Forestry and Wildlife Management

About Forestry and Wildlife Management Department

The Department of Forestry and Environmental Management offers a five-year full-time programme leading to the award of a Bachelor of Technology in Forestry and Environmental Management. The programme combines rigorous academic instruction and practical training, structured through an approved sequence of courses determined by the Senate on the recommendation of the Faculty Board. The curriculum is designed to provide students with a comprehensive understanding of forest resources, wildlife conservation, and environmental management, thereby preparing them for successful professional careers and contributing significantly to the development of renewable natural resources management in Nigeria and beyond.

The philosophy of the programme is to produce graduates who are adequately equipped to meet the current and emerging challenges in forestry and wildlife management. These challenges encompass environmental conservation, sustainable management of soil, forest, and wildlife resources, and addressing issues such as deforestation, desertification, and ecological degradation, all while promoting climate change mitigation and adaptation. The programme equally emphasizes entrepreneurship and self-employment by promoting value addition through the scientific processing and utilization of forest and wildlife products across diverse ecological zones.

The objectives of the programme are to produce graduates skilled in the sustainable management of renewable natural resources who can establish and operate viable forestry enterprises; contribute meaningfully to national and global sustainability efforts; advance economic diversification and ecological stability through climate-resilient forestry practices; and demonstrate technical, managerial, and entrepreneurial competence in production, research, and innovation related to forest resources management and environmental conservation.

The programme possesses unique features that align it with global best practices in forestry education. Its curriculum draws inspiration from internationally recognized institutions such as the University of British Columbia, Harvard University, Auburn University, and Oregon State University. Emphasis is placed on Urban Forestry, Wood Products Processing, Forest Ecology, and Natural Resources Conservation. Students gain exposure to advanced concepts such as improved timber harvesting techniques, Geographic Information Systems (GIS) applications in environmental problem-solving, and sustainable forest planning for both urban and traditional ecosystems. A particular focus is placed on urban forest management and climate change mitigation, consistent with international standards.

Graduates of Forestry and Environmental Management are equipped with employability skills that prepare them for diverse roles in the forestry and environmental sectors. They can engage in genetic multiplication of seedlings through tissue culture and germplasm techniques, domestication and management of wildlife species for food and economic purposes, operation of small-scale forest enterprises such as apiaries, snaileries, and horticultural ventures, and timber and non-timber forest product processing in sawmills, plywood mills, and furniture industries. They are also trained to oversee forest plantations, promote species protection and habitat restoration, develop conservation policies, manage national parks and sanctuaries, conduct Environmental Impact Assessments (EIAs), and apply modern mapping and monitoring techniques in forest resources management.

In addition, the programme cultivates critical 21st-century skills essential for professional and global competitiveness. These include critical thinking, creativity, collaboration, communication, information and media literacy, technological proficiency, flexibility, leadership, initiative, productivity, and strong social skills. By integrating ecological principles with modern technological applications and sustainable management practices, the Forestry and Environmental Management programme aims to produce globally competent graduates capable of advancing environmental sustainability, biodiversity conservation, and economic development through effective forest and wildlife management