Department of Ecotourism and Wildlife Management
School of Agriculture and Agricultural Technology (SAAT) • Federal University of Technology, Akure
About the Department
The Department of Ecotourism and Wildlife Management at the Federal University of Technology, Akure (FUTA) is a premier center for wildlife conservation and nature-based tourism education and research within the School of Agriculture and Agricultural Technology (SAAT). Our department is dedicated to producing competent wildlife professionals and ecotourism specialists capable of conserving biodiversity, managing natural resources, and promoting sustainable tourism practices that benefit both ecosystems and local communities.
Ecotourism and Wildlife Management combines the study of wildlife ecology, conservation biology, and sustainable tourism to ensure that natural resources are preserved while providing educational and recreational experiences for visitors. Our comprehensive curriculum covers wildlife ecology and behavior, conservation biology, habitat management, ecotourism planning, environmental education, biodiversity studies, and community-based conservation. Students develop strong professional competencies through intensive theoretical study combined with practical fieldwork, hands-on wildlife monitoring, and real-world conservation projects.
The department emphasizes experiential learning with modern facilities including wildlife ecology laboratories, zoological gardens, aviaries, snaileries, grasscutter rearing facilities, and partnerships with national parks and conservation organizations. We maintain strong relationships with the National Park Service of Nigeria (NPS), Nigerian Conservation Foundation (NCF), and Wildlife Society of Nigeria (WISON), providing students with field experience through SIWES and collaborative conservation projects. Our faculty members conduct cutting-edge research in wildlife ecology, biodiversity conservation, ecotourism development, and sustainable natural resource management.
Our graduates are highly successful professionals in conservation and tourism sectors. They demonstrate proficiency in wildlife monitoring, habitat assessment, tourism management, conservation planning, and environmental education. Graduates pursue rewarding careers as wildlife managers, park rangers, conservation officers, ecotourism consultants, and environmental educators, significantly contributing to biodiversity preservation and sustainable development at local, national, and global levels.
What We Offer
Academic Programs
- B.Tech in Ecotourism and Wildlife Management - 5-year undergraduate program
- B.Agric.Tech in Wildlife Management - Agricultural technology focus
- M.Tech in Wildlife Management - Postgraduate studies
- Ph.D in Wildlife/Ecotourism Management - Doctoral research program
Specialized Areas
- Wildlife Ecology and Conservation
- Ecotourism Planning and Development
- Biodiversity and Habitat Management
- Wildlife Population Dynamics
- Environmental Education and Interpretation
- Community-Based Conservation
- Wildlife Nutrition and Production
- Range and Protected Area Management
Laboratory and Field Facilities
Wildlife Ecology Laboratory
Wildlife monitoring equipment, GPS tracking, camera traps, bioacoustics, specimen analysis
Zoological Garden & Mini Zoo
Animal enclosures, aviary, snailery, grasscutter facilities, breeding programs
Field Research Station
Field camps, nature trails, wildlife observation points, ecological study plots
Research Focus Areas
Our department conducts cutting-edge research in various wildlife and ecotourism domains:
Wildlife Ecology and Behavior
Animal behavior, population dynamics, habitat preferences, feeding ecology, movement patterns, human-wildlife interactions.
Conservation Biology and Biodiversity
Species conservation, endangered species management, conservation genetics, habitat restoration, biodiversity assessment.
Ecotourism Planning and Development
Sustainable tourism practices, nature-based tourism, ecotourism site planning, visitor management, economic impact assessment.
Habitat and Protected Area Management
National park management, wildlife sanctuary operations, habitat assessment, ecosystem monitoring, invasive species control.
Community-Based Conservation
Indigenous knowledge, local community engagement, participatory conservation, sustainable livelihoods, conflict resolution.
Environmental Education and Interpretation
Conservation awareness, environmental interpretation, public education programs, eco-literacy, visitor experiences.
Wildlife Nutrition and Production
Game ranching, wildlife breeding, nutrition studies, captive management, sustainable utilization of wildlife resources.
Career Opportunities
Graduates of Ecotourism and Wildlife Management enjoy diverse and rewarding career paths:
Wildlife Manager
Wildlife conservation, species management, population monitoring
Park Ranger
National parks, game reserves, protected area management
Conservation Officer
Wildlife protection, anti-poaching, law enforcement
Ecotourism Manager
Nature tourism operations, sustainable tourism development
Tour Guide/Naturalist
Wildlife safaris, nature interpretation, visitor education
Environmental Educator
Conservation education, public awareness, outreach programs
Academic & Researcher
University lecturers, researchers, wildlife scientists
Wildlife Photographer/Filmmaker
Nature documentaries, wildlife photography, media production
Conservation NGO Professional
NGOs, international organizations, conservation projects
Course Materials & Resources
Access comprehensive learning materials, textbooks, lecture notes, and study resources organized by academic level.
100 Level Resources
Foundation courses in basic sciences and general agriculture.
First Semester
Comprehensive Study Resources Available
All 100 Level first semester materials including lecture notes, past questions, textbooks, and practical guides are available in our offline study packs.
Access Offline Study PacksSecond Semester
Complete Course Materials
Second semester materials covering basic sciences and introduction to wildlife management are fully available.
Go to Offline Study PacksFoundation Year
100 Level focuses on basic sciences similar to other science students. Courses include Use of English, General Mathematics, General Biology, General Chemistry, Physics, Introduction to Agriculture, and Computer Studies.
200 Level Resources
Core courses in agricultural sciences and introduction to wildlife management.
Download 200 Level Materials
Complete course materials, lecture notes, practical manuals, and past examination questions available in offline study packs.
Access Study PacksIntroduction to Wildlife
Wildlife basics, classification, Nigerian wildlife
General Ecology
Ecological principles, ecosystems, population ecology
Forestry Basics
Forest ecosystems, tree identification, silviculture
Zoology
Animal biology, vertebrate anatomy, classification
Botany
Plant biology, taxonomy, vegetation studies
Statistics
Biostatistics, data analysis, research methods
300 Level Resources
Specialized wildlife and ecotourism courses with in-situ practical training.
Download 300 Level Materials
Advanced course materials, field guides, and comprehensive study resources for wildlife management specialization.
Access Study PacksWildlife Ecology
Wildlife habitats, population dynamics, behavior
Ecotourism Management
Nature tourism, planning, visitor management
Range Management
Rangeland ecology, pasture management, carrying capacity
Conservation Biology
Biodiversity conservation, endangered species
Wildlife Nutrition
Animal nutrition, feeding ecology, dietary analysis
In-situ Practical Year
On-campus practical training, wildlife facilities
400 Level Resources
Industrial training (SIWES) and advanced specialization courses.
Industrial Training (SIWES)
Six-month industrial training in national parks, game reserves, conservation organizations, and ecotourism establishments.
Access SIWES ResourcesProtected Area Management
National parks, game reserves, sanctuary operations
Community Conservation
Participatory conservation, local engagement
Wildlife Monitoring
Census techniques, tracking, population surveys
Tourism Operations
Tour management, interpretation, customer service
Research Methods
Wildlife research, field methods, data analysis
SIWES
Ex-situ industrial training, professional experience
500 Level Resources
Final year advanced courses and comprehensive research project.
Download 500 Level Materials
Final year resources including research project guides, seminar materials, and comprehensive revision materials.
Access Study PacksGlobal Conservation
International conservation, policy, global issues
Wildlife Production
Game farming, captive breeding, sustainable use
Wildlife Law & Policy
Wildlife legislation, CITES, conservation policy
Seminar
Presentations, scientific communication
Research Project
Final year thesis, field research, publication
Elective Courses
Specialization options, advanced topics
Useful Departmental Links
Admission Requirements
UTME Requirements
- Minimum UTME score of 160-180+
- Subject combination: English Language, Biology or Agricultural Science, and any two of Chemistry, Geography, Economics, Mathematics, Physics
- Five O'Level credits in two sittings maximum
- Credit passes must include: English Language, Mathematics, Biology or Agricultural Science, and any two from Chemistry, Geography, Economics, Physics
Direct Entry Requirements (200 Level)
- Two A'Level passes at credit level in Chemistry and one of Biology, Physics, or Geography
- ND with minimum upper credit from recognized Polytechnics and Colleges of Wildlife Management in relevant programs
- GCE/equivalent passes at one sitting with at least six points in two of Chemistry, Biology, Physics, Geography, or Economics
- Plus O'Level requirements as stated above
Contact the Department
Department Office
Department of Ecotourism and Wildlife Management
School of Agriculture and Agricultural Technology
Federal University of Technology, Akure
PMB 704, Akure, Ondo State, Nigeria
gabriel@legacybygabriel.com.ng
+234 (0) 913-209-1205
Office Hours
Monday - Friday: 8:00 AM - 5:00 PM
Saturday: By Appointment
Sunday: Closed