Introducing our latest Brand Ambassador from Enugu, Nigeria – Ekpereamaka Ibenegbu:
Where did you study? I studied at the Department of Geoinformatics and Surveying University of Nigeria Nsukka
What are the requirements to be a surveyor in your area?
The Requirement to be a registered surveyor includes:
B.Sc in Geoinformatics and Surveying
1 NYSC Service
2 Years Pupilage under a registered Surveyor
SURCON Exam, Seal and License
How did you get into surveying? I had the passion to become a surveyor but I had no idea what course to study to become a surveyor but I got the knowledge through my mom who put me through.
How long have you been in the industry? 3 years
Are you part of any associations or organisations you would like us to mention?
African Women in GIS(AWiGIS)
Women Aid Collective(WACOL)
Why do you want to be a GKiS Brand Ambassador? In Africa, especially in Nigeria Surveying is not known among the kids which is a gap I am trying to bridge, serving as a middle man for this to happen, because we need kids to get to know about our profession in order to catch them young.
Why is it important for kids to know about surveying and the wider geospatial industry? Career Exploration: Introducing kids to Surveying and geospatial technology at a very early age would expose them to potential career paths, it also allows them consider professions in fields such as land surveying, geographic information system(GIS), remote sensing, Drone technology, cartography etc.
Spatial Awareness: learning about surveying helps kids develop spatial awareness and understand the physical world around them, it gives them opportunity to learn about maps , coordinate measurement, relationship between physical features and their representation on maps,
Problem Solving: Getting kids to get surveying can cultivate their problem-solving skills and analytical thinking abilities, because surveying involves solving real world problems related to land boundaries, infrastructure planning and so on, this will help them.
Technological Skills: The Geospatial industry relies solely on advanced technology such as GPS, GIS software, drones and satellite imagery. So getting kids familiarised with these technologies can prepare them for the digital era and help them develop technological proficiency.
Environmental Awareness: Geospatial data plays a crucial role in environmental studies and conservation efforts. Teaching kids about surveying and geospatial industry can promote an understanding of the environment, natural resources and the importance of preserving and protecting them.
So Overall, introducing kids into Surveying and the wider geospatial industry can foster their curiosity, critical thinking, and appreciation for the world around them, while also opening up potential career opportunities in a growing field.
What are you going to do as an ambassador for GKiS? I would partner with NGOs to reach out to school kids, also going into rural and urban schools for their career day to speak to them about surveying
What are your hobbies?
Coding
Reading Documentary
Researching
If you/your company had a GKiS character, what would it be? Miles or Setsuko
What resource would you like to see next from GKiS? More Info on Technology when it comes to Robots, Lidar, Radar, GPS.
Anything else you want to add that you think our audience (surveyors, teachers, parents) would be interested in? I would love and I am open to partner with surveyors, teachers and parents to get their kids to know about surveying.