A Professor of Forest Inventory and Ecology at the Federal University of Technology, Akure (FUTA), Prof. Victor Adekunle, has raised concern over the uncontrolled exploitation of Nigeria’s forest resources through timber extraction, farming, mining, and indiscriminate housing development within protected areas.
Delivering FUTA’s 186th inaugural lecture titled “The Nigerian Unprotected Protected Areas: Forest Conservation and Assessment, the Conditio Sine Qua Non,” on October 28, 2025, Prof. Adekunle called for stricter enforcement of protected area laws and improved regulation of forest preservation.
He lamented that illegal activities in protected areas are undermining their purpose and causing severe environmental hazards such as flooding, desertification, pollution, and wildlife loss.
Adekunle noted that protected areas are vital geographical spaces legally set aside for the conservation of nature, carbon storage, and biodiversity protection. He highlighted their critical role in achieving the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), stressing that forests provide livelihoods, raw materials, and environmental stability.
“Forests and forest-based activities offer gainful employment, reduce poverty, and support education, healthcare, and research,” he said.
The don recommended promoting sustainable agricultural and forestry practices, including selective logging, reforestation, smart agriculture, and agroforestry. He also urged government regulation of the reckless expansion of residential estates, insisting such lands should be used for agriculture rather than encroaching on natural forests.
Prof. Adekunle further called for the establishment of a Nigerian Institute of Chartered Foresters (NICF) to professionalize forest management, enforce stricter penalties for violators, and review outdated forest laws.
He also proposed that FUTA and other universities set up Campus Tree Management Committees (CTMCs) to oversee tree conservation and organize regular tree planting for biodiversity preservation.
In her remarks, the Vice-Chancellor, Prof. Adenike Oladiji, who chaired the event, commended the lecturer for an engaging and insightful presentation, describing him as a passionate scholar whose work continues to inspire students and colleagues.
