By BANNERNEWS Reporter, Gombe
The Federal College of Horticulture, Dadin Kowa, Gombe State, has commenced a programme to conserve indigenous tree species facing extinction as part of efforts to promote environmental sustainability and preserve Nigeria’s agricultural heritage.
The Provost of the college, Dr Umar Umar Abdullahi, disclosed this during an interactive session with journalists in Gombe, saying the institution had expanded its nursery to produce seedlings of valuable indigenous trees, including tamarind and other economic species that are gradually disappearing across many communities.
He said the initiative was designed to protect the country’s indigenous plant resources while supporting afforestation, biodiversity conservation and climate resilience.
“One of the mandates of the college is the production of seedlings. We have expanded our nursery to raise indigenous tree species that are becoming scarce in the wild. Our goal is to establish a plantation within the college where these trees can be conserved, multiplied and made available for future generations,” he said.
Dr Abdullahi explained that the plantation would also serve as a research and practical training centre for students, farmers and other stakeholders, while encouraging communities to cultivate indigenous trees with significant economic and environmental benefits.
He said the conservation initiative formed part of the college’s broader agricultural transformation agenda, which prioritises practical skills, sustainable farming and climate-smart agriculture.
The provost also revealed that the college had partnered with relevant federal agencies to implement an out-grower scheme involving more than 100 farmers cultivating improved maize and soybean varieties. Under the arrangement, participating farmers receive improved seeds, fertilisers and technical support, while off-takers guarantee the purchase of harvested produce at prevailing market prices.
According to him, the institution is also expanding its academic offerings by introducing programmes such as Artificial Intelligence and Microbiology to equip students with modern agricultural and technological skills.
He added that the college was pursuing the re-accreditation of existing programmes and working towards affiliation with universities to begin degree-awarding programmes.
“We want the college to become a centre of excellence in agricultural education, research, innovation, conservation and community service,” he said.
Dr Abdullahi appealed to governments, development partners and host communities to support the conservation of indigenous tree species, stressing that preserving them is vital to food security, environmental protection and sustainable agricultural development.
