As the new dawn breaks at Federal College of Forestry, Ibadan the appointment of Ibraheem Oduola Lawal (Ph.D) FFAN holds a fresh era of transformative leadership and innovation.
Dr. Ibraheem Oduola Lawal who assumed the mantel of leadership on September,2024 as the Provost of Federal College of Forestry, Ibadan is poised to soar the new heights of academic distinction and excellence.
Now the Federal College of Forestry, Ibadan stands at the threshold of a new era of progress and development as Dr. Lawal brings visionary leadership and expertise to the helm.
Federal College of Forestry Ibadan being the first established College of Forestry Research Institute of Nigeria (FRIN) and in Sub-Saharan Africa is experiencing drastic transformation in the aspect of academic activities, research, welfarism of both staff and students, infrastructure etc. which the entire College community were clamoring for.
In his less than a year in the office, the goal driven leader has taken the College to a greater height by solving the electricity challenge in the College in which he provided power plant to supplement the general electric power supply. Under the administration of Dr. Ibraheem Lawal, is the set up of a Research Hub tagged “IMO” in Yoruba language (meaning knowledge) for staff and students to have unstoppable research base conducive environment, he further set up a solar plant for the Research Centre to have 24 hour power supply and free internet access for efficient research activities.
In Dr. Lawal’s administration, the College is undergoing a state of structural rehabilitation such as: the renovation of hostels for students to have a conducive living place, on going building of office complex for various departments within the College, resetting of offices and work stations that will enhance effective work performance.
Never the less, the uncommon leader has made provision for staff quarters to meet the need of staff demands, making funds available for staff training and capacity building, resetting up of Consult Unit for business transaction so as to increase the Internally Generated Revenue (IGR) in the College, setting up of farmers market within the College to make Agricultural produce available for staff and students at affordable prices in order to cushion the effect of incessant hike in prices of food commodities in Nigeria as part of staff welfarism in his administration.
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He has introduced new courses into the school curriculum, provision of an acre of land for student farm practical, organizing field trips for students to enhance their learning experiences etc.
Indeed, Dr. Ibraheem Lawal with his visionary leadership skill has set a tone for a transformation era in the history of Federal College of Forestry, Ibadan not only as the emerged Provost, but also a one time student of the College who bagged his National Diploma (ND) in Forestry Technology department of the College in 1999.
Not only has he ended his transformation agenda to only FCF community, but also extended it to Oyo state in which the College is domiciled and as a true son of Ibadan soil, he collaborated with the Oyo State Government in training 330 farmers and youths across the 33 Local Government Area of Oyo state which aimed to empower them with the knowledge and skills needed to thrive in agricultural innovations and economic growth of the state’s Agricultural sector as Agriculture plays a vital role in socioeconomic of any state. He also organized a free Board Game Tournament to Secondary school students between the age of 9 to 13 years across Ibadan metropolis which took place in Federal College of Forestry, Ibadan.
It cannot be forgotten in a hurry that Dr. Ibraheem Lawal before his assumption into the office as the Provost, was a Director of Bio Medicinal department in Forestry Research Institute of Nigeria (FRIN). Then, during his position as the Director, Bio Medicinal, he made a tremendous impact such as producing herbal medicine to curb the COVID-19 pandemic which was of high value, he has produced other Bio-Medicinal products to cure hypertension, diabetics, infertility, malaria, cough and other health challenges which he left a remarkable footprint.
The Research Prowess has developed so much interest in the Bio Medicinal of forest resources which earned him a Doctor of Philosophy in Phytomedicine/ Ethnobotany, University of Forte Hare, South Africa in 2015. Recently, Dr. Lawal has been inaugurated as a member of Ministerial Committee on Commercialization of Phytomedicine Value Chain in Nigeria.
Dr Lawal has a track record of being a team player with enviable administrative ideas and creativity in leadership. With his wealth of experience, there is no iota of doubt that the Provost will advance the frontiers of Federal College of Forestry, Ibadan in leaps and bounds.
The Visionary Leader is still under one year in office so far, he is leading the entire College community into a new era of Growth, Innovation, Welfarism and Excellence.
Without prejudice, Dr. Ibraheem Lawal with his good leadership skill has so much engaged in a two-way communication skill, he encourages open dialogue, active listening and feedback among staff and students. He considers the needs and preferences of staff and students and also encourages staff to engage in decision –making and suggest ideas. By so doing, he has made all the staff under his leadership to take ownership of their work. As such, he has so much motivated the staff to perform their best compared to the time past.
It can be recalled that in one of his statements, he stated that his vision for the College is built on a foundation of Research and Innovation, Excellence, Collective Progress and Welfarism of staff and students of the College. He pledged to bridge the existing gap and transform the College to a better place. Dr. Ibraheem lawal’s philosophy is centered on action rather than promises. He is indeed committed to deliver tangible results and drive meaningful change within the College.
Optimistically, Dr. Ibraheem Lawal is known for Excellence. As such, he will bring more vast wealth of experience to bear in the discharge of his responsibilities during his administration. He is a personality that is result oriented. Let’s continue to watch Dr. Lawal because he speaks less but performs more!
Therefore, anyone that is passionate about Forestry, Environmental Sustainability, Research and Innovation or has a dream of a career that combines Science, Technology and Nature should look no further because Federal College of Forestry, Ibadan is the Tertiary Institution for you. Here, there is a World Class Facilities, Experienced and Passionate Instructors, Hand-on Learning, Research Opportunities, Strong Industry Connections and Career Opportunities. Programs offer are: National Diploma (ND) and Higher National Diploma (HND) in Forestry , Environmental Science and related fields. So, apply now and unlock your potential in the heart of nature.
IDARA UMOH-IDO (ANIPR,) IS OF THE MEDIA UNIT, FEDERAL COLLEGE OF FORESTRY, IBADAN.
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