It was a moment of history for the newly matriculated Two Hundred and Fifty Two students of Federal College of Forestry, Ibadan Oyo State at the 2019/2020 matriculation ceremony held at the institution conference hall, Jericho Ibadan amidst educationist, researchers, families, parents, friends and well-wishers.

The matriculation guest lecturer, Prof. Opeyemi Ajewole, Head, Department of Social and Environmental Forestry, University of Ibadan, has adviced youths to pursue career in forestry in order to become self-reliant.

Prof. Opeyemi Ajewole, Head, Department of Social and Environmental Forestry, University of Ibadan while delivering his speech

Ajewole gave the advice on Friday while delivering a lecture titled: “Making the best out of Tertiary Education in Nigeria” at the matriculation ceremony of the Federal College of Forestry (FCF), Ibadan.

He maintained that the prospects in forestry were enormous, adding that a career in it could make the professional an employer of labour.

The university don noted that the green economy concept of forestry could provide expensive green jobs prospects for foresters.

He cited timber trade as one of the high yielding business potentials in forestry with both local in international prospect.

He therefore advised the students to start thinking of how the profession would be of optimum benefit to them.

“We have several areas you can explore in forestry including wood and energy production, agro-forestry, mountain forestry, social and urban development, forest management energy and planning, biodiversity and ecosystem, among others.

“Forestry can avail you  opportunities in a Zoo, community centers, there are environmental consultants who consult for government and private agencies, animal damage control specialist responsible for providing technical assistance on wildlife behaviours, among others,” he said.

Ajewole urged the students to make the short term goal of completing their studies successfully in flying colours, and a long term goal of displaying the knowledge and skills needed for their development and contribution to national development

 Director General of  the Forestry Research Institute of Nigeria (FRIN), Ibadan, Prof. Adesola Adepoju  who is also the  visitor to the institution said that government was making effort to revive the wood and paper industry, while encouraging the students to give their best.

Director General of  the Forestry Research Institute of Nigeria (FRIN), Ibadan, Prof. Adesola Adepoju delievering his speech

“The forest sector is experiencing some positive exposition now; every state has realized that it cannot speak even in UN now without agro-forestry.

“Every department is loaded with a lot of employment opportunities, all you need to do as students is to be serious in your own field so that you can come out in flying colours which will make you outstanding in the society,” he said.

The Provost of the College, Dr Funmilayo Aderounmu  in her welcome address assured the students that by the time they will complete their programme, they will be happy and proud of passing through the institution.

Dr Fumilayo said the institution has undergone some reforms physically and academically in a bid to meet up with the demands of a modern institution of higher learning.

Provost of the College, Dr Funmilayo Aderounmu delivering her welcome address

She said the College runs full and part time programmes for the award of NBTE accredited National Diploma and Higher National Diploma (HND).

“Going round the school, you will notice that our HND classroom block has just been given a full turnaround renovation, before the year ends, the ND classroom block and multipurpose hall will be given same treatment.