The Women in Surveying (WIS), Federal Capital Territory Chapter, has called on parents to actively support and guide their children in choosing future careers by introducing them early to the fundamentals of different professions.
The chairperson of the group, Surveyor Ajoke Fatimah Akintola, made the appeal in Abuja during a career awareness event themed “Catch Them Young: Mapping Minds for a Better Tomorrow.”
Akintola explained that the initiative was designed to inspire young students to explore career opportunities in surveying and geo-informatics, fields she described as crucial to national development.
“This programme is very dear to our hearts because it speaks directly to our vision — catching young ones early, opening their eyes to opportunities they may never have considered, and planting seeds of curiosity that can grow into lifelong careers,” she said.
She noted that while surveying and geo-informatics might sound complex, they were central to the planning and development of modern societies.
“It is the science and art of measuring, mapping, and managing the land and space around us. It is what makes roads, bridges, estates, cities, and even your Google Maps possible,” she added.
Akintola further emphasised the diverse relevance of the profession, ranging from engineering and space exploration to land management and environmental sustainability.
“To our students: you are the reason we are here. The world is changing fast, and knowledge is your most valuable asset. We encourage you to listen, ask questions, and begin to see yourselves as future surveyors, geospatial experts, entrepreneurs, and nation builders,” she urged.
The event, which brought together students, teachers, speakers, and industry experts, aimed to ignite interest in surveying careers among young people while fostering mentorship and guidance.
Akintola expressed gratitude to the participating schools, teachers, and facilitators for their commitment to nurturing young minds and sharing their expertise.
“What we begin here today may seem small, but it has the power to shape destinies. We hope that at least one student will leave with a new dream, a new goal, and a new direction towards a career in surveying and geo-informatics,” she concluded.
