B. Agric. Forestry and Wildlife

Colleges and Faculties > College of Agricultural Sciences (CAS) > Faculty of Agricultural Production and Renewable Resources (FAPRER) > Department of Fisheries, Forestry and Wildlife Production > B. Agric. Forestry and Wildlife

Our Bachelor of Agriculture (B. Agric.) Forestry and Wildlife course is designed for students who care deeply about nature, the environment, and the sustainable use of natural resources. Suppose you want to understand how forests and wildlife ecosystems are managed, protected, and utilised for human benefit without harming the environment. In that case, this programme offers you a solid foundation in environmental and resource management sciences.

Course Overview

The programme runs for five years (or four years for Direct Entry students). It blends core agricultural and biological sciences with applied forestry, wildlife ecology, and natural resource management. You will learn how to manage forests for timber and non-timber products, conserve wildlife habitats, and restore degraded ecosystems. The programme also focuses on environmental sustainability, biodiversity conservation, and climate change adaptation.

Through lectures, field trips, laboratory work, and practical field training, you will gain the technical knowledge and real-world skills required to manage forests, wildlife reserves, and conservation areas. By the time you graduate, you will be ready to work in forestry services, conservation organisations, research institutions, or private environmental consultancies — or to advance your studies in forestry, ecology, or environmental management.

Course Curriculum

The curriculum follows the Core Curriculum and Minimum Academic Standards (CCMAS) of the National Universities Commission (NUC). It combines theoretical instruction with extensive field practice and research.

You begin with general courses in agriculture and basic sciences:

  1. Principles of Agriculture
  2. General Biology, Chemistry, and Physics
  3. Mathematics and Statistics for Agriculture
  4. Communication in English
  5. Nigerian Peoples and Culture

At this stage, you start building a foundation in forestry and wildlife sciences:

  1. Principles of Forestry and Wildlife Management
  2. Dendrology and Forest Botany
  3. Forest Ecology and Environment
  4. Introduction to Soil Science
  5. Agricultural Biochemistry
  6. Computer Applications in Agriculture

You now apply your learning to real-life forest and wildlife systems:

  1. Silviculture and Forest Nursery Techniques
  2. Forest Mensuration and Inventory
  3. Wildlife Ecology and Conservation
  4. Agroforestry Systems
  5. Range and Pasture Management
  6. Research Methods in Forestry and Wildlife

This stage focuses on the management, utilisation, and conservation of resources:

  1. Forest Management and Planning
  2. Forest Products and Utilisation
  3. Wildlife Management and Habitat Development
  4. Environmental Impact Assessment
  5. Forest Policy and Legislation
  6. Fieldwork and Industrial Training (SIWES)

In your final year, you integrate knowledge through advanced courses and field experience:

  1. Forest Economics and Resource Valuation
  2. Sustainable Forest and Wildlife Management
  3. Environmental Management and Climate Change
  4. Conservation Biology
  5. Research Project in Forestry and Wildlife

The Student Industrial Work Experience Scheme (SIWES) and field training are vital components, allowing you to apply your skills in forest reserves, national parks, and conservation agencies.

Entry Requirements

Admission into the B. Agric. Forestry and Wildlife programme can be through the Unified Tertiary Matriculation Examination (UTME) or Direct Entry:

1. UTME Entry (Five-Year Programme):

  1. You must have five credit passes in the Senior School Certificate Examination (SSCE) or its equivalent, obtained at not more than two sittings. The required subjects include English Language, Mathematics, Chemistry, Biology or Agricultural Science, and one other relevant subject such as Physics, Geography, or Economics.
  2. You must sit for the UTME with the correct subject combination: English Language, Chemistry, Biology or Agricultural Science, and one of Mathematics, Physics, or Economics.
  3. You must also pass the University’s Post-UTME screening exercise.

2. Direct Entry (Four-Year Programme):

  1. You may be admitted into 200 Level with passes at the GCE Advanced Level (A-Level) or its equivalent in at least two of the following: Biology, Chemistry, Physics, Mathematics, or Agricultural Science.
  2. Candidates holding National Diploma (ND), Higher National Diploma (HND), or equivalent qualifications in Forestry, Wildlife, or related agricultural fields may also be considered, provided they meet the O’Level requirements.

Why study at OOU?

The course provides a rare opportunity to study the relationship between people, forests, and wildlife in a way that balances economic growth with environmental preservation.

Our programme trains you to understand and manage forest ecosystems and wildlife habitats while promoting conservation and sustainable utilisation of natural resources. You will learn from qualified lecturers who are specialists in forestry, ecology, and environmental management.

Through field excursions, laboratory work, and the Student Industrial Work Experience Scheme (SIWES), you will gain practical exposure to forest reserves, wildlife parks, and conservation projects. You will also learn how to conduct environmental assessments and apply technology to solve real environmental challenges.

This course empowers you to play an active role in tackling deforestation, biodiversity loss, and climate change — preparing you for a career that contributes to the planet’s sustainability.

Research Project

In your final year, you will complete a supervised research project in Forestry and Wildlife. This project allows you to explore practical and scientific issues such as forest regeneration, wildlife conservation, biodiversity management, or the effects of human activities on forest ecosystems.

You will learn to design experiments, collect and analyse field data, and present findings that can guide environmental policy or resource management decisions. This project not only enhances your research and analytical skills but also positions you to contribute meaningfully to sustainable forestry and wildlife conservation in Nigeria and beyond.

Graduation Requirements

Academic Requirements

To graduate with a Bachelor of Agriculture (B. Agric.) degree in Forestry and Wildlife, you must:

  1. Complete at least five academic sessions (or four for Direct Entry students).
  2. Pass all compulsory and elective courses as outlined in the approved curriculum.
  3. Accumulate the minimum credit units required for graduation, including those earned from general studies, farm practice, and the Student Industrial Work Experience Scheme (SIWES).
  4. Undertake and successfully defend a supervised final year research project in Forestry or Wildlife.
  5. Maintain good academic standing and discipline, complying fully with university regulations.

Grading and Degree Classification

Your final degree classification is determined by your Cumulative Grade Point Average (CGPA), as outlined in the university’s approved grading system:

Upon fulfilling all academic and procedural requirements, you will be awarded the B.Agric. Forestry and Wildlife, a degree recognised for its strong foundation in ecosystem management, sustainable forest utilisation, wildlife conservation, and the practical skills needed to support environmental stewardship and biodiversity protection.

Career Opportunities

A degree in Forestry and Wildlife opens up numerous professional paths in environmental and natural resource management, conservation, and research. You may pursue careers such as:

  1. Forest Officer or Conservator
  2. Wildlife Conservation Officer
  3. Environmental Impact Assessment Consultant
  4. National Park Ranger or Ecologist
  5. Forestry Research Scientist
  6. Agroforestry and Land-Use Management Specialist
  7. Policy Advisor in Natural Resource Management
  8. Entrepreneur in sustainable forestry, ecotourism, or non-timber forest products

You will be well-prepared to work with government agencies, private environmental consultancies, international conservation organisations, or research institutions. This course also provides a strong foundation for postgraduate studies in forestry, ecology, or environmental management.

How to Apply?

1. UTME Entry (Five-Year Programme):

  1. Register for the Unified Tertiary Matriculation Examination (UTME) through the Joint Admissions and Matriculation Board (JAMB).
  2. Choose Forestry and Wildlife as your course of study and select the University as your first choice.
  3. Sit for the UTME with the subject combination: English Language, Chemistry, Biology or Agricultural Science, and one of Mathematics, Physics, or Economics.
  4. Apply for and pass the University’s Post-UTME screening exercise.

2. Direct Entry (Four-Year Programme):

  1. Apply through JAMB Direct Entry, selecting Forestry and Wildlife.
  2. Provide A-Level passes or equivalent qualifications such as National Diploma (ND) or Higher National Diploma (HND) in Forestry, Wildlife, or related agricultural fields.
  3. Participate in the University’s screening process and upload all required credentials.

Course Coordinator

The programme is managed by academic staff in the Department of Forestry and Wildlife, Faculty of Agricultural Production and Renewable Resources.

Contact Information:

Course Overview

  1. Next Admission Process
  2. Current Academic Year
  3. Associated programmes = Undergraduate
  4. Course Duration = 5 Years
  5. Degree = Bachelor of Agriculture (B.Agric.)
  6. Department = Department of Fisheries, Forestry and Wildlife Production 
  7. Course Type = Full Time
  8. Course Delivery = On campus
  9. Location = Faculty of Agricultural Production and Renewable Resources, Ayetoro Campus
  10. Scholarship opportunities