Emeritus Professor

Fundamentals of Geodesy, by Dagogo M.J. Fubara, Francis A. Fajemirokun, Christian U. Ezeigbo

CHAIRMAN’S OPENING REMARKS

So, what is Geodesy? Many may ask?

Is it Geometry – that branch of mathematics that deals with shapes and their properties?

Is it Geography? – where we study spaces along with people and their environment in fascinating circumstances that span the Arts and Science?

Or is it even Astronomy – where we seek to understand celestial bodies?

Well, the truth is that Geodesy is all of this and more. It is a science of its own – one of measurement and understanding of fundamental properties of the earth as evidenced by its shape, orientation in space and gravitational field. Being so composite and amalgamated, it is also a service science – one whose knowledge is required for the understanding and practice of other related disciplines. Such disciplines include space science, navigation, aviation, surveys, geology, oceanography and this immediately speaks directly to the value of the book being launched today.

Fundamentals of Geodesy deals with issues of definition, concepts, theories and their applications in the areas of positioning, space techniques, reference systems, the earth’s gravitational field and others for students, teachers, researchers and practitioners. But it does more and this is the kernel of my brief remarks.

Technology, along with science and innovation is now the foundation of all successful global economies and not the export and sale of crude, unprocessed natural resources; economies have become knowledge driven and not resource dependent. Science, technology and innovation (STI) have thus become the key driving force for national development and for advancing global competitiveness in the creation of jobs, manufacture of various commodities, food production, provision of quality health care, export of skillful and professional services and much more. This point which I made on September 16, 2013 when I had the privilege of serving in a similar capacity at the launching of the book Why Run Before Learning To Walk? Reflections on high technology as a strategic tool for development in Nigeria by Professor Turner Isoun, bears repetition here. For science and technology to play such a vital role in Nigeria’s quest for national development, mathematics and STI must be incorporated widely at all levels of the nation’s educational system to create a critical mass of literate persons who can apply the benefits of STI to national development. Books, such as the one being launched today, written by gurus in their respective fields, is one requirement for such a movement to come to fruition.

I congratulate the authors, thank you all for attending and urge everyone to go home with at least one copy of the book.

Nimi Briggs

Emeritus Professor, University of Port Harcourt.

Pro-Chancellor and Chairman of Council, Federal University Lokoja.

Chairman.

Tuesday 29 November, 2016