KASU Hosts CIWES 2025 Opening Ceremony, Equipping NDA Cadets with GIS and Remote Sensing Skills

The Kaduna State University (KASU) hosted the opening ceremony of the Annual Cadet Industrial Work Experience Scheme (CIWES) 2025 on March 18th at its GIS Lab, with esteemed dignitaries and guests from the Nigerian Defence Academy (NDA) in attendance. The event, aimed at providing NDA cadets with essential Geographic Information Systems (GIS) and remote sensing skills, featured insightful lectures and practical demonstrations led by renowned facilitators.

Prominent figures at the event included Dr. Dadan-Garba Aliyu (Head of Department), Dr. Umar Abubakar, Dr. Sylvanus Helda Bernard (Coordinator), Mal. Jabir Abubakar, and Mal. Ibrahim Abubakar. Representing KASU were Dr. Asma’u Mukhtar (Head, Department of Geography and Sustainability Studies), Dr. Bonet A.R., Dr. Salisu Ibrahim (Training Coordinator for KASU Cadet SIWES), Dr. Emmanuel E. Monday, Dr. Ariyo D.J., and Dr. Umar Haira (Facilitator at KEPA). Also present were Mr. Yarison Emmanuel, Mr. Goodheard Sheyin, Mrs. Joy Jakakad, Mr. Gidado Mohamed, Mr. Bilal Sani, Mrs. Fatima Saidu, Mr. Joshua Umaru Madaki, Mr. Baba Shunom, and Mr. Mohammed Balerabe Abdullahazir Garba.

Representing KASU’s Vice-Chancellor, Prof. Ibrahim I. Musa, Dr. Asma’u Mukhtar delivered the opening remarks, underscoring the importance of SIWES in preparing cadets for professional challenges. She emphasized how the program bridges the gap between academic knowledge and industry demands, equipping students with critical technical skills.

Dr. Mukhtar further enriched the session with an insightful lecture on remote sensing, explaining the fundamentals of solar radiation and its impact on remote sensors. She discussed passive and active radiation, sensor platforms, and the diverse applications of remote sensing in vegetation and environmental monitoring. The engaging session concluded with an interactive Q&A segment.

Following this, Dr. Salisu Ibrahim delivered an in-depth lecture on Geographic Information Systems (GIS), detailing its applications in spatial analysis and decision-making. A hands-on practical demonstration allowed cadets to engage directly with GIS technology, reinforcing their understanding through experiential learning.

The CIWES 2025 opening ceremony provided a robust platform for knowledge exchange, ensuring that NDA cadets gain vital GIS and remote sensing expertise to enhance their careers in Geography, Sustainability Studies, and environmental applications. The event successfully demonstrated the significance of blending theoretical knowledge with practical training, solidifying SIWES as a cornerstone for professional development in technical fields.