By Ihotu Uriel
ABUJA — July 1, 2025 — The Surveyor General of the Federation (SGOF) has renewed calls for the upgrade of Nigeria’s oldest surveying institution into a full-fledged Federal University of Geomatics, citing the critical role of surveying in national development.
Speaking during a Senate hearing on proposed tertiary education bills, the SGOF emphasized that surveying is central to land administration, and land remains the bedrock of infrastructure, planning, and sustainable development. “Much has been said already, but I must reiterate — surveying is cardinal to land, and land is fundamental to development,” the SGOF noted.
The call came as the Senate Committee on Tertiary Institutions and TETFund considered six bills seeking the establishment or upgrade of federal universities across the country. Among the bills was the proposal for the Federal University of Geomatics, Oyo, which, if passed, will transform the institution into the nation’s premier university dedicated to geomatics, geospatial sciences, and land management.
Other institutions under consideration include:
Federal University of Health Sciences, Funtua
Federal University of Education (Special), Oyo
Federal University of Technology and Vocational Studies, Yaba
Federal University of Technology, Omoku
Federal University of Technology, Ikot Abasi
Stakeholders believe the proposed Federal University of Geomatics will help bridge critical gaps in land surveying, geoinformatics, and spatial data infrastructure, which are essential for smart city planning, environmental monitoring, and security mapping across Nigeria.
The Senate Committee is expected to make its recommendations in the coming weeks, with wide support anticipated from both public and professional bodies advocating for stronger technical education in Nigeria.
