Abdullahi Kuta

Course studying

Engineering Surveying & Space Geodesy PhD

Research area

Modelling Land Cover Change Due to Oil activities in the Niger Delta.

What made you want to become an engineer?

I chose to become an engineer firstly because Engineering as a broad field offers exciting career opportunities where I will get to be creative, solve problems and explore how things work.

I wanted to study a professional course that could enable me to be self-employed. After my secondary school, I discovered that many people were going for non-professional studies in higher institution and job prospects were difficult because they had to be employed by the local, state or the federal government which was, and is still difficult to get. I wanted a course with less competition in term of jobs prospect.

My love for built environment and making sure that structures are properly set out in their positions is one of the reasons that made me want to become a Geomatic Engineer. As a Geomatic Engineer, all construction work depends on the maps we produce, and every construction design/drawing are positioned on the ground by Geomatics engineers which makes us very important professionals in building industries. We are the first professionals to go into site and the last to leave.

Where do you see yourself in the next five years?

In the next five years, I see myself in academia. My passion in life is to impart the lives of others through research and teaching, as well as applying geospatial technology in solving geohazard and environmental related problems. Being in academia will give me an opportunity to fulfil my life ambition.

Why is Black History Month an important celebration for you?

Black History Month is important to me because it recognises that although we are different races and colours, we are still recognised like every other person. It also makes me feel proud of the University of Nottingham for Equality, Diversity and Inclusion. The university recognises that we are part of the community, and we are contributing to the diversity of the university.

What are your experiences as a person of colour in the UK?

So far, my personal experience as a person of colour has been splendid, I have not had any reason to feel unaccepted or regret being in the UK due to my colour. I have made many friends and I have also had many opportunities to know/learn more about life in the UK.

Who would you say your role model is?

I would say that my PhD supervisor is my role model. I love his dedication, patience, and hard work.

How do you think the faculty and University can further progress inclusion and diversity?

I feel to further progress inclusion and diversity, the faculty and the university could employ more staff from Black background, this could make both current and prospective students see the University of Nottingham as a more welcoming place.