EWM

Historical Background of the Department of Ecotourism and Wildlife Management

Ecotourism and Wildlife Management was born out of the need to train high level manpower for the nation’s Ecotourism and Wildlife Resources Management.

The Department was established in 2007 following the report of verification panel from National University Commission that gave the approval. This led to the splitting of the Department of Fisheries and Wildlife, one of the pioneering Departments in the School of Agriculture and Agricultural Technology since the University took off in 1982

The pioneering academic staff of the Department were Late Prof. T.A. Afolayan as Head of Department, Prof. E.A. Agbelusi, Prof. A.I. Adeyemo, Dr. (Mrs) B.N. Ejidike, Dr. B.G. Ogunjemite, Mr. O.O. Owolabi and Mr. S.O. Oladeji while other non-teaching staff were Mr. M. Sumonu Ogunmodede (Chief Technologist), Mrs C. Akinsuyi (Secretary).

The Department took off with forty five (45) students on the roll for 2008/2009 academic session.

The Department has therefore positioned herself to offer innovative ideas and programmes geared towards self-reliance. This is in line with the philosophy of the Federal University of Technology, Akure as a centre of excellence, epitomized by high quality programmes, products and contributions to the society.

The Department provides enabling environment for goal- oriented research in Ecotourisim, Wildlife, Environmental Protection and Management relevant to the country’s need in general and local needs in particular.

Products of the department are professionally trained in sound areas of agricultural science with specialization in Wildlife and Ecotourism. Therefore, employment opportunities abound in all areas of Agriculture, Biodiversity Conservation, Ecotourisim, Recreation environment, Environmental Protection and Management. Above all, the products are capable of self reliance and motivation for employment of labour.