The Forestry Research Institute of Nigeria has donated 5,000 tree seedlings to Redeemer's University, Ede, Osun State, and established a 3.3 hectare plantation on the campus as part of efforts to promote afforestation and combat climate change.

The latest intervention comprised 3,500 seedlings, complementing 1,500 seedlings the Institute had earlier provided to the University in 2025, according to a statement by the media aide to the Director General and Chief Executive Officer of FRIN, Idara Umoh Ido.

The donated seedlings cover four economically important tree species, Khaya senegalensis, Terminalia superba, Gmelina arborea and Tectona grandis, all of which have been planted across the campus.

The combined donation fulfilled a commitment made by the Director General, Prof Zacharia Yaduma, following a request by the University's Vice Chancellor, Prof Shadrach Akindele, in 2025. The Institute has said it raises a minimum of one million tree seedlings a year for use across Nigeria's various ecological zones, and maintains a forestry training college and outstation in each of the country's geopolitical zones as part of its broader capacity.

Beyond the seedling donation, the Institute established the 3.3 hectare plantation within the University to deepen collaboration on environmental sustainability, forestry education and research. The project marked the first official assignment of the newly established FRIN Tropical Rainforest Resource Centre, Inisa, under the leadership of Sulaiman Rafiu.

The tree planting exercise was coordinated by the South West Afforestation Programme Officer, A B Salaudeen, who supervised its implementation.

The statement described the initiative as a reflection of FRIN's statutory mandate to promote afforestation, conserve Nigeria's forest resources and encourage greater participation by institutions in tree planting efforts as a sustainable response to climate change and environmental degradation. It added that under Yaduma's leadership, the Institute has continued strengthening partnerships with educational institutions and other stakeholders, including past collaborations involving school based tree planting initiatives, to expand the country's forest cover, improve ecosystem resilience and promote sustainable environmental management.