In a landmark step towards environmental sustainability and academic advancement, the Benue State Agro-Climatic Resilience in Semi-Arid Landscapes (ACReSAL) Project has formally handed over a 50-hectare reforestation and afforestation project to the management of Joseph Sarwuan Tarka University, Makurdi (JOSTUM). The project, executed in the institution’s forest reserve, was designed to restore degraded land, promote biodiversity, and support long-term climate resilience using indigenous tree species that are well adapted to the local ecosystem.
As part of the initiative, ACReSAL also provided a borehole and a nursery shed to enhance sustainability and ensure the continuous propagation and nurturing of seedlings. These facilities will support research, training, and practical fieldwork while supplying water for tree growth and other environmental management activities.
The benefits of the project are far-reaching. Beyond mitigating the effects of climate change, the indigenous trees planted will improve soil fertility, reduce erosion, increase carbon sequestration, and provide a habitat for wildlife. The forest reserve will also act as a living laboratory for students and researchers, offering practical opportunities for learning, experimentation, and innovation in forestry, climate science, and environmental management.
Speaking during the handing the State Project Coordinator of Benue ACReSAL, Bldr. Victor Ama, represented by the Monitoring and Evaluation Officer, Engr. Samson Naakaa expressed satisfaction at the completion of the project and emphasized its importance in building resilience to the impacts of climate variability. He noted that the initiative aligns with ACReSAL’s core mandate of restoring degraded ecosystems while enhancing socio-economic development through sustainable land management practices.
Receiving the handover on behalf of the Vice Chancellor, Prof. (Engr.) Isaac Itodo, the Deputy Vice Chancellor (Administration), Prof. (Mrs.) Elizabeth Kembe warmly appreciated the Benue ACReSAL Project for siting the project within the institution. She highlighted the multiple ways the reforestation site and the accompanying facilities will contribute to the university’s mission, particularly in strengthening research capacity, enriching academic curricula, and providing hands-on training for students in forestry, agriculture, and environmental sciences. According to her, the forest reserve and facilities will serve as a demonstration site for future innovations, improve the learning environment, and deepen partnerships between academia and development stakeholders.
Prof. Kembe was accompanied by the Dean of Forestry and Wildlife, Prof. R. A. Obande, along with other staff of the institution. Their presence underscored the strong commitment of JOSTUM’s academic leadership to harness the opportunities provided by the project for teaching, research, and community engagement.
The contractor, Cozabeth International Limited, who executed the project, also expressed gratitude to the university community for the support and cooperation received during the course of implementation. They noted that the collaboration with the institution made it possible to overcome challenges and deliver a project that meets both environmental and academic expectations.
This initiative not only advances ACReSAL’s objective of promoting climate resilience in Benue State but also reinforces Joseph Sarwuan Tarka University’s reputation as a hub for research, training, and innovation in natural resource management. With the forest reserve revitalized and new facilities provided, the project is expected to yield benefits that will extend beyond the university to surrounding communities, contributing to environmental restoration, ecological balance, and the well-being of future generations.
The handing-over ceremony marks the beginning of a new chapter where science, sustainability, and education intersect to safeguard the environment while empowering the leaders of tomorrow.