Gbenro Adesina
All roads led to the Large Lecture Theatre (LLT), Faculty of the Social Sciences, University of Ibadan on Thursday, November 11, 2021, where Dr. Olalekan John Taiwo delivered the 25th Faculty Lecture.
In attendance were the institution’s Deputy Vice Chancellor (Academic), Professor Aderonke M. Baiyeroju, Dean, Faculty of the Social Sciences, Prof Catherine Chovwen, member of UI Governing Council, Prof Olawale Ogunkola, former Vice Chancellors, Ladoke Akintola University of Technology (LAUTECH),and Niger Delta University, Professors. Niyi Gbadegesin and C. O. Ikporukpo respectively, Heads of Departments, Political Science, Sociology, Psychology and Geography, Professors. E. Remi Aiyede, Eze Nwokocha, Adebayo Adejumo and Ibidun O. Adelekan respectively, Dr. Anne C. Taiwo, wife of Dr. O. J. Taiwo, staff, students, guests and well wishers.
In the Lecture titled, “Eyes on the Earth in the Social Science”, the lecturer, who is the immediate past Acting Head of Geography Department, spoke extensively on the usefulness of remote sensing and the Geographic Information System (GIS) in socially related research.
According to him, the lecture was aimed at “increasing the awareness among colleagues and students on the availability and use of products from Earth Observation Satellites (EOS) as well as the use of Geographic Information Systems (GIS) not only for map production but also for spatially dependent analysis to foster deeper and more inclusive collaborations among the various fields of research in the social sciences.
He stated: ” Remote sensing, also called earth observation is the process of obtaining information about objects or areas on Earth’s surface by using electromagnetic radiation (light) without being in direct contact with the object or area. It is the process of detecting and monitoring the physical characteristics of an area by measuring its reflected and emitted radiation at a distance (typically from a satellite or aircraft). According to him, much of the data from remote sensing can be incorporated into GIS and used to map political and social phenomenon with a physical dimension”.
The don pointed out that it is not only geographers that have access to remote sensing and GIS, but other disciplines, including the natural and applied sciences and humanities could utilise them for research.
He showcased the use of remote sensing and GIS in various research areas such as researches in poverty mapping, analysis and monitoring; spatial econometrics; mental wellbeing; conflict and security; crime analysis; urban expansion and Public Health.
Taiwo advocated that the adoption and use of GIS should facilitate integrated and collaborative research among social scientists irrespective of the disciplinary and methodological biases.
