INTRODUCTION

The Department of Biology started at the inception of the College of Education in January 1972 with the 3-year Nigerian Certificate in Education (NCE) Programme. With the upgrading of the institution to a degree awarding status in 1980, the Department began the Bachelor of Education (B.Ed.) degree programme in Biology in affiliation with the University of Ibadan.

When the University became autonomous in 2009, the Department started the award of 4 years – Bachelor of Science Education (B. Sc. Ed.) in Biology. During the 2017/2018 Academic Session, the Department commenced the Bachelor of Science (B. Sc.) degree programme in Biology as approved by the National Universities Commission (NUC).

Similarly, Postgraduate programmes in the Department commenced during the 2016/2017 Session with Postgraduate Diploma (PGD) in Biology, Master of Science (M. Sc.) and Doctor of Philosophy (Ph. D.) in different areas of specialization.

PHILOSOPHY

The philosophy of the Department is to produce graduates with a broad -based degree, a good working knowledge in biology as well as other areas of pure and applied sciences that will be very useful to society, and to endow the graduates with the necessary requirements to take up the challenges for higher studies/ research in various areas of specialty in Biology.

OBJECTIVES

• To train academically sound future researchers and intellectuals in the area of general biology, with emphasis on the cutting edge of modern biology such as Molecular Biology, Biotechnology, Genetics, Cytology, Cell and Tissue Cultures and Environmental Conservation.
• To contribute to discoveries and innovations in these aspects of the biological science discipline through research.
• To provide expert counsel and consultancy services to national and international organizations on issues relating to general biology.
• To instill qualities of self -confidence and self -reliance in corps of prospective young Nigerian biologists.
• To provide Biology teachers with practical, intellectual and professional background adequate to enable them impart the knowledge to their students.
• To produce Biology teachers who have sound mastery of biology problem solving skills and can disseminate information in Biology education to theindividual or the society at large.
• To produce Biology teachers who can use new technologies and strategiesthat are relevant in teaching – learning processes to impart knowledge onstudents.
• To prepare those who can solve/handle biological problems.
• To train those who will be involved in policy formulation.
• To serve biology related industries.

Dr. Wokoma is currently an Associate Professor of Environmental Management and the Acting Head, Department of Biology.

EDUCATION

Ph.D, Environmental Resource Management, Abia State University

Master of Philosophy (M. Phil.), Environmental Management, Rivers State University of Science and Technology, 2000

B.Sc, Zoology, University of Port Harcourt, 1992

PUBLICATIONS

Dr Wokoma has written over 20 technical reports and published numerous refereed articles in both local and foreign journals.   As an environmental Consultant he has carried out several environmental studies such as Environmental Impact Assessment (EIA) and Environmental Audit/Evaluation.

PROFESSIONAL ASSOCIATIONS

Nigerian Environmental Society (NES)