The University of Twente in the Netherlands recently hosted a combined graduation ceremony for the Master’s and Postgraduate Diploma programs in Spatial Engineering, Geo-Information Science, and Earth Observation on Wednesday, July 17, 2024. This event celebrated the commitment, tenacity, and research prowess of graduates from around the world.

One of the standout graduates was Oyetoun Alonge, a mother of three from Nigeria. She was celebrated for her remarkable problem-solving spirit, resilience, and multitasking ability. Oyetoun received high praise from her instructors, peers, relatives, and friends. The support of her wonderful family—her husband and their children—made her achievement even more remarkable and attainable.

Balancing her roles as a dedicated wife, mother, and successful entrepreneur, Oyetoun completed her program with excellence and in record time. Her supervisor highlighted her incredible accomplishments and inspirational journey by calling her “an example of a strong African woman, capable of multitasking.”

Oyetoun Alonge’s narrative is a testament to the power of resilience and willpower, inspiring many. Her accomplishments at the University of Twente showcase the value of commitment and perseverance in reaching both academic and personal goals.

Oyetoun Alonge’s Innovative Master’s Research

With a focus on natural resources management, Oyetoun Alonge earned her MSc in Geoinformation Science and Earth Observation.  Her thesis,  “Assessing the Variation of Nitrogen and Carbon in Healthy and Lodged Wheat Crops Using Sentinel-2 and Field Spectroscopy Measurements,“ examines critical facets of nutrient management, crop health monitoring, and yield prediction. This study highlights the potential of cutting-edge remote sensing technology in agriculture, utilizing Sentinel-2 data from ESA’s Copernicus Open Access Hub, collected between April 30 and May 18, 2023, at Bonifiche Ferraresi Farm, Jolanda di Savoia, Ferrara, Italy.

Important Results

1.  Notable variations in the spectral characteristics of lodged and healthy wheat, with lodged wheat having higher reflectance.
2. Narrowband NDVI provided more accurate predictions for foliar carbon and nitrogen content.
3. Hyperspectral data proved superior in forecasting biochemical characteristics, especially for lodged wheat.
4. Validation techniques are essential to the accuracy of the model.

Gratitude and Recognitions

Oyetoun extends her sincere gratitude to her supervisors, Dr. R. Darvishzadeh and Prof. A.D. Nelson, for their unwavering support and guidance. She also thanks her Thesis Assessment Board Chair, Dr.ir. T.A. Groen, External Examiner, Prof. Abel Ramoelo, and Procedural Advisor, Drs. R.G. Nijmeijer, for their insightful comments. Special thanks go to the NUFFIC OKP fellowship for their generous sponsorship and support, which made this academic achievement possible.

Looking Ahead: Future Opportunities

Oyetoun is eager to connect with professionals, researchers, and potential supervisors in remote sensing, agriculture, and environmental management. She is passionate about using her skills and knowledge to contribute to innovative solutions in these fields.

Call for Collaboration

Oyetoun welcomes opportunities for collaboration, PhD positions, or roles that align with her expertise. Her journey demonstrates the impactful work that can be achieved with dedication and support.