In April, eHealth Africa (eHA) representatives gathered with leaders at Ahmadu Bello University (ABU) in Zaria, Nigeria for a landmark meeting and signing event. The goal of this meeting was to sign into effect a new partnership. This relationship will lead to eHA internships for ABU students, and will also involve sharing in information and research, enabling both parties to increase research capacity and resources.
The signing ceremony was presided over by the Deputy Vice-Chancellor, Professor Ibrahim Naiya Sada, who provided opening remarks. ABU GIS Coordinator Mal. Muhammad Tukur Murtala then briefed the audience about the journey that brought the university and eHealth Africa together in this partnership.
eHealth Africa Senior GIS Coordinator Kehinde Adewara had the privilege of highlighting to university representatives and others about milestones we have reached at eHA. This includes the mapping of over ten states in northern Nigeria via satellite imagery, the development of geospatial support systems for tracking projects such as polio vaccinations, and the invention of multiple digital health applications for mobile such as Tag And Go and Sense Ebola Followup
This portion of the presentation was followed up by a discussion on how university students would benefit by interning at eHA:
1. Teaching & Research – The GIS and Research & Evaluation departments at eHealth Africa have a number of research inclined professionals, including Ph.D candidates registered in universities located in Nigeria and around the world. These professionals are proficient in the application of geospatial research skills and can impart years of experience and research with the university research team.
2. Student Industrial Experience – eHealth Africa GIS professionals with years of instructor-led training will provide hands-on training for interns from the university. These skills will benefit the university community, and can provide students a path to immediate employment after graduation.
3. University Asset Management – eHealth Africa can assist relevant university departments by helping develop geospatial support systems for enterprise level management of core university assets.
eHealth Africa is honored to be a part of this prestigious signing event and new partnership with Ahmadu Bello University. We believe this partnership will enable both entities to operate with a higher level of efficiency, provide university students with solid career opportunities, and result in enhancements within digital health that will further the fight against epidemics and disease in Africa.