Two undergraduate students, Akinfenwa Ridwan and Akintoye Ayomide, studying in the Department of Forestry and Wood Technology at the Federal University of Technology Akure (FUTA), have developed a unique application for accurately calculating and estimating tree volume. Their project was undertaken under the guidance of Professor Shadrach Akindele, their lecturer.
Named “volest” by Professor Akindele, the app serves as a valuable tool for foresters, researchers, experts, and students who need to determine and estimate tree volume with precision and ease. Notably, this app is the first of its kind in Nigeria.
Key features of the app include accurate calculations, a secure code, clean and user-friendly designs, easy navigation, and efficient record keeping. Professor Akindele highlighted its user-friendly nature and emphasized its importance in forest assessment.
The Ekiti State Forest Commission has recognized the value of the app and has already integrated it into its operations. The Commission expressed its satisfaction, stating, “We are delighted to announce that our colleagues at the Forestry Department of the Federal University of Technology Akure (FUTA) have developed an exceptional app for quick estimation of tree volume in this region.”
Professor Adenike Oladiji, the Vice Chancellor of FUTA, commended Professor Akindele and the students for their practical implementation of the University’s ethos of technology for self-reliance. Professor Oladiji remarked, “FUTA will continue its commitment to offering real-life solutions to societal problems and challenges through our exceptional faculty and innovative students.”
The volest app is available for free download on both Google Playstore and iOS platforms. Users can also access it through the website https://www.volest.org/.
