The Centre for Dryland Agriculture (CDA) at Bayero University, Kano, held an interactive session with e-Health Africa to refine a proposed geospatial training curriculum for public health professionals, addressing a critical skills gap in the sector.
The meeting, which focused on the structure and content of the programme, was attended by the Deputy Vice-Chancellor (Research and Development), Professor Amina Mustapha, highlighting the University’s commitment to capacity-building initiatives that bridge academia and industry.
Welcoming the e-Health Africa delegation, CDA Director Professor Sanusi Gaya Mohammed noted that the partnership between CDA and e-Health Africa dates back to 2014.
He highlighted the Centre’s expertise in Geographic Information Systems (GIS) and emphasized that CDA houses one of the best-equipped geospatial laboratories in the region, featuring state-of-the-art facilities.
Speaking on behalf of e-Health Africa, Associate Manager, GIS/Data Analytics, Mr. Victor Idakwo, explained that the proposed curriculum is designed to train public health professionals at basic, intermediate, and advanced levels.
He stressed that a key objective is to institutionalize the programme at CDA to ensure sustainability and long-term impact.
Practical aspects of the programme, including training duration and fees, were also discussed. Both institutions agreed to continue consultations before reaching a final decision.
The meeting was attended by several key figures, including the Director of Academic Planning, Professor Yusuf Garba; Deputy Director of Training, Professor Murtala Mohammed Badamasi; Geospatial Analyst, Dr. Murtala Uba; Deputy Director of Outreach and Partnership, Dr. Amina Lawan Mustapha; Communication Officer, Nura Garba; CDA ICT Officer, Adams Mustapha; and staff from the Department of Geography, as well as representatives from e-Health Africa.
The collaboration demonstrates CDA’s commitment to advancing geospatial expertise in public health, bridging knowledge gaps, and strengthening professional capacities in Nigeria and beyond.