, Biofuel, and hydro-electricity. Niger State for example, has abundant water resources for building small-scale dams for the generation of hydro-electricity, almost year-round sunshine as source of solar energy, and accumulation of large agricultural by-products in some communities for Biofuel synthesis. This paper discusses IBB University’ greening policy, implementation method, funding, challenges and sustainability as a model that is worthy of emulation by other African Green Environmentalists.

Keywords: Lapai, Nigeria, carbon sequestration, campus beautification, greening laboratories, Africa, Climate Change, wood-burning, Biofuel, non-fossil fuel,

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1.0 Introduction

1.1 Background:

Ibrahim Badamasi Babangida University, Lapai, (IBBUL), Niger State, Nigeria was established in 2004 to broaden opportunities for university education for deserving students of Niger State and indeed all Nigerians. With dynamic, innovative and efficient leadership, IBBUL aspires to become one of the first three best Nigerian Universities with the next decade. The University has a current five-year strategic development plan which aims at creating a World-class Citadel of Excellence in education in Africa through the pursuit of quality research, teaching, community service and development innovations. This mission is driven by the use of resource from people, partnership, and application of science and technology. The institution has envisaged that its science and technology programmes should be pivoted on the establishment of a University Central Laboratory (UCL) which would consolidate its infrastructural and human resources towards the attainment of its research and teaching objectives. IBBUL is working to partner with European Organisation for Sustainable Development* (EOSD) (which comprises of the former ETECH Germany) in the establishment of its UCL, especially in sourcing laboratory equipments, training, and collaboration in carrying-out some of the research proposals. EOSD initiatives, usually includes targeting Universities for environmental sustainability in all aspects of University life. Therefore, the EOSD laboratory initiative would enable educational institutions to integrate environmental and energy science education by providing action oriented, experiential, contextual and practical learning infrastructure (laboratory). The possession of such a laboratory by educational institutions would enable such institutions take leading roles in ensuring balance between man and nature. It is also a demonstration that the educational institutions are active participants on topical issues related to climate change and environmental. IBBUL has a holistic approach towards the establishment of the University Central Laboratory with the installation of high-tech laboratory instruments and equipments to enable IBBUL conduct research and teach courses in Food Science and Technology, Biotechnology, Energy Sciences and Technology, Food Security/Agriculture, Geology and Mining, Environmental Sciences, Information and Communication Technology (ICT). Through the offering of such degree programmes and research activities, IBBUL would have taken the lead in the implementation of educational policies which support sustainable development in Nigeria. Hence, Education for Sustainable Development programme would form one of the priority projects for which IBBUL will seek collaboration with European Organisation for Sustainable Development through its association with the former ETECH Germany.

* IBB University made contacts with ETECH Germany before it merged with EOSD.

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Figure 1: IBB University Main Gate along Minna Road, Lapai, Niger State, Nigeria.

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Figure 2: Main Gate to the Temporary Administrative that is Housing the Office of The Vice Chancellor

1.2 Description:The earth environment has maintained ecological balance for millions of years without deterioration. Recent human aggressive search for fossil fuel, development of carbon and soot-emitting industries, deforestation which if forced by population explosion has created imbalance with profound environmental changes. These environmental changes has resulted in negative environmental challenges and threats that are manifested by soil erosion, loss of cropland, pollution, increased desertification, deforestation and disruption of biological diversity, and ecological balance. Recurrent incidence of drought, famine, floods and rapid vegetation modification are good examples of these challenges and threats. Of all human activities affecting the environment, deforestation is one factor that is paramount in causing most of earth’s ecological imbalances that are associated to the loss of millions of hectares of forests vegetation. Understanding the degree to which trees and other plants help maintain life on our planet is critical to our survival. Without plants (trees), human life would be unsustainable. Plants provide food for several bio-members in the food-chain, oxygen and help maintain the integrity of the soil. Trees and other plants provide a wide range of products and life-supporting services (carbon sequestration, erosion control, improved soil fertility, shade and beautification). With the loss of forest vegetation and green cover of the land, more and more species of flora and fauna are becoming extinct. With the continuous human pressure for rapid economic development, industrialization, automotive carbon and soot emissions, and population explosion have led to

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considerable rise in urban pollution affecting air, water, land, and the ozone layer that project all living things from ultra-violet radiation. The resulting consequences include global warming with its associated severe consequences if not arrested. Greening of the environment would help to sequester the unsequestered tons of carbon emitted into the atmosphere. The campuses of Ibrahim Badamasi Babangida University, Lapai (IBBUL) are currently made up of the Main Campus (figures 1 and 2 show important gates on the Main Campus) and Kobo Campus (both are located in the city of Lapai, Niger State) are large and extensive.

Lapai, a city in Niger State which is located in the North–Central region of Nigeria has typical Guinea savannah vegetation. Annual rainfall is between 300–1,200 mm per annum, with distinct wet and dry seasons. The IBBUL Greening Environment/Beautification Project is the institution’s contribution toward the reduction of carbon emission, sequestration of emitted carbon, reduction of pollution with the direct rewards of maintaining less polluted, clean and beautiful environment as well as safer and healthier earth. A lot of human and financial resources need to be committed to achieve greening and beautification of Ibrahim Badamasi Babangida University, Lapai (figure 3) for which all of us would be pleased.

Figure 3: Tree Canopies along Campus Side-Walks: Concrete slab/graved walk ways are planned for students convenience.

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1.3 Specific measures

Specific measures some of which are ongoing include the following:

OPERATIONAL (TECHNICAL) RESPONSIBILITIES: i. Planting of trees and hedges within and around the campus buildings and roads which help

in sequestration of emitted carbon, provide shade for the sun and improve the beauty of the campuses.

ii. Construction and creation of sidewalks, walkways and bicycle paths parallel to the roads.iii. Major greening rehabilitation and maintenance of the IBB University Main Gate.iv. Construction and creation of vehicles parking lots outside the faculty buildings and the

administrative blocks (Faculty of Natural Sciences and Faculty of Management and Social Sciences quadrangles/heptagons).

v. Designing and Construction Walk paths and planting of ornamental plants within Faculty Quadrangles/heptagons (Faculty of Natural Sciences and Faculty of Management and Social Sciences).

vi. Construction of bore holes to supply water for human use, aquaculture, watering of ornamental plants.

vii. Prohibition of hunting, felling of trees (including dead trees), bush-burning, on-campus grazing of cattle, sheep and goats. The grazing of IBBUL cattle, sheep and goats should be limited to pasture designated areas. Faculty of Agriculture can develop enough and rich pastures and harvest hay and fodder for the IBBUL Livestock.

viii. Inclusion of academic courses relating to conservation, greening, landscaping and environmental beautification in University curriculum. Such courses include Forest Resources, Horticulture, Plant Disease and Pest Management; Environmental Impact Assessment, Landscaping and Rangeland Management.

ix. Conducting researches in Environmental Sciences that lower atmospheric pollution. x. Establishment of Horticultural gardens for the production of ornamental crops, food fruits

and vegetable, and Apiary (bee farming) which helps to conserve bees needed in plant pollination, stabilization of the ecosystems, and production of honey for human consumption.

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Figure 4: Mango – a tropical Fruit Tree, planted on IBB University Campus. Several tropical trees are planned, planned to be planted or adopted on campus.

2.0 Purpose and specific objectives

The goal of the initiative is to restore nature’s equilibrium – sustain green, beautify, clean and pollution-free environment at Ibrahim Badamasi Babangida University, Lapai Niger State campuses for sustainable development. Hence, the major objectives are to:

Provide good and beautiful landscape for reforestation, planting of ornamental plants and provide beautiful shades and walkway on campus.

Provide safety from physical and chemical harm to students, staff and visitors.

Improvement and sustainability of pollution-free environment;

Stimulate and sharpen environmental awareness of students, staff and visitors of IBBUL;

Stimulate research on matters relating to environmental protection;

Encourage the spirit of teamwork and cooperation towards environmental sustainability; and

Improve on the general outlook of the University (figures 4 and 5).

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Figure 5: IBB University Sign Board situated on the Main Campus Gate. Notice that the fence is serrated with projections of young Masquerade Trees while pruned-adopted indigenous trees form silhouette further behind the fence.

3.0 Expected Results i) Landscaping and beautification of the campuses; trees used in Landscaping Project in IBBUL

should include:a) Royal Palm b) Golden Palm c) Queen Palm d) Masquerade Tree e) Umbrella Tree f) Thuja and g) Whistling Pine h) Melinai) Economic Trees e.g. Mangoes, Guava, Cashew Trees, and local Exotic Trees

ii) Hedge Plant Used in Landscaping Project in IBBUL should include:a) Yellow Bush b) Double Ixora c) Single Ixora

iii) Yellow Ficus Campus Perimeter Trees; The boundary or borderline of the IBBUL campuses

should be demarcated with Cassia trees or other exotic trees, and equally spaced apart.

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iv) Plantation Scheme; a) For the Teak trees: b) For the Citrus trees: c) For Mango trees: d) For the Jatropha:

v) Bore holes, ponds - fish culturing: Rainwater harvesting and bore-hole water can be used in developing fish ponds in IBBUL.

Figure 6: Pruned Old Cashew Tree Orchard with Livestock Pasture below the trees.

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Figure 7: Part of the Cashew Tree Orchard being used as Grazing Ground for Cattle and Sheep- an innovative method of using land in a sustainable manner.

4.0 Innovative aspects Apiary Project Honey production in Nigeria, in most cases, has been through harvesting of honey

from wild beehives which is prevalent in most parts of Nigeria leading to the destruction of the ecosystem. IBBUL Apiary Project can be developed for both honey and pollination of plants.

Plantation Scheme: Plantation schemes, for income generation and research especially Jatropha, for Biofuel.

5.0 Environmental AwarenessAny improvements through greening and beautification of IBBUL would obviously heighten students’ awareness of the environmental issues surrounding the University community. Any discussion of ways of continuous improvement of the environment would create a sense of responsibility in students and a desire to preserve the environment.

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Figure 8: Mango Tree Orchard shared with Termite Ant Hills.

6.0 Campus Greening and Beautification Prioritization

Phase 1: Planned Planting of Trees on Campus: Planting of Trees in a way that beautifies the

Campus, provides shade in walk-ways is a priority because it could be accomplished with less funding and in-kind contribution of efforts by both staff and students.

Beautification of the main University Gate: Planting of hedges along the Main Gate and Renovation of the Gates and the Office Space for the Gate’s Security Post.

Beautification of the Round-About road junction leading from the Main University Gate (that is the Round-About road that circles the Senate Building which is under construction). The Senate Building and Round-About encircling it appear to be abandoned. Planting of trees and hedges will help beautify the area.

Construction of walk-ways (sidewalk ways) from the main gate leading to faculty buildings and student accommodation. These are walk-ways that most students use daily. Providing shades from trees would help to reduce stress on students who walk to and from the dormitories, lecture rooms and off-campus housing.

Beautification/construction of some selected “walk-ways” created by students around campus. These walk-ways that students use as short-cuts to go between faculty buildings, offices, library and dormitories.

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Phase 2: Beautification/construction of walk-ways along University roads. IBBUL has long

road network which should be provided with shaded sidewalks for the comfort of students. Example will be sports and game fields. The roads need to be planted with shade-providing trees.

Beautification /construction of walk-ways linking Faculty Buildings. Construction of Cyclic walk-ways within (and around Faculty Lecture Auditoriums)

Faculty Quadrangles with connection parts to major Buildings. Construction of vehicle parking trails behind and in front of Departments and

Faculty Buildings.

Figure 9: Department of Physics, over viewing the Applied and Natural Sciences Quadrangle

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Figure 10: Inside the Faculty Quadrangle Housing Faculties of Natural Sciences, Agriculture, Languages & Communication Studies, and the Department of Food Science and Technology. A Ring-Road is being constructed around a Faculty Lecture Theatre (under construction). The open space in between the Faculties and the Theatre will be covered with grasses and ornamental shrubs.

Table 1: Budget Requirement For The Purchase Of Trees: The University estimated the number of each kind of trees and cost of purchasing them to be planted in order to achieve its dual purpose of both greening/sustainable environment and campus beautification-P

S/N

Trees for Landscaping/ beautification of campuses

Part of Campus Covered

Total Distance (Meters)

Location Distances between plants

Total No. Plants

Cost

(Naira)

1a.

Royal Palm (RP), Hedge Plants such as

Minna Road to University’s

90 m Median of the Road

1m apart RP=30, 75,000.00

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Yellow Bush (YB), Double Ixora (DI)

Main GatesYB=30,

DI=30

1,500.00

9,000.001b.

Royal Palm (RP), Hedge Plants such as Yellow Bush (YB), Double Ixora (DI)

Minna Road to University’s Main Gates

90 m Sides of the Road

1m apart RP=30, YB=30, DI=30

75,000.00

1,500.00

9,000.00

2. Royal Palm (RP), Hedge Plants such as Yellow Bush (YB), Double Ixora (DI)

Main Gate to Roundabout(Uncompleted Senate building)

100 m Median of the Road

1m apart RP=20, YB=40, DI=40

50,000.00

12,000.00

12,000.00

3. Masquerade Tree (MT)

Main Gate to Roundabout(Uncompleted Senate building)

100 m Sides of the Road

1m apart MT=100 20,000.00

4. University Gate and Security Post

Complete redesign/ replacement gate

- Two gates - - To be determined by the PPDM.*

5. Masquerade Tree (MT)

Around the Roundabout(Senate building)

600 m Sides of the roundabout

1m apart MT=600 120,000.00

6. Hedge Plants of types; Yellow Bush (YB), Double Ixora (DI), Single Ixora (SI) and Yellow Ficus (YF)

In front and around the University Library

150 m University Library

0.25m apart YB=200,

DI=150,

SI=150,

YF=100

10,000.00

45,000.00

37,500.0030,000.00

7. Hedge Plants, of types: Yellow Bush (YB), Double Ixora (DI), Single Ixora (SI) and

Around the University Cafeteria

200 m University Cafeteria

0.25m apart YB=200,

DI=200,

SI=200,

YF=200

10,000.00

60,000.0050,000.00

60,000.00

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Yellow Ficus (YF)

8. Whistling Pine (WP) tree, Royal Palm (RP), Golden Palm (GP), Queen Palm (GP), Masquerade Tree (MT), Umbrella Tree (UT)

In front of University Cafeteria i.e the Free Space

100 m Planted following the Car Park Design

1m apart for Palms

interchange with Hedge Plants 0.25m

WP=50, RP=50, GP=50, GP=50, MT=50, UT=50YB=100, DI=100, SI=100, YF=100

50,000.00125,000.00 30,000.00 30,000.00 10,000.00 12,500.00 5,000.00 30,000.00 25,000.00 5,000.00

9. Trees for shades around the pedestrians walkway

Following the Map Attached (KBICD)

2900 m Physics Building round to the front of Library

10 m apart 290 trees-

SAT 290 87,000.00

10.

Trees for shades around the pedestrians walkway

Following the Map Attached (IEFC)

(2300x2) m

Covering the sport complex

10 m apart 460 trees-

UCT 115,000.00

11.

Trees to provide shades around the pedestrians’ walkways

Following the Map Attached (BGH)

(900x2) m

Transformer Post to the second University Gate

10 m apart 180 trees-

SAT 54,000.00

12.

Trees to provide shades around the pedestrians’ walkways

Following the Map Attached (ILMNOPG)

(2300x2) m

Around the University Staff Quarters

10 m apart 460 trees-

MLT 115,000.00

13.

Pedestrian Walk-Way

Following the Map Attached (KBICD)

2900 m Physics Building round to the front of Library

1x1 m2 (sq meter)

-290 Trees-

SAT 87,000.00

14.

Pedestrian Walk-Way

Following the Map Attached (IEFC)

(2300x2) m

Covering the sport complex

1x1 m2 (sq meter)

-460 Trees

UCT138,000.00

15.

Pedestrian Walk-Way

Following the Map

(900x2) m

Transformer Post to the

1x1 m2 (sq meter)

-180

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Attached (BGH)

second University Gate

Trees

SAT

54,000.00

TOTAL 1,659,000.00

Table 2: BUDGET SUMMARY:

S/No. Tree Abbreviations Name of Tree/Plant Price (Naira)1. RP Royal Palm 325,000.002. YB Yellow Bush 40,000.003. DI Double Ixora 165,000.004. MT Masquerade Tree 150,000.005. SI Single Ixora 112,000.006. YF Yellow Ficus 95,000.007. WP Whistling Pine 50,000.008. GP Golden Palm 60,000.009. UT Umbrella Tree 12,000.0010. UCT Eucalyptus Tree 253,000.0011. SAT Satellite Tree 282,000.0012. MLT Gmelina (Melina) Tree 115,000.0013. TOTAL 1,659,000.0014. Miscellaneous or

Indirect cost (10%)VAT (Value Added Tax) 165, 900.00

15. GRAND TOTAL N1,824,900.0016. ADDITIONAL

COSTCONSTRUCTION/REMODELING OF THE UNIVERSITY GATES

TO BE DETERMINED BY PPDM*

*Department of Physical Planning, Development and Management, IBB University, Lapai.

7.0 Environmental Care – Preventing Plant Diseases and Pests:At the inception of the work of the Sub-Committee on IBB University Greening Environment, Members toured the main Campus areas and gained beneficial knowledge in making recommendations on Campus Greening/Beautification Project. Preventive disease and paste control methods are recommended to ensure that healthy and green plants are found on campus. Below are figures 11, 12, and 13 show plants and environment care and physical enhancement.

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Figure 11: Pest destroying beautiful plants in physics quadrangles: Greening and environmental beauty go together. The plants should be maintained, pests and disease-free.

Figure 12: Termite attaching and destroying a tree in Physics Quadrangle: Pest management is a part of recommended plants’ care. Pest resistant strains are highly recommended for new plants on campus.

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Figure 13: Roundabouts road on campus ear-marked for completion as designed or modified. Greening and flowering plant species would be planted to enhance beauty and cover the ground.

8.0 Priority Projects at IBBUL that may involve partnership with European Organisation for sustainable development (formerly ETECH, Germany).

a. Specific Objectives for European Organisation for Sustainable Development’s (formerly ETECH, Germany) participation in collaborative effort with IBBUL:

Provision of laboratory infrastructure (hardware, teaching aids and technical support) to educational institutions for research activities in areas related to environmental sustainability, environmental management and establishing balance between nature and environment

European Organisation for Sustainable Development (EOSD) or ETECH Germany works to improve students’ learning and general academic performance in entire program of study, improve development of critical thinking and problem solving skills, provide fundamental resource for teaching and learning basic sciences and finally, improve career opportunities for students. The potential areas of synergy include:

Solar, thermal and wind energy laboratory Greenhouse effect laboratory Water recycling laboratory Green energy laboratory Fuel cell and energy efficiency laboratory

b. IBBUL Specific Project Objectives:

The overarching-goal of IBBUL would include providing Education for Sustainable Development (ESD) that would support sound environmental and ecological management, national and international economic and social development. These areas are also where IBBUL would establish priority for collaborative efforts:

Completion of the Ongoing IBB University Central Laboratory Project: The institution has envisaged that its applied sciences and technology programmes should be pivoted on the establishment of a University Central Laboratory (UCL) which would consolidate its infra-structural

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and human resources towards the attainment of its research and teaching objectives. IBBUL has a holistic approach towards the establishment of the University Central Laboratory which will be installed with high-tech laboratory instruments and equipments to enable IBBUL conduct research and teach courses in Food Science and Technology, Biotechnology, Energy Sciences and Technology, Food Security/ Agriculture, Geology and Mining, and Environmental Sciences, and ICT.

Tree Planting Initiative for IBB University Greening and Environmental Beautification Project: The tree-planting initiative is a component of the larger IBB University Greening and Beautification Scheme. Tree planting would be designed to provide beauty, shade on sidewalks and trails used by students and staff. The trees would also sequester carbon emission into the atmosphere. Hence, IBBUL would conduct a careful selection of tree species to elicit the desired result. The tree-planting scheme will be associated with training programmes that provide awareness and educate the university community and its environs about the importance of trees in the sequestration of atmospheric carbon and environmental health.

Completion of the Climate Change Research Project in the Niger State Area of Nigeria, West Africa. Reponses to climate change warrants ascertaining how climate change is affecting indigenous people’s way of life in Niger State and how they are responding to the climate change. Through this research, information on indigenous methods of either coping or reducing the impact of climate change could have additive effect to the current universal methods of coping with the effects of climate change. Already, IBBUL has completed a pilot study within communities in four different local government areas of Niger State. General observations made suggest apparent awareness of changes in climate by indigenous people although its impact differed from one local government area to another. Further trials and studies are necessary.

Conducting trials and Completion of the Biofuel Institutional Research Experiment at IBBUL: The objectives focus on qualitative and quantitative estimation of available fermentable organic matter (farm/crop by-products), in Niger State and determination of their potentials in Biofuel (bio-gas) production. The estimation of relative biogas produced from selected organic products will allow for concentration of Biofuel production using most quantitative and fermentable farm/crop by-products. The quantitative outputs of Biofuel from various crop by-products will enable the researchers suggest areas of Niger State that are best suited for the introduction of Biofuel technology. Through the construction and operation of the experimental prototype biodigesters, there will be better understanding of the biodigesters and biogas storage systems that are suit the Niger State local environment.

Integrating the Education for Sustainable Development themes in all University undergraduate and post-graduate academic subjects and curricula; Integrating the guiding principles of sustainable development should be holistic in approach being extended to the Universities research, extension, public service and specific projects. As a place of learning, IBBUL should collaborate and cooperate with willing national and international communities and partners in achieving its Education for Sustainable Development objectives as well as its Campus Greening Project. c. Other Potential Areas of Synergy between IBBUL and EOSD (ETECH) Germany which

would be subject to availability of Funds or enablers: Advocating and promoting the use of solar powered energy at IBBUL and adjoining communities (for

street lights, roundabouts, student and staff residence) which would minimise green house emission as a result of the use of diesel/petrol powered generating sets around the campus.

Sourcing and provision of laboratory equipment/infrastructure and conducting staff workshops/training (especially for Food Science & Technology; Biotechnology; Energy Sciences and Technology; Geology and Mining; and Applied Biochemistry).

Waste water recycling and Rain-water harvesting at IBBUL campus

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Reduction in the use of paper, deforestation and burning and planting of trees thereby minimizing operational emission.

Green energy projects (e.g. fuel cell and efficient energy generation) so as to reduce operational emissions.

Establishment of Biofuel plant.

d. IBBUL Projects priority:

The most important priority projects of IBBUL are items 1, 2, 3, and 4 listed below. The other items 5, 6, 7, 8 and 9 are of interest to IBBUL but the initiation of the projects would depend on the availability of funds.

Table 2: IBBUL’s Projects Itemized by Level of Priority.

S/No

Project Feasibility

1. Development and implementation of Education for Sustainable Development (ESD)

There is national and global interest in providing education for sustainable development to new graduates who will fill the man-power needs of the future. IBBUL’s administration strongly supports and understands the need for implementing ESD.

2. Establishment/Equipping IBB University Central Laboratory (UCL)

This is IBBUL’s Strategic Plan Priority The UCL’s building is almost completed Research and Teaching Programmes that will use UCL

are available.3. Biofuel

Technology/Alternative Energy

IBBUL has approved a Biofuel proposal Niger State has enormous crop by-products for bio-gas

production. Research in Alternative Energy sources are encouraged

Nigeria’s Federal Government agencies.

4. IBB University Greening and Beautification Project(Tree Planting Scheme)

Greening and Beautification of campus is ongoing Administration considers it a priority in creating

conducive and healthy environment for education Need to reduce emissions and pollutes.

5. Climate Change Project It is ongoing research. IBBUL funded a pilot study that was conducted in Niger State, Nigeria. Its objectives included identifying factors that influence climate change.

6. #Solar energy Availability of sunshine year –round Similar project is in progress in Minna City, Niger State. It is potentially a short-term project (i.e. inception to

implementation). It requires less infrastructure for generation and

transmission Availability of consumers within and outside IBBUL

campus Highly feasible

7. #Rain-Water harvesting and waste-water recycling

Availability of at least six months of rainfall per year. Availability of consumers within and outside IBBUL

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campuses Improves water supply Important in IBBUL beautification project &

horticultural crop production (irrigation and watering of plants).

8. #Reduction in the use of paper and forest burning: Reforestation

Paper usage and forest burning presently a topical environmental issue

Requires less physical infrastructure to implement Cheaper to implement in the short and long term. May require government intervention. Important in IBBUL beautification project Highly feasible in the short and long term

9. #Fuel cell and energy efficiency

Readily available sources of micro-energy generation Availability of basic resources within Niger State Availability of consumers within and outside IBBUL

campuses May require more physical infrastructure for generation

and transmission# Other potential projects that are of interest. Initiation will depend on availability of funds.

9.0 IBB University’s expected outcomes include but are not limited to the following:

IBBUL would implement effective Education for Sustainable Development (ESD) theme within its academic curricula and programme delivery as well as initiate strategic Campus Greening Project.

will produce graduates that will be in high demand because of their training in sustainability and laboratory skills. The initiative can provide students knowledge-based background for future professional growth.

IBBUL will have world-class laboratory infrastructure and expertise for teaching, research and development that can potentially attract additional funding to the University through short-term training sessions, seminars and workshops. In addition, being a state-owned public University, IBBUL’s activities can stimulate the evolution of state policies which are related to environmental sustainability and carbon sequestration. Furthermore, laboratory facilitation can be used to train research staff from IBBUL and other educational institutions.

Improved research infrastructure and laboratory equipments would stimulate interests in rapid development of Post-Graduate Programmes from the Faculties that conduct applied sciences and technology research. Currently, IBBUL has human and infrastructural resource to successfully establish Post-Graduate degree programmes in Faculties of Agriculture, Natural Sciences, and Education and Arts (Counselling Education)

IBBUL will deploy highly motivated and trained research staff to work in the University Central Laboratory.

Innovative programmes developed by IBBUL using the ETECH initiative can help in marketing the capabilities of the University and contribute to its Campus Greening Initiative.

IBB University’s host communities can also potentially be beneficiaries of the IBBUL/ETECH initiative

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The possession of an ETECH laboratory resource at IBBUL can help the University launch a range of innovative programmes of study using hardware tools, teaching aids and technical support that will be locally available at the laboratory

IBBUL Greening Environment and Campus beautification project is an added factor in sequestration of emitted carbon which rewards the mutual Greening efforts of IBBUL and EOSD.

Table 14: IBB University: Newly Constructed Central Laboratories for Researches in Food Science & Technology, Biotechnology, Energy Sciences and Environmental Sciences. The Building also housed the Office of the Centre for Applied Sciences and Technology Research (CASTER)

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Table 15: IBB University Newly Constructed Central Laboratories – Notice newly seeded plants.

7. Collaborative Shared Responsibilities

It is anticipated that collaborative inputs between IBBUL and (EOSD) or ETECH could be defined later. Such collaborative responsibilities could be met with cash, in-kind contributions, infrastructural/equipment or personnel development and training efforts’ donations.

8. Time-Line for development activities for the year 2013 are shown below:

Table 3A: Policy Development/Implementation of Education for Sustainable Development: : Quarterly Activity Report, 2013.

First Quarter, 2013

Second Quarter, 2013

Third Quarter, 2013

Fourth Quarter, 2013

Remarks

Development of Strategies for implementing Education for Sustainable

Start ESD delivery through lectures and laboratory practices in

Continue with ESD implementation in academic programme

Extend ESD to on-going research projects

Progress:

Implementation would be continuous until ESD theme is imbibed in all

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Development Progress: Partially ongoing (ESD).Progress:Activities are completed

selected Courses:Progress: The Plan is ongoing

Yet to be started

IBBUL’s programmes. IBBUL.

Table 3B: Establishment/Equipment of IBB University Central Laboratory (UCL): Quarterly Activity Report, 2013.

First Quarter, 2013

Second Quarter, 2013

Third Quarter, 2013

Fourth Quarter, 2013

Remarks

Completion of the University Central Laboratory (UCL) Building.Progress:Activities are completed

Furnishing of the Laboratories (setting up of Laboratory tables and desk, cabinets, water supply, electricity).Progress:Activities are completed

Sourcing or purchase of Laboratory Equipments and Instrumentation/ facilities; analytical & food processing equipment and suppliesProgress:Partially ongoing.

Test-run Laboratory instruments and equipments.Progress:Contingent on accomplishing 3rd Quarter activities.

IBBUL expects to use UCL facility for conducting research and holding laboratory classes.Progress:The unequipped Laboratory can be used for classes

Table 3C: Biofuel Research: : Quarterly Activity Report, 2013.

First Quarter, 2013

Second Quarter, 2013

Third Quarter, 2013

Fourth Quarter, 2013

Remarks

Verification of Funds.Collection of relevant literatureProgress:Fund verification is

Acquisition of fermentation vat, gas collection chambers, etc.Employment of Skilled staff.Collection farm/crop

Set-up the trial. Conduct first year trial and Collection of data.Progress: Contingent on availability of

Data Analysis and interpretation of first year resultsSubmit Report to IBBUL Internal Supervisor. Progress:

Research trials will begin upon the receipt of funds from funding Agency

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in progress.Literature Collection is Complete

by-productsProgress: Contingent on availability of funds

funds Contingent on availability of funds

Table 3D: IBB University Campus Greening and Beautification Project: Quarterly Activity Report, 2013.

First Quarter, 2013

Second Quarter, 2013

Third Quarter, 2013

Fourth Quarter, 2013

Remarks

Review campus master-plan for design compliance. Design layout for trees and Horticultural seeding. Lay-out planting system. Select drought-tolerant trees, and other plants.Progress:Activities Completed

Sourcing or purchase of seedlings (seed plants). Employ labour.Identify walk-parts, sidewalks, and trails mostly used by students and staff.Progress:Sourcing of seedlings is partially completed.Side walk/trails identification is completed

Start planting Trees. Plant trees on both sides of walk-parts.Cover bare ground with green grassesProgress:Some trees have been planted

Evaluate Trees planted and replace dead ones. Arrange for watering of the plants during the dry season.Progress:Activities are in progress

Planting of trees will continue during next year’s planting season.

Table 3E: Participation in the International Greening Education Event 2013 (IGEE):

IBB University will send official representative(s) who will make a presentation of the University’s Greening Environment Project Report to the International Greening Education Event 2013.

First Quarter Second Quarter Third Quarter Fourth Quarter RemarksSubmit Abstract or initiate travelling arrangement for IGEE; January 10, 2013

Preparation of IGEE 2013

Preparation of Travel documents to Germany

Attend IGEE at Karlsruhe, Germany on Nov. 6-8, 2013

Attendees will be representing IBBUL.

10. Challenges and Constraints

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The on-campus greening activities are expected to provide green, beautiful and conducive environment for studies as well as atmospheric carbon sequestration, a learning tool for students on the upkeep of the environment and a demonstration site for sustainable environmental management for both the university and adjoining community. The off-shoot result could help win-over community leaders in Niger State to embrace greening and sustainable environmental development. With over 75 percent of the population of Niger State involved in small-scale agriculture and poor, it could be an up-hill but achievable task of convincing community members to buy into the practice of sustainable greening of the environment beyond environmental greening through farming grains and vegetable. Also, many of these farmers collect wood cooking fuel or for cash even though unauthorized tree-cutting is illegal. With high cost of hydrocarbon-based fuel, it is becoming difficult to sustain the law when a very large population depend on using wood as cooking fuel. A wool seller asked a question that is very difficult to answer, “what do I do if my child would die if I did not cut-down a tree (wood)?” IBB University’s effort ought to be sustained and may produce greater dividend on the long run as the current Nigeria’s effort to improve the standard of living of its citizens starts to yield positive result.

11. Summary and Conclusion:

Ibrahim Badamasi Babangida University, Lapai (IBBUL) is located in plains of Niger State, Nigeria has vast forest-land that provides dense green environment most part of the year. Many of the citizens are involved in environmentally sustainable small farm schemes while others are involved in pastoral farming involving the grazing of cattle and sheep and the browsing of goats. Some citizens are involved in apparent traditional bush-burning either for the purposes forcing early grass and underbrush regrowths for grazing animals or for hunting purposes. Efforts are being made to exercise control over the land through regulated use, control of burning of bush, increase planting of trees along the boundaries, improvement and expansion of the IBB University Botanical/Zoological Garden to include establishment of parks, teak plantation and orchards. These are measures that thought to improve on the beautification of the IBBUL Campus apart from planning near-evergreen grasses and ornamental plants, and creation of walkways (sidewalks) and bicycle paths. These and others activities work in synergy in the reduction and sequestration of carbon emission to protect our earth’s environment. The activities would also help in creating serene, clean, healthy and beautiful environment for good academic and social life on-campus. The objective is to provide beautiful green and clean environment for the benefits of improved academic, health and socio-economic well-being students, staff and visitors of IBBUL and by so-doing helped to improve the sustainability and prolonged habitation of mother-earth.

The IBBUL policy on ESD is encompassing of the entire university environment, demanding cross-cutting coordination and defined common actions. It covers the Campus Greening Project as well as embraces all areas of formal education – from the curricula of IBBUL’s programme to cooperation with all the stakeholders and partners. The set goals for the policy and Action Plan

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have thus laid emphasis on the structural implementation in the IBBUL using existing structures and extending it to new ones. The University Administration has a strong commitment toward the implementation ESD policies on campus.

Potential areas of synergy between IBBUL and EOSD have been identified and prioritized in the table above. On IBBUL’s part, highest ranking project in the priority list is the completion of the building and equipment of the University Central Laboratory (UCL). This project is identified as one of the objectives in IBBUL’s Five-Year Strategic Plan of providing a quality science laboratory for conducting research and teaching in five major applied science and technology programmes. The five major programmes are: (1) Food Science and Technology; (2) Biotechnology; (3) Energy Sciences and Technology; (4) Food Security/Agriculture; and (5) Environmental Sciences. Next in priority is the Biofuel energy research. It is an alternative energy source that is clean and supports healthy environment. IBB University Greening and Beautification project is designed as a planned greening project that also brings comfort and shade on the sidewalks and trails on campus. Selected tree species will be planted on continuing basis. The project in Climate Change is ongoing and it is very important in finding the impact of climate change in the lives of indigenous people.Other sub-projects that are related to the Greening Project and are of interest to IBBUL but could be carried out when adequate funding is available. They are:

Solar Energy sub-project: The key driver for this project is the availability of sunshine which is available in Niger State for most of the year.

Water harvesting and Waste water recycling project: The key driver for this project is

the availability of rain water which is available in Niger State for at least six months in a year. The added benefit is the fact that the University Greening and Beautification project will utilize the harvested water in watering or spraying trees and horticultural crop during the dry season. Recycled waste water would also be useful in watering greening project or irrigation purposes.

Furthermore three proposals for research on smokeless source of energy initiated by Professor Nuhu Obaje, a research grant on Biofuel initiated by Prof. Dennis O. Balogu, and ongoing research grant on Climate Change with Dr. Mohammed Yakubu Auna as its Principal Researcher can be tied to the IBBUL/EOSD project initiative. In the interim, infrastructure belonging to IBBUL faculties can be used for the take off of projects.

Education for Sustainable Development should be recognised as comprehensive routine education task and not as an additional burden. It requires making sustainability a self-evident factor, reorienting education to contribute to the desired objectives, change of mindsets that would make transformation of our society through sustainable development possible. The Improvement in the IBBUL’s laboratory infrastructure by establishing a functional University Central Laboratory would obviously stimulate interests for rapid approval of Post-Graduate Studies in programmes in the Faculties that conduct applied sciences and technology research. Already Post-graduate Diploma courses have been approved for Maritime Studies and IBBUL is expecting to enrol its first set of students during the next academic session.

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Note:

**Prof. Ibrahim A. Kolo is Vice Chancellor, Ibrahim Badamasi Babangida University, Lapai, Niger State, Nigeria, West Africa.

*Prof. Dennis O. Balogu, is Chairman, IBB University Greening, Applied Sciences & Technology Research Committee; Director, Centre for Applied Sciences and Technology Research, IBB University, Lapai, Niger State, Nigeria, West Africa.

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