By Olatoye Sanusi

The Federal University of Agriculture, Abeokuta (FUNAAB) has entered into partnership with the Forestry Research Institute of Nigeria (FRIN) to establish a plantation of genome species on campus.

The 20-hecatre land plantation project was aimed at conserving indigenous species and protecting the environment.

The Deputy Vice-Chancellor (Development), Prof. Kola Adebayo, who represented the Vice-Chancellor, Prof. Babatunde Kehinde, reiterated the University’s support for the project. He emphasised the benefits of the project to include providing a better environment, training opportunities for students, and economic advantages for the nation.

Speaking on the partnership, Prof. Segun Oladoye, an expert in Forest Ecology and Conservation, from the Department of Forestry and Wildlife Management, College of Environmental Resources Management (COLERM) expressed the University’s enthusiasm for the project, stating that it aligned with their passion for nature and its benefits to mankind.

The project would not only provide a woodlot for preserving indigenous species but also serve as a venue for recreation and tourism, he stated.

Corroborating Prof. Oladoye, the Forestation Program Officer from FRIN, Mr. Salahudeen AbdulWaheed, stressed the need to expand forest cover across the country and commended FUNAAB for their commitment to the project.

He highlighted the tripartite agreement between the University, the Institute, and the financier, which has ensured a successful collaboration.

The project marks the beginning of a fruitful collaboration between FUNAAB and FRIN, aimed at promoting environmental conservation and sustainability.

Present at the land allocation were the Principal Assistant Registrar, Deputy Vice-Chancellor, Development’s Office, Mrs. Shakirat Giwa, including the other team members from FRIN who were the Project Monitoring and Evaluation Officer; Mr. Emmanuel Imaoagene-Francis; Plantation Establishment Unit, Mrs. Adesodun Oyedokun-Ibironke, and Mr. Christopher Uba.