Ambassador Spotlight ‘Sutoidem Theophilus’

• A first degree in surveying or geomatics.

• Completion of the mandatory one-year national youth service corps programme.
• Application for and completion of two years of pupillage/mentorship under a surveyor who has been inpractice for at least five years.
• Registration for the professional examinations organised by the Surveyors Council of Nigeria (SURCON)
• Submission of a survey folio with a log book(s), sitting for the written papers and attending an oral interviewbefore an examination panel.
• Scoring at least fifty per cent (pass mark) in all the written papers and folio defence.
• Attending the induction ceremony where the practising seal is issued to successful candidates and an oathof service is taken before the Surveyors Council of Nigeria (SURCON).

How did you get into surveying?

I got into surveying out of the interest I grew with. As a young boy, I was exposed to the construction industry by my father who was a builder and town planner. The frequent site visits and intricacies of the built environment fascinated me a lot. This was a determining factor in my career choice when I was to enrol at the university. I have had a robust share of field experiences as I got into paid employment in my second year at the university.

How long have you been in the industry?

I have been in the industry for eleven years

Are you part of any associations or organisations you would like us to mention?

I am a registered member of;

• Nurturing the Next Generation: I firmly believe in the transformative power of education and the significance of introducing young minds to the captivating realm of surveying. As a Brand Ambassador, I envision inspiring and nurturing curiosity among children, unveiling the thrilling possibilities and boundless opportunities within the dynamic surveying industry.
• Fostering Accessibility in Surveying: Get Kids into Survey is committed to breaking down barriers and making surveying relatable to children from all walks of life. As a Brand Ambassador, I actively aspire to contribute to this mission by orchestrating captivating events, workshops, and educational initiatives that bridge the gap between children and the enchanting world of surveying, transforming it into a fun and interactive voyage for them.

• Empowering Tomorrow’s Trailblazers: By championing the Get Kids into Survey brand, I aim to empower and embolden the next generation of surveyors to fearlessly pursue their passions. I yearn to become a beacon of inspiration, sharing my journey and experiences, and exemplifying the profound impact surveying can have in shaping the world around us.

• Driving Diversity and Inclusivity: Diversity and inclusivity are pivotal in every industry, including surveying. As a Brand Ambassador, I will ardently promote diversity, ensuring that children from all backgrounds feel represented and encouraged to explore surveying as a promising career path.
• Collaborating with a Common Purpose: Embracing the role of a Brand Ambassador entails joining a community of like-minded individuals driven by a shared goal: to inspire and educate the next generation of surveyors. I am thrilled at the prospect of collaborating, learning from others, and collectively fostering positive change within the industry.

• Unveiling Career Possibilities: Introducing surveying to kids from an early age grants them the opportunity to explore potential career paths they might not have previously considered. This exposure broadens their horizons and unlocks the doors to a field that seamlessly merges science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (STEM), presenting abundant prospects for growth and advancement.

• Practicality: Surveying and the geospatial industry play a pivotal role in our everyday lives. Children who grasp the fundamentals of surveying can genuinely appreciate its contributions to mapping, infrastructure development, urban planning, environmental conservation, and disaster management. Such knowledge enables them to comprehend the vital role these industries play in shaping the world around them.
• Nurturing Critical Thinking and Problem-Solving Skills: Surveying entails the collection and analysis of data to facilitate informed decision-making. By introducing kids to surveying, we cultivate their critical thinking abilities as they learn the art of measurement, map interpretation, and spatial problem-solving. This analytical mindset instils curiosity and problem-solving acumen, which prove valuable across various aspects of their lives.
• Embracing Technological Advancements: The geospatial industry constantly evolves, embracing cutting- edge technologies like Geographic Information Systems (GIS), remote sensing, and global positioning systems (GPS). By acquainting children with these technologies and their applications, we expose them to state-of-the-art tools that are actively shaping our world. Such exposure ignites an interest in technology, innovation, and research.

By implementing these initiatives, I will inspire and empower children to explore the field of surveying, fostering a new generation of professionals who can contribute to the industry’s growth and societal development. Good luck with your role as an ambassador for Get Kids into Survey.

What are your hobbies?

My hobbies are; writing, research, swimming, listening to music across genres etc.

If you/your company had a GKiS character, what would it be?

Setsuko Tanaka (The Eco Warrior)

What resource would you like to see next from GKiS?

As an ambassador for Get Kids into Survey, I believe it would be valuable to develop an interactive online learning platform or educational app specifically designed for children. This resource could offer engaging content and activities related to surveying, tailored to different age groups. Here are some key features and components that could be included in such a resource:

• Interactive Lessons: The platform could provide interactive lessons that introduce children to the basic concepts of surveying in a fun and accessible way. These lessons could include videos, animations, and interactive quizzes to ensure an engaging learning experience.
• Virtual Field Trips: Children could embark on virtual field trips to various surveying sites, where they can explore different types of surveying equipment, observe surveying techniques in action, and learn about real-world applications of surveying.
• Hands-on Activities: The resource could offer a range of hands-on activities that allow children to apply what they have learned. This could involve using simple measuring tools, creating maps, or solving spatial problems.
• Gamification Elements: Incorporating gamification elements such as points, badges, and rewards can make the learning process more enjoyable and encourage children to actively participate and progress through the content.

• Career Exploration: The platform could provide insights into different career paths within the surveying industry. This could include profiles of surveying professionals, interviews, and real-life success stories to inspire children and showcase the diverse opportunities available.
• Community and Collaboration: Creating a community feature where children can interact with peers who share an interest in surveying can foster a sense of belonging and provide a platform for sharing ideas and experiences. It could also enable collaboration on projects and challenges.
• Resource Library: The resource could include a comprehensive library of educational materials, including downloadable worksheets, additional reading materials, and links to relevant external resources to further enrich the learning experience.
• Teacher and Parent Resources: To support educators and parents in facilitating the learning process, the platform could provide supplementary resources such as lesson plans, guidance on incorporating surveying into the curriculum, and tips for hands-on activities at home or in the classroom.