Ibadan: The Geoinformation Society of Nigeria (GEOSON), Oyo Chapter, has urged the government at all levels to provide targeted support to increase women’s participation in geoinformation science. The chapter’s Chairman, Mr. David Afolayan, made this appeal during a ‘Women in Geospatial Leadership Programme’ organized to commemorate the International Day of Women and Girls in Science.
According to News Agency of Nigeria, Afolayan emphasized the necessity for deliberate policies, grants, and curriculum reforms to encourage more girls and women to pursue careers in geospatial-related disciplines. He highlighted the importance of government-provided grants specifically for women interested in geoinformation sciences and called for updates to curricula at secondary and tertiary levels to align with global developments in geospatial technology. Additionally, Afolayan advocated for recruitment processes in the public sector to intentionally create opportunities for qualified women with a background in geoinformation science.
Afolayan pointed out that geospatial technology is integral to various sectors, including agriculture, engineering, urban planning, public health, and security, making it critical to national development. Former Vice-Chancellor of Covenant University, Prof. Bola Ayeni, underscored that increasing women’s access to science education would bolster Nigeria’s technological advancement. He noted that women often face societal and family-related responsibilities that might hinder their career progression, but they have demonstrated strong academic performance when given equal opportunities.
Ayeni stressed the importance of creating enabling environments, particularly in regions where girls’ education still faces challenges. Mrs. Serah Peter-Adeoye, a Machine Learning Engineer at Data Science Nigeria, highlighted the rapid transformation of the geospatial industry through Artificial Intelligence (AI), cloud computing, and access to satellite data. She explained that advancements in technology have simplified geospatial processes, shifting from manual mapping and field surveys to predictive analytics and automated systems. Peter-Adeoye encouraged students and young professionals to develop skills in spatial data science, remote sensing, AI analytics, and software development to stay competitive in the evolving industry.
Prof. Olutoyin Fashae, Head of the Department of Geography at the University of Ibadan, described geoinformation science as a bridge between research and policy. According to Fashae, the discipline plays key roles in disaster risk reduction, climate change management, and supporting vulnerable communities through data-driven decision-making. The programme also featured the launch of a mentorship and students’ outreach initiative aimed at nurturing young talents in geospatial science.
A 10th-grade student from American Christian Academy, IteOluwakiisi Akinyamoju, expressed that the programme broadened her perspective on career choices and life planning. She noted that the discussions extended beyond surveying and geospatial analysis to include personal development and the realities faced by women and girls in science.