The Federal School of Surveying in Oyo State has received National Assembly approval to be upgraded to a university, marking a significant milestone for an institution that has been in existence for 116 years and is recognised as the first of its kind in Africa.

Chairman of the Governing Council and Surveyor General of the Federation, Abdulganiyu Adebomehin, disclosed this on Monday while speaking with newsmen after the 64th Governing Council meeting held at the institution. He confirmed that the legislative process was at an advanced stage. "We have done the First Reading, Second Reading, and Public Hearing at the National Assembly. And after this, they will pronounce it as a university," he stated.

Adebomehin argued that the institution already possessed the prerequisites for university status. "The school has been in existence for over 100 years. And in terms of landmass, equipment, and knowledge, we have them. In fact, when you talk about surveying in Nigeria, this is the school. This is the citadel of knowledge in surveying. So, if anybody claims to be a surveyor and has not had anything to do with this school, something is missing somewhere," he affirmed.

The Surveyor General also disclosed that the 64th Governing Council meeting approved a dedicated Scheme of Service for the institution, which regulates activities from the Rector down to the least officer. He noted that the scheme prevents arbitrary decisions on appointments and conditions of service.

Adebomehin further stressed the broader relevance of surveying to national development, disclosing that the body was pursuing efforts to remap Nigeria. "Surveying is synonymous with development," he stated, adding that modern warfare using drones also relies on surveying principles.

Rector of the school, Dr Olayinka Dosunmu Nihinlola, disclosed that the Governing Council ratified the appointments of two principal officers. Dr Gabriel Adebayo was appointed Registrar, and Mr Onikede Kamil was appointed Bursar, with both appointments taking effect from May 17, 2026. The Council also approved the appointment of Dr Kennedy Eiriemiokhale as School Librarian, who assumed office on February 2, 2026, having obtained his doctorate in Library and Information Science from the University of Ilorin. All appointments are for a five year tenure.