The 1991 Act No. 48 of the Federal Republic of Nigeria gave birth to the erstwhile Federal University of Agriculture, now Michael Okpara University of Agriculture, Umudike, in 1993. The Department is one of the pioneer departments of the College of Natural Resources and Environmental Management (CNREM), which is herself one of the pioneer colleges of the then new university. With staff strength of seasoned academics under the pioneering headship of Professor A.E. Akachuku, the department articulated the unique multidisciplinary Bachelor of Forestry and Environmental Management (B. FOREM) degree programme, which in name and practice brilliantly stands out among similar degree programmes nationwide. The Department stands out as one of the foremost centers of nature management and conservation in the country.
The founding members of staff and pioneer students of FOREM contributed immensely to the development and growth of the Department. The Department acknowledges the efforts of Professors A.E. Akachuku, Roy Mbakwe, E.C. Nzegbule, M.C. Dike, Caroline O. Akachuku, Dr. P.E. Okorie, Dr. A.O.A. Meregini, Dr. A.I. Okeke, Dr. Sam Ogbonnaya.
