DAMATURU — Yobe State University (YSU), Damaturu, plans to make tree planting a requirement for graduation. The Vice-Chancellor, Prof. Muhammad Bashir Tahir, announced this while launching the 2026 Tree Planting Initiative of the Department of Forestry and Wildlife Management, Faculty of Agriculture, themed 'Greening Our Faculty for a Sustainable Future'. Under the proposed policy, every student would plant and care for at least one tree from admission until graduation, and may be required to show proof before collecting their certificate. Tahir said trees help to control erosion and flooding, provide shade and fruit, and serve as natural laboratories for students of biology, forestry and geography. He directed the department to work with the Directorate of Works and Physical Planning to organise annual tree-planting competitions among faculties. The initiative was started by two 300-level students, Mohammed Mallam Mohammed and Hauwa Ahmed Damagum. The Programme Manager of NEAZDP, Dr Mulima Idi Mato, donated nursery equipment and planting materials, while Green City Garden also supported the project.