DEPARTMENT OF FORESTRY & ENVIRONMENTAL TECHNOLOGY - Federal College of Forestry Ibadan

FORESTRY AND ENVIRONMENTAL TECHNOLOGY

BRIEF OVERVIEW

The Forestry and Environmental Technology Department is one of the founding departments of the Federal College of Forestry, Ibadan, established in 1939 to train forest guards and assistants for the colonial forestry administration in Nigeria and West Africa. Originally known as the Forestry Training School, it has evolved into a key part of the Forestry Research Institute of Nigeria (FRIN) under the Federal Ministry of Environment.

As the need for skilled forestry professionals grew, the department has metamorphosized to now offers National Diploma (ND) and Higher National Diploma (HND) in Forestry Technology. on both Full- time as well as Part-time basis. This programme is fully accredited by the National Board for Technical Education (NBTE), the official accrediting institution. The Forestry and Environmental Technology programme (both ND and HND) runs for two years of fours semesters for full-time and two years of six semester for Part-time. With a balance of classroom instruction, practical fieldwork, and research-based learning, the department provides comprehensive training for mid-level technical manpower (Technicians and Technologist) vast with the knowledge Silviculture, Forest Regeneration, Forest Inventory and, Forest Protection.

Formerly known as the Forestry Technology Department, it was recently renamed Forestry and Environmental Technology to reflect a deliberate and strategic shift from focusing solely on traditional forestry practices to embracing a wider range of environmental issues. These include climate change mitigation and adaptation, biodiversity conservation, ecosystem services protection, environmental management, and the sustainable use of natural resources.The new name shows the department’s renewed commitment to producing graduates who are not only well-grounded in forestry but are also equipped to address real-world environmental challenges and contribute to sustainable solutions at the local, national, and global levels.

In addition to the diploma programmes, the department also offers short vocational courses lasting between six and twelve months. These lead to certificate awards in areas such as Nursery Establishment, Plantation Establishment, Advanced Plantation Techniques, and Apiculture (beekeeping).

Whether you’re starting a career in forestry or looking to build on existing skills, our department is committed to helping you grow and make a meaningful impact in the world.

OBJECTIVES:

The Forestry and Environmental Technology Department aims to prepare students with the right blend of knowledge, practical skills, and environmental values to manage forests sustainably, protect ecosystems, and tackle today’s climate challenges. Subsequently, our objectives are;

Provide a strong foundational knowledge in Forest Ecology, Silviculture and Agroforestry Practices
Train students in tree nursery management, Plantation establishment and Agroforestry techniques
Teach modern forestry management skills such as RS/GIS as well as equip students with skills in forest inventory, timber measurement
Promote research in Climate change mitigation adaptation, Carbon sequestration and Forest-based solution to environmental challenges
Prepare students for careers in Forestry agencies, Research Institutions, Conservation organization and Private sector Forestry enterprise.
Encourage public awareness and policy advocacy for Environmental Sustainability and Conservation.

RESEACH ACTIVITIES WITHIN THE DEPARTMENT

The Department of Forestry and Environmental Technology is committed to advancing knowledge in forestry, environmental sustainability, and ecosystem management. Currently, the department is engaged in several ongoing research projects focused on critical environmental issues. Some of the ongoing Research within the Department include:

Soil Microbial Population Dynamics: Investigating the impact of different forest management practices on soil health via microbial populations.
Litter Fall, Quality, and Decomposition: Examining the litter fall patterns, quality, and decomposition rates of both indigenous and exotic tree species so as to understand soil nutrient dynamics under different plantations types
Species Diversity Assessment: Assessing species diversity in both protected and unprotected forest areas so as to evaluate conservation strategies
Impact of Land Use Change: Studying the effects of land use changes on forest ecosystems and biodiversity; exploring how shifting land use patterns affect habitat quality
Soil Physicochemical Properties: Analyzing the influence of various land use types on soil physicochemical characteristics; aiming to understand how various land uses influence soil fertility

These research initiatives contribute to the department’s mission of fostering sustainable forest management and environmental conservation.

Head of Department

Dr. Bolanle Lisa Olajiire-Ajayi

Dr. Bolanle Lisa Olajiire-Ajayi; the current Head of Department of the Department of the Forestry and Environmental Technology is a seasoned Environmental Scientist and academic with over 15 years of impactful experience in sustainable environmental management, ecological research, and conservation science. With a strong background in Geography and environmental science, she has made significant contributions to climate change mitigation, biodiversity conservation, soil health improvement, and phytoremediation.

Dr. Olajiire-Ajayi holds a Ph.D. in Geography from the University of Ibadan, Nigeria, where her research focused on biodiversity conservation and ecosystem services under varying protected area management regimes in tropical lowland rainforests. Her academic journey also includes a Master's degree from the Nigerian Defence Academy and a Bachelor's degree from Ahmadu Bello University, both in Geography.

Throughout her academic career, she has lectured and mentored students at both undergraduate and postgraduate levels, leading to the successful publication of several peer-reviewed articles. Her teaching and research at the Department of Forestry and Environmental Technology, combined with her roles as a Doctoral Assistant in the Department of Geography at the University of Ibadan and the Pan African University, have significantly contributed to advancing knowledge in forest ecology and environmental sustainability.

Dr. Olajiire-Ajayi has authored and co-authored numerous high-impact journal articles, book chapters, and technical papers, addressing pressing environmental issues such as forest degradation, soil nutrient dynamics, phytoremediation potential of indigenous tree species, and urban ecological transitions. Her publications appear in reputable national and international journals, affirming her as a leading voice in environmental research in West Africa.

Her technical proficiency spans soil and vegetation analysis techniques. She is also well-versed in project management, scientific writing, and environmental policy analysis.

As an active contributor to scientific discourse, she has presented her work at numerous national and international conferences and continues to provide expert consultancy on environmental sustainability, conservation strategies, and resource management.

Dr. Bolanle Olajiire-Ajayi is deeply committed to applying her extensive knowledge and research to address critical global environmental challenges and promote sustainable development, particularly within Nigeria, African and beyond.

She has actively contributed to research and scholarship in the areas of forestry, environmental sustainability, biodiversity conservation, and climate change. My publications reflect a strong commitment to advancing knowledge and practice through evidence-based research. These include peer-reviewed journal articles, edited books, and collaborative works featured in both national and international outlets. Below are a few selected publications:

Bolanle L. Olajiire-Ajayi & James K. Aremu (2020): Urbanization Effect on Rainfall in Kano Metropolis. LAP LAMBERT Academic Publishing, Riga, Latvia. 65p

ISBN: 978-620-2-79961-4

B.L Olajiire-Ajayi and A.S Gbadegesin (2025): Effectiveness of two types of Protected Areas (PAs) for plant species diversity and Conservation in Southwestern, Nigeria. World News of Natural Sciences 60:217-230

B.L Olajiire-Ajayi, O.O, Abegunrin, O.A, Ogundana and E.K, Abodunrin, (2024): Assessment of the impact of varying conservation activities on sustainability of Olokemeji Forest Reserve, Ogun state, Nigeria. The Pacific Journal of Science and Technology 25 (2): 208-217 https://www.akamai.university/pjst-archive.html

B.L Olajiire-Ajayi., A.D. Aderintola, O.B, Fadipe and D.A, Adenuga (2024): Diameter distribution model for Nauclea diderrichii (D. Wild) Merr. Plantation at the Forestry Research Institute of Nigeria (FRIN), Ibadan, Oyo State, Nigeria. The Pacific Journal of Science and Technology, 25 (2):186-193 https://www.akamai.university/pjst-archive.html

B.L Olajiire-Ajayi, O.O Akintola and E. Thomas (2024): Assessment of selected tree species as phytoremediation agents in polluted soils. International Journal of Phytoremediation. http://doi.org/10.1080/15226514.2024.2404169