…As Senators promise to look into exclusion of monotechnics as beneficiaries of TETFund
By Adeyinka Adeniran
The Federal Government on Thursday reiterated it’s commitment to environmental protection and sustainable development, saying it is investing in education and researches to achieving the goals.
In this wise, the FG said plans are ongoing to upgrade the Federal College of Forestry Ibadan and Jos into degree awarding institute as parts of investments in programs that support forestry education and research initiatives.
The Minister of Environment, Balarabe Lawal made the disclosure while speaking at the 85th Anniversary ceremony of the Federal College of Forestry, Ibadan and the fund-raising of N500million for the construction of a multipurpose hall.
While commending the management and staff of the College for upholding the virtues and reputation as a centre of excellence in providing students with the tools and knowledge needed to tackle pressing environmental challenges, the Minister charged the leadership of the College to expand her good works in combating deforestation, mitigating climate change, and promoting sustainable forestry practices in Nigeria.
He said “As we commemorate this milestone, we reflect on the rich history of the college and its pivotal role in promoting sustainable forestry practices in Nigeria. Over the decades, this institution has produced experts who have not only contributed to the academic field but have also played significant roles in policy-making and environmental conservation across the nation.
“I am charging you today to expand your good works in combating deforestation, mitigating climate change, and promoting sustainable forestry practices in Nigeria. The future of our environment and forests lie in your hands, and I am confident that you will rise to the challenge.
“The government remains committed to environmental protection and sustainable development. We recognize the importance of education and research in achieving these goals. As such, we are investing in programs that support forestry education and research initiatives.
“Also, plans are ongoing to upgrade the Federal College of forestry Ibadan and Jos into degree awarding institute. Together, we can develop policies that promote sustainable practices while ensuring the livelihoods of communities that depend on forestry.”
This is as Senator Yunus Akintunde (Oyo Central) assures of the readiness of the National Assembly to look into the issue of exclusion of the Monotechnic as beneficiaries of the Tertiary Education Trust Fund and other related matters.
Senator Akintunde who is the Chairman, House Committee on Environment gave the assurance in response to the requests of the Provost of Federal College of Forest, Ibadan, Dr. Ibraheem Lawal who made the passionate appeal to the stakeholders.
The Senator who noted that the matter would be tabled on the floor of the Senate for consideration however added that in as much the Federal government is ready to play its role in supporting the Institute to achieve its set goal, the management should look inward on how to generate revenue.
According to him, “Some of the issues bothering on funding as presented by the Provost will be tabled on the floor of the Senate for consideration.
In his remarks, the Deputy Governor of Oyo State, Bayo Lawal who was the spexial guest of honor urged the Federal Government to put in place necessary mechanisms that would promote continuous tree planting system and other environmental health practises to address challenges of flooding and environmental degradation.
While stressing the need for people to help nature, so nature could in turn help the people the Deputy Governor cautioned against indiscriminate felling of trees, urging Nigerians to be circumspect with regards to treatment of the nation’s forest if stakeholders intended to explore the benefit of the sector to provide pharmaceutical support.
Also speaking the Director General, Forestry Research Institute of Nigeria, Dr Zacharia Yaduma said the Federal College of Forestry, Ibadan is the Premier College of Forestry in Sub-Sahara Africa with the mandate to train middle-level manpower for the Forestry and Agricultural sub-sector of the economy.
He added that for over eight decades, the college has trained over ten thousand students in forestry and agriculture related courses of which some of them are now captain of industries, Director General of relevant agencies, Director of Forestry of Agriculture at state and Federal level, academia, consultants and those occupying high ranking positions in International Organizations (UNESCO, UNDP, FAO, WORLD Bank, IFAD) and a host of other places not only in Nigeria but in Cameroun, Liberia, Gambia, Sierra Leone etc.
Speaking earlier, the Provost of the College, Dr Ibraheem Lawal despite the age, experience and quality of experts deployed to the College by FRIN, the College have the potential to contribute more meaningfully to efforts at mitigating climate change, controlling the hazards of flooding and reducing the cost of medicines through scientifically researched and controlled herbal preparatious using None-Timber Forest Products (NTFPS), thereby boosting the economy and health sector.
He however said a major drawback to the achievement is inadequate funding, appealing that the College should be reabsorbed into the Tertiary Education Trust Fund (TETFund) scheme.
He recounted that although, the College had benefitted from the scheme in time past, it was discontinued over a decade ago, adding “This has certainly slowed down the College’s research and teaching activities as well as infrastructural development.”
Highpoint of the event was the presentation of award to deserving individuals from various spheres of human endeavours for the their contributions to human development.
The awarded includes: Oyo State Deputy Governor, Bayo Lawal, Chief Debo Oladejo, Senators Yunus Akintunde (Oyo Central), Sharafadeen Alli (Oyo South), Dotun Sanusi, Chief Salmon Oladiti among others.
