The Geo-Information Society of Nigeria (GEOSON), Oyo State Chapter, has called on the government at all levels to provide targeted support to increase women’s participation in geoinformation science.
The Chairman of the chapter, Mr. David Afolayan, made the call on Tuesday in Ibadan during a Women in Geospatial Leadership Programme organised to commemorate the International Day of Women and Girls in Science.
Afolayan said there was a need for deliberate policies, grants, and curriculum reforms to encourage more girls and women to pursue careers in geospatial-related disciplines.
“There is a need for the government to make grants available specifically for women interested in geoinformation sciences.
“There is also the need to update curricula at the secondary and tertiary levels to align with global developments in geospatial technology,” he said.
He added that recruitment processes in the public sector should intentionally create opportunities for qualified women with backgrounds in geoinformation science.
According to him, geospatial technology cuts across sectors including agriculture, engineering, urban planning, public health, and security, making it critical to national development.
Also speaking, former Vice-Chancellor of Covenant University, Prof. Bola Ayeni, said increasing women’s access to science education would strengthen Nigeria’s technological advancement.
Ayeni noted that although women often face societal and family-related responsibilities that may slow career progression, they consistently demonstrate strong academic performance when given equal opportunities.
He stressed the importance of creating enabling environments, especially in regions where girls’ education still faces challenges.
In her presentation, a Machine Learning Engineer at Data Science Nigeria, Mrs. Serah Peter-Adeoye, highlighted the rapid transformation of the geospatial industry through artificial intelligence, cloud computing, and access to satellite data.
Peter-Adeoye said advancements in technology had simplified geospatial processes, moving from manual mapping and field surveys to predictive analytics and automated systems.
She encouraged students and young professionals to build skills in spatial data science, remote sensing, AI analytics, and software development to remain competitive in the evolving industry.
Also, the Head of Department of Geography, University of Ibadan, Prof. Olutoyin Fashae, described geoinformation science as a bridge between research and policy.
Fashae said the discipline plays a key role in disaster risk reduction, climate change management, and supporting vulnerable communities through data-driven decision-making.
A 10th-grade student from American Christian Academy, IteOluwakiisi Akinyamoju, said the programme had broadened her perspective about career choices and life planning.
She noted that beyond surveying and geospatial analysis, the discussions also addressed personal development and the realities faced by women and girls in science.
The programme also featured the launch of a mentorship and students’ outreach initiative aimed at nurturing young talents in geospatial science.
The event brought together professionals from academia, industry, and the public sector, as well as students from secondary and tertiary institutions.
