INTRODUCTION

Forestry and Wildlife Management is one of the most important and fast-growing environmental science courses in Nigerian universities today. As the world becomes increasingly aware of climate change, biodiversity loss, deforestation, food insecurity, and the rapid extinction of species, professionals trained in managing forests, conserving ecosystems, and protecting wildlife have become invaluable.In Nigeria, the course is offered by selected universities under Faculties of Agriculture, Environmental Sciences, Renewable Natural Resources, or Biological Sciences. A graduate of Forestry and Wildlife Management is trained to understand the interaction of plants, animals, ecosystems, soils, water resources, climate, and human activities.The discipline is both scientific and practical, combining fieldwork, laboratory analysis, GIS mapping, wildlife ecology, silviculture, environmental policy, climate science, and conservation management.This comprehensive guide explains everything you need to know—from JAMB requirements, O’level subjects, Direct Entry, career opportunities, postgraduate pathways, and universities that offer the course, to the full professional journey from undergraduate level to becoming a professor or high-ranking global wildlife expert.

1. JAMB SUBJECT COMBINATIONS FOR FORESTRY AND WILDLIFE MANAGEMENT

To study Forestry and Wildlife Management in any accredited Nigerian university, you must register the correct subject combination in UTME. Below is the official JAMB subject combination:

Compulsory JAMB Subjects

1. English Language (compulsory for all courses)
2. Biology
3. Chemistry
4. Either one of:
   • Agriculture
   • Mathematics
   • Geography
   • Physics

Best recommended combination for high chances of admission:

• English
• Biology
• Chemistry
• Agriculture or Geography

This combination gives applicants an additional advantage because the course is largely environmental-agricultural in nature.

2. O’LEVEL REQUIREMENTS FOR FORESTRY AND WILDLIFE MANAGEMENT

For WAEC, NECO, or GCE, candidates must have five (5) credit passes in relevant subjects.

Core O’Level Subjects Required

Candidates must obtain credit-level passes in the following:

1. English Language
2. Mathematics
3. Biology
4. Chemistry
5. Any one of:
   • Agriculture
   • Geography
   • Physics
   • Economics

Key Notes

• Biology and Chemistry are compulsory in almost every university.
• Some universities accept Credit in Agricultural Science, but most still prefer Biology.
• A pass in Physics may be accepted by some schools, but credit is better.

3. DIRECT ENTRY REQUIREMENTS FOR FORESTRY AND WILDLIFE MANAGEMENT

Candidates who wish to gain 200-level admission through Direct Entry must meet any of the following:

A. A-Level Requirements

Candidates must possess A-level passes in at least two of:

• Biology/Zoology
• Chemistry
• Physics
• Geography
• Mathematics

B. ND/NCE Requirements

• Lower Credit or Upper Credit NDin:
  • Forestry
  • Agriculture
  • Wildlife Management
  • Environmental Science
  • Animal Health
  • Crop Science
  • Horticulture
  • Fishery
  • Science Laboratory Technology (SLT) (some universities accept this)
• NCE in Agricultural Science or Biology with good grades.

C. HND Admission

Some universities admit HND applicants into:

• 300 level (rare)
• 200 level (most common)
• 100 level (if CGPA is low or course is not closely related)

4. JAMB CUT-OFF MARKS FOR FORESTRY AND WILDLIFE MANAGEMENT

Cut-off marks vary by university and year.

General JAMB Cut-off Mark (Unified Minimum):

• 160 – 180 for most universities.

Competitive Universities May Set 200–220, especially if they are known for environmental or agricultural sciences.

Post-UTME departmental cut-off:

Most universities use a combination of:

• JAMB score
• Post-UTME score
• O’level results
• Catchment area advantage

Average departmental cut-off ranges:

To be on the safe side, scoring 200+ in JAMB gives higher chances of admission.

5. COURSE DURATION

The duration of the degree program depends on the mode of entry:

• UTME (JAMB) Students: 4 years
• Direct Entry Students (ND/NCE): 3 years
• HND Holders: 2–3 years (depending on level of entry)

During the period of study, students take part in:

• Field trips
• Practical forestry projects
• Industrial Training (SIWES)
• Field mapping
• Wildlife observation
• Laboratory techniques
• Research work and thesis (final year project)

6. WHAT STUDENTS STUDY IN FORESTRY AND WILDLIFE MANAGEMENT

The curriculum is wide, interdisciplinary, and practical. Courses include:

Forestry Areas

• Silviculture
• Agroforestry
• Wood science and technology
• Forest mensuration
• Forest economics
• Forest ecology
• Plantation forestry
• Environmental management
• Forest resources measurement
• GIS and remote sensing
• Climate-smart agriculture
• Soil science
• Forest policy and law

Wildlife Areas

• Wildlife ecology
• Mammalogy
• Ornithology
• Herpetology
• Wetland management
• Conservation biology
• Range management
• Zoology
• Habitat analysis
• Wildlife nutrition
• Environmental toxicology
• Game reserves and park management

Students also learn:

• Research methods
• Statistics
• Environmental impact assessment (EIA)
• Fisheries science
• Natural resource management
• Climate change studies

7. UNIVERSITIES OFFERING FORESTRY AND WILDLIFE MANAGEMENT IN NIGERIA

Here is an updated list of Nigerian universities offering the course:

Federal Universities

1. University of Ibadan (UI) – Forestry, Wildlife & Fisheries
2. University of Uyo (UNIUYO)
3. University of Lagos (UNILAG) – related programs
4. University of Calabar (UNICAL) – Forestry & Wildlife Resources
5. Federal University of Agriculture, Abeokuta (FUNAAB)
6. Federal University of Technology, Akure (FUTA)
7. Federal University of Technology, Minna
8. Michael Okpara University of Agriculture, Umudike (MOUAU)
9. Modibbo Adama University of Technology (MAUTECH)
10. University of Ilorin (UNILORIN)
11. University of Port Harcourt (UNIPORT) – related programs
12. Nnamdi Azikiwe University (UNIZIK) – related program under Natural Sciences

(Note: some schools list it as Forest Resources Management or Wildlife & Ecotourism)

State Universities

1. Cross River University of Technology (CRUTECH)
2. Osun State University (UNIOSUN)
3. Akwa Ibom State University (AKSU)
4. Delta State University (DELSU)
5. Ekiti State University (EKSU)
6. Bauchi State University
7. Taraba State University
8. Benue State University
9. Imo State University (IMSU) – related course
10. Rivers State University (RSU) – Agric/Environmental options

Private Universities Offering Related Programs

Though few private universities offer the exact course, some have:

• Forestry
• Environmental Management
• Wildlife and Ecotourism

Examples:

• Bowen University
• Lead City University
• Landmark University (Agriculture)

8. POSTGRADUATE REQUIREMENTS FOR FORESTRY AND WILDLIFE MANAGEMENT

After B.Sc., students may proceed to postgraduate studies:

A. Postgraduate Diploma (PGD)

Requirements:

• HND or B.Sc. (Third Class or Pass) in a related field.

This is a conversion program for students who want to move into advanced forestry or wildlife studies.

B. Master’s Degree (M.Sc. or M.Agric or M.Tech)

Admission Requirements:

• B.Sc. in Forestry, Wildlife, Biology, Agriculture, Ecology, or related fields.
• Minimum of Second Class Lower Division.
• Research proposal may be required.
• Entrance exam/interview for some schools.

Master’s programs include specializations in:

• Forest Ecology
• Silviculture
• Wood Science
• Wildlife Conservation
• Biodiversity Management
• Environmental Management
• Natural Resource Economics

Duration: 1–2 years

C. Doctor of Philosophy (PhD)

Requirements:

• Master’s degree in a relevant field
• Good academic standing (minimum CGPA often above 4.0/5.0 or equivalent)
• Strong research proposal
• Interview assessment

Research areas include:

• Climate change adaptation
• Sustainable forest management
• Wildlife conservation strategies
• Ecosystem restoration
• Landscape ecology
• Forest biotechnology
• Biodiversity informatics

Duration: 3–5 yearsGraduates become:

• University lecturers
• Environmental scientists
• Global conservation experts
• Authors and policy consultants
• National and international researchers

9. CAREER OPPORTUNITIES FOR GRADUATES OF FORESTRY AND WILDLIFE MANAGEMENT

This course opens more opportunities than many students realize. Graduates work in:

A. Government Ministries and Agencies

• Federal Ministry of Environment
• Federal Ministry of Agriculture
• National Park Service
• National Agency for Great Green Wall (NAGGW)
• Forestry Research Institute of Nigeria (FRIN)
• Nigerian Conservation Foundation (NCF)
• State Forestry Departments
• Local Government Environmental Units

B. International Organizations

Graduates work for global bodies such as:

• United Nations Environment Programme (UNEP)
• Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO)
• International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN)
• World Wildlife Fund (WWF)
• African Wildlife Foundation (AWF)
• Conservation International
• Global Biodiversity Information Facility (GBIF)

These jobs offer high salaries and global mobility.

C. Private Sector Opportunities

• Ecotourism companies
• Environmental consulting firms
• Timber and wood processing industries
• Wildlife reserves and game ranches
• Agricultural companies
• Climate change consultancy firms
• Environmental NGOs

D. Academic & Research Careers

Graduates may become:

• University lecturers
• Wildlife researchers
• Forestry scientists
• Climate researchers
• Field ecologists
• Conservation geneticists

E. Entrepreneurship Opportunities

A trained forester or wildlife manager can open:

• Forest plantation business
• Beekeeping and honey production
• Ecotourism ventures
• Environmental consultancy
• Agroforestry farms
• Environmental impact assessment (EIA) consultancy
• Nurseries and horticulture businesses
• Animal breeding and conservation centers

F. Emerging Careers Due to Climate Change

Because of global warming and biodiversity loss, graduates are also sought as:

• Carbon-credit consultants
• Climate-smart agriculture experts
• GIS and Remote Sensing Analysts
• Renewable natural resources advisors
• Urban forestry professionals
• Environmental auditors
• Disaster risk reduction specialists

10. WHY STUDY FORESTRY AND WILDLIFE MANAGEMENT?

1. High Global Demand

Worldwide, jobs in forestry, climate science, and conservation are expanding rapidly.

2. Growth of the Green Economy

The world is moving toward sustainability, renewable energy, and forest management.

3. Job Security

Environmental science professions are among the most recession-proof.

4. Opportunities Abroad

Countries like Canada, Australia, US, Germany, Norway, and Sweden actively recruit forestry and wildlife experts.

5. Opportunity for Research and Innovation

Graduates contribute to:

• Climate change solutions
• Biodiversity conservation
• Forest regeneration
• Environmental policy

6. Meaningful Work

You help protect the planet.

11. PROFESSIONAL CERTIFICATIONS FOR FORESTRY AND WILDLIFE MANAGERS

Graduates can obtain certifications to boost their CV, such as:

• GIS & Remote Sensing Certification
• Environmental Impact Assessment (EIA) Certification
• Forest Management Certification
• Wildlife Rehabilitation Certification
• Climate Change Certifications
• Environmental Data Analytics Certification

12. SALARY EXPECTATIONS IN NIGERIA AND ABROAD

In Nigeria

• Entry-level: ₦80,000 – ₦200,000 per month
• Specialized or government roles: ₦200,000 – ₦500,000
• Consultancy: ₦300,000 – ₦1,500,000 per project
• NGO/International roles: often above ₦400,000 – ₦1,000,000 monthly

Abroad

• $40,000 – $120,000 annually (depending on country and specialization)
• PhD researchers earn significantly more

13. DOES FORESTRY AND WILDLIFE MANAGEMENT HAVE A GOOD FUTURE IN NIGERIA?

Yes. Reasons:

• Nigeria is undergoing reforestation programs.
• Wildlife degradation is on the rise, so experts are needed.
• Government now invests in environmental jobs.
• Climate change is creating many new opportunities.
• International organizations fund many environmental projects in Nigeria.

14. IS MATHEMATICS COMPULSORY FOR FORESTRY AND WILDLIFE MANAGEMENT?

• No, Mathematics is NOT a compulsory JAMB subject, but it must be in your O’Level.
• Biology and Chemistry are more important.

15. BEST UNIVERSITIES TO STUDY FORESTRY AND WILDLIFE MANAGEMENT IN NIGERIA

Based on facility, research quality, lecturer expertise, and global ranking:

1. University of Ibadan (UI)
2. FUNAAB
3. UNICAL
4. FUTA
5. MOUAU
6. UNIUYO
7. CRUTECH

CONCLUSION

Forestry and Wildlife Management is one of the most powerful, impactful, and future-driven courses Nigeria needs today. It blends environmental science, wildlife conservation, agriculture, climate change, and sustainable development into one strong, career-rich discipline.Whether you wish to transition into global conservation bodies, become a climate-change specialist, work with wildlife, or contribute to forest management and sustainability, this course offers a strong foundation.Choosing Forestry and Wildlife Management guarantees:

• Global relevance
• Employability
• Research opportunities
• International mobility
• Entrepreneurship options
• And a chance to protect the environment