UNILORIN researchers identify geospatial innovation, AI-driven infrastructure solutions
By Mustafa Abubakar
Researchers from the Department of Surveying and Geoinformatics have identified geospatial innovation, Artificial Intelligence-driven infrastructure management, improved flood monitoring systems, sustainable urban planning and digital land governance as critical solutions to contemporary environmental and developmental challenges facing Nigeria.
Speaking with UNILORIN Bulletin last Thursday (June 25, 2026) on the sidelines of the 2026 Annual Colloquium Series 2.0 on Surveying, Geoinformatics and Remote Sensing (SGRE), organised by the Department, the Head of the Department, Dr Ayo Babalola, said that the programme provided a platform for researchers to showcase innovative solutions to national developmental challenges.
According to Dr Babalola, the Colloquium represents another milestone in the commitment of the Department to promoting research excellence, innovation, professional development and engagement with emerging geospatial technologies.
He explained that the programme formed part of research efforts towards the publication of the 2026 Special Edition of the Journal of Geoinformatics, Engineering and Remote Sensing (JOGER) Special Edition 2026 under the theme: Innovate, Integrate, Impact.
Dr Babalola noted that the Colloquium enabled scholars, practitioners, policymakers, researchers and students to exchange ideas and examine developments shaping the future of the geospatial profession.
Delivering the first paper, D. M. Omar, alongside Ayo Babalola and O. O. Adeleke, examined the environmental impact of artisanal and small-scale gold mining activities across Zamfara State using multi-temporal SAR-optical data fusion. The study revealed mining expansion, ecological degradation and hydrological disruption.
Abdulmalik Mobolaji Olaniyi, in collaboration with Ayo Babalola, presented a study on predictive modelling of bridge life expectancy using Machine Learning algorithms capable of improving infrastructure management systems.
Another presentation by Abdulganiyu Yasir and his team focused on the distribution of informal agricultural markets across the sixteen Local Government Areas of using GIS-based methods, recommending evidence-based approaches for equitable rural development and improved food distribution systems.
Ahmadu H. A., together with Ayo Babalola and O. O. Adeleke, examined flood detection and mapping using Sentinel-1 Synthetic Aperture Radar data within the Niger-Benue confluence region of demonstrating its effectiveness for disaster preparedness and resilience planning.
Similarly, Oyedapo Ademuyiwa Ipadeola and his team presented findings on GIS-based green infrastructure mapping for climate-responsive urban planning in metropolis, highlighting rapid urban expansion and the urgent need for sustainable ecological planning.
- O. Muhammed, in collaboration with Ayo Babalola, also presented findings on minimising land dispute litigation in Southwestern Nigeria through improved conflict resolution mechanisms and digital land governance systems.
In their separate remarks, the moderators, Prof. Adeleke Oluwafemi Oyetunde and Prof. Albert A. Abegunde, commended the quality and relevance of the presentations, describing the studies as valuable contributions towards solving critical environmental and developmental challenges through innovative geospatial solutions.
They advised researchers to remain committed to originality, methodological rigour and solution-driven studies capable of contributing meaningfully to policy development and sustainable national growth.
In his remarks, the Dean of the Faculty, Prof. Ganiyu Amuda-Yusuf, described the colloquium as a strategic academic platform for promoting research excellence, innovation and knowledge exchange within the rapidly evolving geospatial science profession.
The Dean stressed that the increasing importance of geospatial technologies in addressing environmental and infrastructural challenges requires continuous innovation and interdisciplinary collaboration among researchers and professionals.
He commended the Department for sustaining the annual colloquium series, noting that the initiative further demonstrates the University’s commitment to impactful research and academic excellence.
