electra-supply.comKemi Olaitanin Ibadan
Dr. Ibrahim Lawal, the Provost of the Federal College of Forestry in Ibadan, has emphasized the need to include monotechnics nationwide as beneficiaries of the Tertiary Education Trust Fund (TETFund) to support research and infrastructural development.
In a recent press conference in Ibadan, held in conjunction with the college’s 85th anniversary and the 76th-83rd combined convocation ceremony, Dr. Lawal argued that it is unjust to exclude monotechnics from TETFund support.
He stated that with sufficient funding, many of the health sector challenges facing the country could be effectively addressed. Dr. Lawal highlighted that the Federal College of Forestry has developed specific courses aimed at tackling terminal illnesses and environmental issues. He believes that introducing subjects such as Bio-Science, Indigenous Knowledge Science, and Bio-Technology is timely and will greatly benefit students by teaching them the value and applications of herbal medicine.
“There is a pressing need for the federal government to recognize monotechnics as beneficiaries of TETFund. Providing support to these institutions would significantly enhance educational offerings and ensure that students receive the best possible training, particularly in our college, which is dedicated to addressing environmental concerns in Nigeria,” he stated.
He continued, “We are rolling out programs designed to educate students on various subjects, including the significance of herbal medicine and the importance of community care. Investing in research on herbal medicine can alleviate the burden posed by the high costs of conventional pharmaceuticals.”
Dr. Lawal also shared that students are being trained to confront environmental challenges and explore solutions for combating climate change, including strategies to reduce flooding and deforestation in the country.
Looking ahead to the convocation ceremony, Dr. Lawal announced that former President Olusegun Obasanjo, who he referred to as a forester, will deliver the anniversary lecture titled, “85th Year of Nurturing Nature: The Legacy and Future of Forestry Education in Nigeria.” He also noted that distinguished alumni would be honored with awards during the event.
The six-day celebration, which kicked off with a Jumat service last Friday, will include departmental exhibitions and a novelty match, concluding with the convocation and a fundraising ceremony on Thursday.
“We certainly have every reason to celebrate the college as it marks its 85th anniversary. Many prominent figures, advocates for the environment, and those who understand the critical importance of preserving our forests will join us. They know that ‘when the last tree dies, the last man on earth dies as well,’” Dr. Lawal remarked.
