Preamble
The Department of Forestry, Fisheries and Wildlife Management was one of the earliest departments created when the University of Agriculture, Abeokuta came into being in January 1988. On October 1, 1994, the Department of Forestry and Wildlife Management was carved out of the old Forestry, Fisheries and Wildlife Management Department.
The Department specializes and vigorously pursues eight sub-units:
i. Forest Biology and Silviculture
ii. Forest Economics and Management
iii. Biometrics and Remote Sensing iv. Wood Science
v. Wildlife Management
vi. Wildlife Ecology and Conservation vii. Wildlife Domestication and Production viii. Park Interpretation and Wildlife Extension
The Department now runs a 5-year Bachelor’s degree programme in Forestry and Wildlife Management. The postgraduate degree programme at Masters and Ph.D. levels started in 1992. The Department thereby, has consolidated the gains of the first degree with the inception of the postgraduate programme.
Philosophy
The primary philosophy that guides the training of students is the production of skilled manpower that is adequately furnished with the comprehensive information required, for engaging in Forestry and Wildlife management in an environment characterized by rural setting and adequate land endowment. Such knowledgeable professional manpower has to be produced in an atmosphere with the widest possible human and material resources, through the adoption of effective techniques of instruction, and exposure to the actual practice of forestry. Consequently, there are opportunities for formal training at the Undergraduate and postgraduate levels for the acquisition of basic and higher degrees respectively.
These training programmes are mounted through classroom instruction, laboratory practical, field demonstration, and workshop practice.
The Objectives of the Programme
- To produce graduates with sufficient practical background to create employment from utilisation of Forest and Wildlife Resources. The graduates are also expected to be able to undertake local sourcing of industrial raw materials, to produce animal protein through demonstration and ranching of farm wildlife and also engage in Food production through Agroforestry.
- To produce the required manpower which will not only be used in staffing Forestry and wildlife establishments nationally but which also would be able to carry out relevant, mission oriented researches into all aspects of Forestry and Wildlife, the yet unexplored benefits and products which can serve as bases for newer industries.
