Nigeria’s forests are facing severe threats, warns Professor Ayodeji Oludare Omole, a Forestry Engineering expert at the University of Ibadan. In his inaugural lecture titled   Working in the Shadows of Death, Professor Omole outlined key challenges in the country’s forestry sector, including rapid population growth, agricultural expansion, illegal logging, and widespread insecurity.

Speaking at the 561st Inaugural Lecture of the University of Ibadan, he expressed deep concern over the impact of insurgency and violence, particularly in northern Nigeria, which endangers the lives of both farmers and forestry professionals. These security issues have made forest management and reforestation efforts increasingly difficult, further depleting Nigeria’s already threatened forests.

Professor Omole emphasized that the effects of these attacks stretch beyond the northern regions, with nationwide consequences for economic growth and foreign exchange. He urged the government to focus on promoting reforestation and afforestation, both crucial to restoring ecosystems, mitigating climate change, and improving food security. He stressed the need for financial backing from the government and private institutions to support these initiatives, which would enhance national prosperity and create jobs.

The professor also called for a dedicated financial allocation to forestry to ensure sustainable management and protect ecosystems and communities reliant on forest resources. Despite the risks, he praised forest engineers for their essential role in managing timber, pulpwood, and other forest products critical for national development. He called for stronger safety measures for these professionals.

In addition to forestry, Professor Omole, a former ASUU chairman, addressed the crises facing Nigeria’s university system. He described how policies like the Nigerian University System Innovation Portal (NUSIP), the Treasury Single Account (TSA), and the Integrated Personnel and Payroll Information System (IPPIS) are stifling the autonomy and growth of higher education institutions. These policies, he argued, threaten intellectual freedom and the sustainability of Nigerian universities, likening the situation to “working in the shadows of death.”

Without urgent reforms, the professor warned, the university system could rapidly deteriorate, with damaging consequences for both education and the country’s intellectual future.

 Implications for Stakeholders

Professor Omole urged swift action to enhance security, reform policies, and boost financial investment in both the forestry and education sectors, ensuring their sustained contribution to Nigeria’s development. In his lecture, Professor Omole highlighted critical challenges facing various stakeholders in these sectors across Nigeria.

Government and Policymakers

• Security and Forestry Support:  The government must address insecurity to ensure effective forest management and reforestation. Financial support is also critical for the sustainability of the forestry sector.
• University Reforms: Urgent policy reforms are necessary to protect academic freedom and the autonomy of Nigeria’s universities.

Forest Engineers and Professionals

• Workplace Safety: Forestry professionals face dangerous working conditions due to violence. Improved safety measures and government backing are essential to sustainable forestry.
• Sustainable Operations: Forestry professionals require financial support to manage forests and ensure a steady supply of timber and other products for national development.

Financial Institutions

• Green Investment: Reforestation and afforestation projects present an opportunity for financial institutions to contribute to climate resilience and economic growth through green financing.

Farmers and Local Communities

• Protection and Involvement:** Farmers facing violence need government protection. Their active involvement in reforestation efforts is crucial for restoring forest ecosystems.

Academics and Universities

• Protecting Autonomy: Current policies are stifling Nigeria’s universities. Reforms are needed to safeguard academic freedom and ensure the quality of education.

OptimisticScholar proudly congratulates Professor Ayodeji Oludare Omole on the outstanding presentation of his Inaugural Lecture at the University of Ibadan. Your dedication and contributions to forestry research, higher education, and unionism were clearly demonstrated, marking a significant milestone in your esteemed academic career. This achievement reflects your tireless efforts and serves as an inspiration to us all. Congratulations.
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Source/Credit: Information and images provided by the UI Directorate of Public Communications, sourced from the University of Ibadan’s official Facebook page.