Abstract

This study surveyed the preference of Forestry discipline among Forestry and Wildlife students in selected Universities in Nigeria. Google Form online questionnaire was used for data collection in the study. Sum of 873 students from 19 Universities provided answers to the questionnaire out of which 57.4% were males and 42.6% females with ages below 20 years (14.5%), 21 – 30 years (78.2 %), 31 – 40 years (5.2%) and above 40 years as 2.1%. The respondents were in 100 level (6.3%), 200 level (18.2%), 300 level (29.3%),400 level (14.4%) 500 level (12.7%), on national Youth Service Corps (2.7%) and graduates (16.4%). Most students (85%) were single, 7.2% in marital relationship and 7.0% married. Enrolment in Forestry and Wildlife in Nigerian Universities was increasing (81.6%), constant (10.3%) and decreasing (7.8%). Although 72.6% of the students never chose Forestry and Wildlife at the university, 76.3% were satisfied reading the course, 71% agreed to obtain higher degrees in Forestry after graduation, (43%) claimed insufficient facilities, inadequate classroom and laboratories (51.1%) were their challenges, while 62.8% respondents believed they have sufficient lecturers were reasons for not taking Forestry as a profession. Most (67.2%) students detest forestry studies for lack of jobs; 15.1% students had no challenge, 11.6% believed Forestry and Wildlife studies is not relevant in the modern world while 6.1% claimed they do not like the course. Also, majority (36.0%) of respondents still preferred Forestry and Wildlife program. Conclusively, if job opportunities, proper awareness and enlightenment; appropriate facilities, professionals and well-equipped laboratories were provided for the study of Forestry and Wildlife in Nigeria, the profession would be allembracing to youths.