Campus News

UNILORIN’s Surveying and Geoinformatics Dept. holds inaugural Ph.D. colloquium

By Isaac Lewu

The Department of Surveying and Geoinformatics, University of Ilorin, has held its maiden Ph.D. Colloquium in Surveying, Geoinformatics and Remote Sensing (SGRE).

The event, held last Thursday (May 22, 2025) at the Boardroom of the Faculty of Environmental Sciences, featured the presentation of abstracts, scholarly discussions, and research collaboration opportunities.

The colloquium served as a platform for doctoral candidates to showcase their ongoing research while engaging in critical peer review and expert evaluation.

The programme, which drew several distinguished academics and researchers from far and near, was organised in partnership with the Nigerian Institution of Surveyors (NIS), the International Federation of Surveyors (FIG), and the Organisation of Geoinformation Professionals (OGEP).

In his welcome address, the Head of the Department of Surveying and Geoinformatics, Dr Ayo Babalola, said that the colloquium featured a series of interactive workshops and panel discussions that allowed participants to exchange ideas and share real-world applications of SGRE technologies.

He explained that the programme was not only aimed at deepening the participants’ understanding of remote sensing, geoinformatics, and surveying but also aimed at highlighting their transformative potentials in tackling climate change, disaster management, urban planning, and sustainable agriculture.

Dr Babalola also said that the atmosphere will birth collaboration, as students, researchers, and professionals would be encouraged to find a common ground in their passion for environmental sustainability.

In his address, the Dean of the Faculty, Prof. Ganiyu Amuda-Yusuf, said that the colloquium would generate commitment from various stakeholders so as to continue to build capacity and enhance data accessibility, particularly in underrepresented regions.

The Dean added that it was clear that the event had sparked a renewed sense of purpose and direction within the SGRE community, positioning it to play a critical role in shaping policy and practice for a more resilient and informed future.

The Head of the Department of Civil Engineering, University of Ilorin, who moderated the event, Prof. Oluwafemi Adeleke, advised the candidates that their topics should underpin their future research works, which will assist them to have a fantastic final research seminar.

Prof. Adeleke equally advised the Ph.D. candidates to ensure that their proposals contain adequate budgets for their research and time scale for the reasearch work .

Four Ph.D. candidates presented papers at the event. Mr Ahmadu Hussein Adomu’s presentation was entitled “Climate Change-Induced Flood Resilience Enhancement Using Machine Learning and GIS-Based Capacity Optimization Approach”, while Mr Oyedapo Ipadeola’s presentation was on  “Assessment of Dam Deformation Threats in Kwara State, Nigeria”; Mr Omar Dahir Muazu’s paper was entitled “Optimised Vertical Land Motion Estimation From SAR Using Cloud-Based Deep Learning Techniques” as Mr Yusuf Abdulganiyu’s presentation was entitled “Integrating Machine Learning and GIS in Spatial Accessibility Research: A Global Biblometric Analysis (2015-2025)”.

In attendance were the Sub-Dean of the Faculty, Dr S.B. Olademeji; the Head of the Department of Quantity Surveying, Dr Theophilus Olowa; and Senior Lecturer at the Department of Civil Engineering, Dr Yusuf Babatunde, among others.