By Ochiaka Ugwu
Office of the Surveyor General of the Federation (OSGOF) and the African Regional Institute for Geospatial Information Technology (AFRIGIST) has updated and repackaged its programme to be able to provide Nigeria and other African countries capacities towards meeting the geospatial need.
In a statement released in Abuja yesterday by OSGof and signed by the duo of Peter Zira and Grace Idachaba, it noted that AFRIGIST which is under the supervision of OSGoF and formally known as Regional Centre for Training in Aerospace Surveys (RECTAS) was established in 1972 under the United Nations Economic Commission for Africa (UNECA).
According to the statement, “Although it is a “one stop”, solution institution meant to develop highly skilled manpower needs in geospatial information science and technology, and its application as well.
“It is open to all African countries, providing theoretical and practical trainings in Photogrammetry, Remote-Sensing, Cartography and Geographic Information Science (GIS) including their application in geographical surveys, environmental studies, natural resources management, mapping, land administration among others. It also conducts seminars and courses, researches and provides consultancy services to members of the Economic Commission for Africa (ECA)”
It could be recalled that recently, the management of AFRIGIST and representatives of OSGOF paid an advocacy visit to the Nassarawa Emirate Council. They laud the Emir of Nassarawa, Alhaji Ibrahim Usman Jibrin, a former Minister for Environment who has been making useful contributions to GIS and land development in the country.
In his speech, the Executive Director of AFRIGIST, Dr. Adewale Akingbade emphasized the importance of the institution not only to Nigeria but the African Continent as a whole.
He encouraged the Government, traditional leaders and leaders of thought to advocate the use of geospatial technology, pointing out the relevance of geospatial knowledge and skill.
He said AFRIGIST was well positioned for such and enjoined people to attend AFRIGIST for higher education in Geospatial Science and Technology.
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