By Ochiaka Ugwu
The Honourable Minister of Works and Housing, Babatunde Raji Fashola has inaugurated the 7th Governing Council on the 114 years old foremost surveying training institution in Nigeria, the Federal School of Surveying (FSS), Oyo with the Surveyor General of the Federation (SGoF), Surv. Abudulganiyu Adeyemi Adebomehin as Chairman.
The event which was pursuant to Part 1, Section 2 of the FSS Act (No.19) of 25th June 1990 was witnessed by the President of the surveying regulatory body in Nigeria, Surveyor Council of Nigeria (SURCON), Surv. Clement Nwabiche and one of the early principals of the school, an octogenarian, Surv. Chief Benjamin A. Lala among other dignitaries.
In his remarks, the SGoF who represented the minister says, “With the expiration of the tenure of the 6th Governing Council, the Federal Government in its wisdom as usual nominated some credible Nigerians cutting across relevant authorities, professions, and the country’s geopolitical zones to reflect our diversity for the reconstitution of this Governing Council”.
The SGoF who was represented by his Head of Survey Coordination Department, Surv. Semiu Ayinde thanked the state government, the Oyo traditional stool and its subjects for being good hosts and as parts of the success story of the school.
In her address of welcome, the Rector of the school, Surv. Dr. Dupe Nihinlola Olayinka-Dosunmu disclosed that the last council has approved the proposed nomenclature of the school as Federal University of Geospatial Sciences and Environmental Technology, Oyo and that with the support of the Honourable Minister of Works and Housing, the necessary directives have been given for sensitization and contacts with relevant stakeholders among other efforts.
The SURCON President, Surv. Nwabiche in his goodwill message described the school as the citadel of surveying in the country expressing delight over the efforts being made for its transformation to a full-fledged university.
He said it has been realized that no societies in the world can do without geospatial data as he pledged the support of SURCON for further development of the school.
The council comprised Surv. Semiu Akanni Ayinde representing Office of the Surveyor General of the Fedration; Dr. Sanjo Faniran, Federal Ministry of Finance, Budget and Planning; Mr. Adama Sabo James, Federal Ministry of Education; Mr. Olajide Ode-Martins, Federal Ministry of Works and Housing; Surv. Major Muhammed Garba, Armed Forces of Nigeria; and the Oyo State Surveyor General, Surv. Abiodu S. Alaba. Others were Surv. Hassan Abdullahi representing states Surveyor Generals; Surv. Badamosi Tahir of the Nigerian Institution of Surveyors (NS); Surv. Mrs. Evelyn Olomu representing other bodies engaged in the practice of surveying and mapping and the school rector, Surv. Mrs. Nihinlola. The Registrar of the School, Administrator Oyekola O. Oyedele is to serve as secretary of the council.
