Informatics and ICT Resource Center

Forestry Research Institute of Nigeria

Information and ICT Resource Center

The Informatics and ICT Resource Center (IITRC) operates through a coordinated structure designed to address the diverse information technology, data, software, infrastructure, and digital research needs of the Forestry Research Institute of Nigeria (FRIN).

The Center is headed by the Director/Head of Center, Dr. Peter Ugege, who provides overall leadership and strategic direction for the Center’s activities. Under his leadership, the Center coordinates specialized technical and research functions through three principal units:

  1. Data Science and Machine Learning Unit — Headed by Dr. Peter Ugege

  2. Software Development and Application Unit — Headed by Mrs. Folake Oyelola Sanusi

  3. Networking, DevOps and Hardware Unit — Headed by Mr. Kayode Agbeja

The three units work collaboratively to provide an integrated technology ecosystem supporting FRIN’s research, administration, information management, and digital transformation objectives.

1. Data Science and Machine Learning Unit

Head: Dr. Peter Ugege

The Data Science and Machine Learning Unit focuses on the application of data-driven methods, computational techniques, and artificial intelligence to support forestry research, environmental studies, institutional decision-making, and knowledge generation.

The Unit works with structured and unstructured datasets generated from forestry research, environmental monitoring, field studies, institutional activities, and other relevant sources.

Its areas of activity include:

  • Data collection, preparation, and management

  • Data cleaning and preprocessing

  • Exploratory data analysis

  • Statistical analysis and modelling

  • Data visualization and reporting

  • Machine learning and predictive modelling

  • Artificial intelligence applications

  • Research data analytics

  • Data-driven decision support

  • Development of analytical tools and models

  • Research into emerging data technologies

Application to Forestry and Environmental Research

Data science and machine learning provide opportunities for addressing complex forestry and environmental challenges.

The Unit can support research applications such as:

  • GeoSpatial Artificial Intelligence
  • Ecological/Environmental Informatics

  • Forest growth prediction

  • Forest health monitoring

  • Species classification and identification

  • Biodiversity analysis

  • Forest resource assessment

  • Climate and environmental modelling

  • Forest fire risk prediction

  • Pest and disease detection

  • Land-use and land-cover analysis

  • Plantation monitoring

  • Analysis of long-term environmental trends

Through the application of modern analytical techniques, the Unit contributes to transforming research data into meaningful information and actionable insights.

The Unit also promotes the development of data-driven research capacity within FRIN by encouraging researchers and staff to adopt appropriate analytical and computational methods in their work.

2. Software Development and Application Unit

Head: Mrs. Folake Oyelola Sanusi

The Software Development and Application Unit is responsible for the design, development, implementation, maintenance, and improvement of software applications and digital systems that support FRIN’s institutional and research activities.

The Unit works to identify technological solutions to operational and research-related challenges and develops applications that improve efficiency, accessibility, information management, and service delivery.

Its areas of activity include:

  • Software design and development

  • Web application development

  • Database-driven applications

  • Institutional information systems

  • Application maintenance and support

  • System integration

  • Digital workflow development

  • User interface and user experience improvement

  • Automation of institutional processes

  • Development of research-support applications

  • Testing and deployment of software systems

Digital Solutions for FRIN

The Unit supports the digital transformation of FRIN by developing and maintaining systems capable of addressing institutional requirements.

Potential applications include systems for:

  • Research project management

  • Digital records management

  • Staff and personnel information

  • Inventory and asset management

  • Data collection and reporting

  • Research databases

  • Institutional dashboards

  • Online services

  • Digital forms and workflows

  • Knowledge and information management

The Unit also works closely with other units of the Center to ensure that software applications are appropriately connected to FRIN’s data, network, infrastructure, and security environment.

3. Networking, DevOps and Hardware Unit

Head: Mr. Kayode Agbeja

The Networking, DevOps and Hardware Unit provides the technical infrastructure required for the effective operation of FRIN’s digital environment.

The Unit is responsible for supporting the Institute’s computer hardware, network infrastructure, connectivity, system deployment, and related technology operations.

Its areas of responsibility include:

  • Computer hardware installation and maintenance

  • Network design and administration

  • Internet connectivity

  • Local Area Network (LAN) management

  • Server infrastructure

  • System deployment and configuration

  • Hardware troubleshooting and technical support

  • Infrastructure monitoring

  • Backup and recovery support

  • ICT equipment maintenance

  • Systems administration

  • Deployment and operational support for software applications

  • DevOps practices and infrastructure support

Network and Infrastructure Support

Reliable ICT infrastructure is essential to modern research and institutional operations. The Unit therefore works to maintain a stable and efficient technology environment that enables researchers, scientists, technical personnel, administrative staff, and other authorized users to access the digital resources they require.

The Unit also supports the deployment and operation of systems developed by the Software Development and Application Unit and provides the underlying infrastructure required for data-intensive activities undertaken by the Data Science and Machine Learning Unit.

Leadership

Director/HOD — Dr. Peter Ugege

                          ↓

Data Science & Machine Learning — Dr. Peter Ugege
Software Development & Application — Mrs. Folake Oyelola Sanusi
Networking, DevOps & Hardware — Mr. Kayode Agbeja

Informatics and ICT Resource Center 2
Forestry Research Institute of Nigeria

Forest Economics and Policy

The Forestry Research Institute of Nigeria conducts research in the field of forest economics and policy, with a focus on understanding the economic and policy implications of forest management and conservation in the country. This includes studies on the economic value of forests and their products, as well as investigations into the impacts of different forest management practices on the livelihoods of local communities. Additionally, the institute conducts research on the use of economic incentives and policy measures to promote sustainable forest management, conservation and forest-based livelihoods. The research also includes analysis of the impact of different economic and policy instruments on the forest sector, and the development of policy recommendations for sustainable forest management. The research also assesses the economic impact of forest degradation, deforestation and degradation on the economy of Nigeria and the livelihoods of the people. It also includes research on the legal and institutional frameworks that govern the forest sector, and the role of different stakeholders in forest management and decision-making.