A wood scientist, Dr. Olayiwola Ajala, has said that efficient utilisation of forest resources could support diverse industries, generate employment, strengthen rural livelihoods, and contribute meaningfully to economic growth.
Ajala, an Associate Professor of Wood Science and Utilisation at the Federal College of Forestry, Ibadan, stated this while delivering a valedictory lecture organised by the college in his honour on Thursday, as he retires from active service.
The lecture, titled “From Waste to Wealth: Reflections on Sustainable Wood Utilisation and National Development,” examined how forest resources can be effectively harnessed for national economic growth.
Ajala said the concept of transforming waste into wealth embodies a broader philosophy of resource efficiency, aimed at maximising utility while minimising environmental impact.
He lamented that despite Nigeria’s abundant forests, wood resources are often underutilised or wasted.
“In many developing countries, including Nigeria, large quantities of residues from logging, sawmilling, and processing are discarded or burned, contributing little or nothing to economic growth.
“Within forestry and wood processing systems, materials such as sawdust, offcuts, and other by-products are often overlooked, despite their potential value.
“Some people burn them indiscriminately, contributing to environmental pollution and greenhouse gas emissions.
“Through scientific inquiry, technological innovation, and thoughtful management, these materials can be converted into products of considerable economic and social significance.
“In the context of sustainable forestry, every portion of a tree possesses inherent value,” he said.
Ajala called for increased research into how wood resources and their residues can be transformed into valuable products that support sustainable development and national prosperity.
He added that research in wood science must increasingly focus on technologies that convert residues into engineered wood products, composites, laminated structures, and other value-added applications.
These innovations, he said, would not only redefine the boundary between waste and resources but also have significant implications for national development.
“Ultimately, the story of sustainable wood utilisation is one of possibilities: transforming overlooked materials into valuable resources, linking scientific knowledge with industrial application, and advancing national development through responsible resource management,” he said.
According to him, sustainable wood use depends on continuous technological innovation in processing methods and product development.
“With increasing global demand for wood products, there is a growing need for efficient technologies that enhance material performance, reduce processing losses, and maximise the value derived from available forest resources,” he said.
Ajala also decried increasing deforestation and the conversion of forest reserves into housing estates in some states, describing it as a ticking time bomb that could lead to flooding and other environmental disasters if not urgently addressed.
He further lamented the worsening security situation and the takeover of forest reserves by bandits.
Ajala said many forest reserves have become inaccessible to stakeholders in the forestry value chain and appealed to the government and security agencies to urgently address the situation.
Earlier, Dr. Ibraheem Lawal, Provost of the Federal College of Forestry, Ibadan, said the maiden valedictory lecture series of the college was conceived as an enduring academic tradition.
He said the initiative provides a structured forum for retiring academics to reflect on their lifetime research contributions and share critical insights from decades of scholarship.
According to him, this would enable them to transfer valuable technical knowledge, methodologies, data resources, professional networks, and institutional experience to colleagues and younger scholars.
“This initiative is also designed to celebrate and honour distinguished academic staff whose work has contributed to the advancement of forestry science, environmental sustainability, and national development.
“In doing so, we hope to capture and preserve the intellectual heritage of our institution for future generations,” the provost said.
It was reported that Ajala joined the Federal College of Forestry, Ibadan, on May 2, 2001, as a wood scientist and has served the institution in various capacities.
