MEET PROFESSOR TAKANA ABUBAKAR
-An Accomplished Professor of Surveying and Geo-informatics
By Fidelis Jockthan
In the field of Surveying and Geo-informatics, the name Professor Takana Abubakar resonates with expertise and stands as a fountain of authority in academia, particularly in the Northeast geo-political zone of Nigeria.
Prof Takana Abubakar
This recognition stems from his exceptional academic capabilities and natural administrative leadership traits, which have consistently shone through his work at Modibbo Adama University, Yola, where he continues to rise steadily in academic and professional stature.
Takana, a 52-year-old cosmopolitan academic, hails from Njoboliyo in Yola-South Local Government Area of Adamawa State and remains a recognized authority in Surveying and Geo-informatics.
His academic journey, practical experience, and research contributions culminated in his elevation to the rank of Professor in 2014.
This elevation, earned through academic merit, is evident in his numerous research projects and theses, including the following:
Densification of Controls by Triangulation and Trilateration: A Comparison
Prediction of Gravity Anomalies for Geodetic and Geophysical Studies
Determination of Occurrence and Quality of Petroleum in the Gongola Basin, Nigeria Using Gravimetric Survey
Due to his academic dexterity and high acumen in evolving trends in Geo-informatics, he has supervised 14 Master’s students and 6 PhD candidates.
Professor Takana has served as an External Examiner at Abubakar Tafawa Balewa University (ATBU), Bauchi, and Ahmadu Bello University (ABU), Zaria.
He is also a Visiting Lecturer at the Nigerian Army University, Biu, and ATBU, Bauchi.
He has held several academic and administrative roles, including:
Head of Department, Surveying and Geo-informatics, MAU Yola
Environmental Science Representative to the Senate
Vice-Chancellor’s Nominee to the Senate Business Committee
Planning Officer, STEP-B Project (Science and Technology Education Post-Basic)
Departmental Examination Officer
He has actively contributed to community-based and national projects, such as:
Participating in the Soil Survey for the proposed Dangote Sugar Refinery Project in Hadejia, Jigawa State
Soil Survey Verification at Taraba State University (TSU) and Lau
Soil Survey of the New Savannah Extension in Numan, Adamawa State
Consultant and Senior Surveyor for the ADRAMPT II Road Supervision Project
He is also committed to community development and professional ethics:
Member, Tikkesse Association, Njoboliyo (a community-based organization)
Member, ASUU National Committee on Ethics, Grievances, and Conflict Management
His academic excellence began early. He was the Best Graduating Student of the Department of Surveying, Federal University of Technology, Yola, in 1999. He also received a Certificate of Honour for Service to Humanity from the Tikkesse Association.
Professor Takana began his academic career in 2000 at MAU and has held numerous consulting and supervisory roles, including:
Supervising Consultant, ENViPLAN-TCDS
Senior Surveyor/Consultant Engineer (2019)
Member, Northeast Commodity Association (NECAS) Blueprint Drafting Committee (2020)
Supervising Consultant, PARKMAN Nig. Ltd
He has also contributed to several major projects:
College of Medicine Complex, MAU (2021)
Schools of Engineering and Environmental Sciences, MAU
Impresit-Chochi Irrigation Work
Route and Pipeline Survey (2014)
Sebore Farms, Mayo-Belwa (2012)
Topographic Survey, American University of Nigeria (AUN), 2002
His career progression is a shining example for the upcoming generation:
Graduate Assistant (2000–2006)
Senior Lecturer, Associate Professor, and Professor (2014–Present)
Publications
Published 25 academic journal articles in reputable outlets
Professional Memberships:
Surveyors Council of Nigeria (SURCON)
Nigerian Institute of Surveyors (NIS)
Northern Surveyors Forum
Congratulations, Sir, on your elevation to the rank of Professor by Modibbo Adama University, Yola.
Fidelis Jockthan is a Yola-based journalist.
