Why Nigeria Needs a Geomatics University — Oyo Central Senator
Amid rapid technological advancements across various sectors, Nigeria cannot afford to lag behind, particularly when it comes to upgrading specialized institutions like the Federal School of Surveying in Oyo, Senator Yunus Akintunde has asserted.
The Senator, who represents Oyo Central in the Senate and is a member of the All Progressives Congress (APC), made this statement in response to the passage of his bill proposing the creation of a Federal University of Geomatics. The bill, which seeks to elevate the Federal School of Surveying to university status, passed its second reading in the Senate.
Akintunde explained that the bill aims to transform the Federal School of Surveying, which has been a pioneer institution since its establishment in 1908, into a university that will produce skilled professionals in geomatics and related fields.
“The proposed university will be an upgrade to the Federal School of Surveying, Oyo, the first of its kind in Africa and the oldest technical training institution in Nigeria. The school has long provided education in fields like Land Surveying, Cartography, Geographical Information Systems (GIS), Remote Sensing, Hydrography, and others critical to the Surveying and Mapping Sector,” he said. “It is imperative that this institution receives the recognition it deserves, to boost Nigeria’s economy and align with the Renewed Hope Agenda of the current administration.”
The bill has garnered strong support from various members of the Senate, including Senator Mohammed Monguno, the Chief Whip, who represents Borno East. Monguno emphasized that establishing a university would help bridge the expertise gap in Nigeria’s Surveying sector, thereby enhancing the country’s international standards in geomatics.
Deputy Chief Whip Senator Lola Ashiru, representing Kwara South, also voiced support, recognizing the importance of surveying in key sectors like agriculture, land administration, and security. He noted the century-long contributions of the Federal School of Surveying to the nation’s educational landscape, underscoring the need for such an upgrade.
Following the unanimous adoption of the bill’s second reading, Senate President Godswill Akpabio referred the bill to the Senate Committee on Tertiary Institutions and TETFund for further consideration and legislative action.
The proposed university is seen as a crucial step toward modernizing and expanding Nigeria’s geomatics education, filling vital skill gaps and fostering growth in key sectors.
