BACKGROUND
At the inception of the University in 1988, the Department was anchored as a unit in the College of Plant Science and Crop Production (COLPLANT). Still in COLPLANT, the Department became full-fledged in 1991 with the assumption of duty of the first academic staff and coordinator- Professor Alaba Olufunmilayo Jolaosho and admission of students started in 1992/93 with only two students. With restructuring of programmes in the University in 1994, Pasture and Range Management Department was relocated to the College of Animal Science and Livestock Production (COLANIM). The first, and till date, the only of its kind in the Nigerian University system, the Department has grown in leaps and bounds since then. The total student enrolment now stands at 380 from 100 to 500 levels and 7 academic staff including 2 Professors, 1 Reader, 1 Senior Lecturer and other cadres. The Department started post-graduate training in 2001 and has graduated 2 Postgraduate Diploma, 4 M. Agric., and 3 Graduate students are rounding up their theses. Apart from student training, the department also offers consultancy services on pasture establishment, management and utilization to existing ruminant livestock farms as well as on range evaluation and improvement, grazing reserve development and management. We also prepare proposals and feasibility reports for prospective farms in the area of pasture production, paddock construction and ruminant livestock (cattle, sheep and goat) management. PHILOSOPHY. The philosophy of the Department is production of skilled manpower that is adequately furnished with the comprehensive practical and theoretical information required for engaging in economic pasture and allied feed resources, vis-
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