THE TREES IN THE UNIVERSITY OF LAGOS ARE NOT MONITORED……ILECHUKWU

By Adeyemi Olalemi- 300L, Education & Physics

On Sunday, the 9th of June 2013, the Christian students of the University, well dressed in their attire and getting set to go to church, were shocked at the tragedy that occurred at the University main gate. A big tree in the Faculty of Education was uprooted by a wind, which fell on a moving car at the

point of entering into the school premises.

The tree destroyed the rear parts of the car and obstructed traffic flow, which later led to a diversion of traffic. However, there were no casualties recorded probably due to the fact that it was a Sunday morning, and as such, there were fewer movements within and outside the campus.

The University management were quick in responding to the situation, as the University Gardeners came to the scene and cut the tree into pieces using their machines. The main gate was cleared by the evening of the same day. 

This is the second time in one month that such an unfortunate and mysterious incident will be happening in the Faculty of Education as a similar scenario was witnessed few weeks ago in the Faculty’s “Love Garden”, where one of the trees was also uprooted by the wind.

Modiu Olaguro met with Dr V.U. Ilechukwu- a lecturer in the Faculty of Environmental Sciences, Department of Urban and Regional Planning on the causes and how it can be avoided; excerpts:

UG: What are the major causes of tree accidents?

The major cause of these accidents is the fact that these trees are too old and abandoned. Just as the average human grows old and needs to take good care of himself or herself, it is important for these trees to be monitored as well. In the Faculty of Social sciences for instance, a number of trees have fallen off or on the verge of falling. The question is- who is monitoring them? There is a need for regular checks on the trees in order to avoid this ugly occurrence. The school management must see to the maintenance of these trees.

UG: What solutions do you proffer for this dangerous occurrence?

Well, as I said earlier, there is an urgent need for regular checks. For instance, if your hair grows to the point of looking haggard, one must do something about it, like trimming it. Similarly, it is important that these trees be looked after. It is not just the flowers alone that must be trimmed, but also the trees as well. In the University of Ibadan, most of the old trees are given away to plant new ones which ought to be replicated here. It would be an act of negligence on the part of the school authorities, if something is not done fast. We shouldn't wait until people are killed before precautions are taken.

UG: Don't you think it would take time for the new trees to develop?

No. I believe that the right thing must be done no matter how long it takes. It is said that Rome was not built in a day. Hence, the need for patience. For instance, if a child is born, is he not allowed to grow? Of course; it is safer if these trees are removed to pave way for new ones so as not to cause damages to us.

UG: It is observed that this occurrence takes place during the rainy season.

Yes, this is a clear indication that the climate change is real therefore, the need to be aware of its effects. The rain, wind and tornadoes are on the increase. The global call for adaptation to climate change is real therefore, the need to put policies to stop the pollution of the environment and degrading of the ecosystem. The change in climate requires us all to be careful.

UG: What advice do you have for us all?

Let the school authorities see to it that the trees are trimmed. Identify the overgrown ones and trim them. The authorities of the botanical garden should endeavour to create inventories to identify and know the status of the trees in the University community. The school authorities should provide facilities in that regard.