Bells University of Technology, Ota held her maiden Valedictory Lecture on 13th July, 2022. The Valedictorian, Professor Gbadebo Jonathan Osemeobo, a professor of Forest Resources Management (Biodiversity Conservation) and former Dean, College of Natural and Applied Sciences focused on one of the major issues relating to Sustainable Development Goal 15 of the United Nations. He titled his lecture, ‘Give Us Back Our Forest’. The thought-provoking lecture marked the end of the successful and fruitful academic and administrative career of the erudite scholar. The venue of the event was the magnificent BUPF International Conference Centre. Members of Management, faculty and staff, ably led by the Vice-Chancellor, Professor Jeremiah O. Ojediran, RE COREN (MNSE) graced the occasion.
The Valedictorian hinged the lecture on four arms: Teaching, Research, Experience and Community Development (TREC). He also made recommendations that could help in achieving sustainable forestry practice. He expantiated on his research work which centered on the ecology of rainforest and the importance of forests to humanity. He affirmed oxygen generation, food security, climate change reduction and general nourishment of human population as essential benefits of the forest.
Going down the memory lane, in his career journey, he revealed that he was appointed a Forest Officer after his National Youth Service Corps (NYSC) assignment in 1977. He was posted to the Ibadan office which was then the headquarters of the department. He participated in Forest Management activities but his assignments were restricted to the office. He was later posted to Kainji Lake National Park in 1979 and then deployed to Zugurma sector. Postings to other sections and states continued till 1999 when he moved to Abuja. It was from Abuja that he secured appointment with Bellstech in December, 2005.
The Valedictorian shared several of his work experiences, particularly, he explained his experience at the Federal Department of Forestry. He pointed out that the workplace is a learning platform that helps to develop technical, social and emotional skills of workers. His lecture elicited several reactions from the audience and it could be deduced that the audience gleaned useful hints from his anecdotes of bittersweet life stories. He also explained that while he was not yet in the university system, as a serving officer, he published a journal article in the Nigerian Journal of Forestry titled: Poaching in Forest Management in Nigeria.
Sharing his experience as a lecturer in the university system, he gave exposition on his activities relating to teaching and community development. He made reference to his compliance with the ethics of the teaching profession as a lecturer and the love for community development. He revealed that he was consistent in ensuring that update was made on his knowledge base, hence he would always have fresh perspectives in developing his notes for lecture every session. According to him, the University gave him the platform to serve humanity through several assignments and projects he was engaged with. His adherence to the core values and culture of Bells University of Technology has also helped him to mentor and make positive impact on young members of staff.
He brought his wealth of experience to bear while giving his observations on the academia. He made invaluable suggestions that could positively position the structures, administration and culture of the academia to meet the changing needs of the new generation of learners and faculty.
In conclusion, he suggested that States should have complete oversight function on forest management and that forest conservation should be well funded to allow Nigerians to benefit from the conservation of their national heritage.
The Valedictory Lecture was indeed an epoch making event as Professor Gbadebo Jonathan Osemeobo shared his experience, resilience and contributions to humanity. It is hoped that his wealth of experience would be treasured in the archives of the minds of the audience and a reference point for the next generation of world changers and history makers.