In a landmark achievement that places Nigeria at the forefront of global scientific innovation, Dr. Mubarak Mahmud, a distinguished Nigerian scholar and PhD graduate of Université Paris-Saclay, has introduced a game-changing method for measuring tree heights in forestry science. The technique, now known globally as the Mahmud Method, is redefining accuracy and efficiency in forestry measurement.
This cutting-edge approach leverages photography and the mathematical principles of Thales’ theorem to estimate tree heights with remarkable precision. With a nearly perfect correlation score of 0.998 when compared to actual measurements, the Mahmud Method offers an unprecedented level of accuracy, transforming both academic research and field applications.
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The method has been peer-reviewed and published in the renowned journal Smart Agricultural Technology, signaling its credibility and international significance. To broaden its impact, an AI-powered Android application has been developed to make the Mahmud Method more accessible and user-friendly for foresters, researchers, students, and conservationists around the world.
A special event to celebrate this achievement was held on April 30, 2025, at the Institut Diversité Écologie et Évolution du Vivant (IDEEV), Université Paris-Saclay. Attendees included leading academics, international researchers, institutional representatives, and members of Nigeria’s academic community.
Dr. Laure Barthes, thesis director and senior researcher at Université Paris-Saclay, praised the innovation, calling it “a shining example of Nigeria’s academic prowess and the power of cross-border research collaboration.”
The breakthrough has been widely recognized by several institutions, including:
Nigeria’s Federal Ministry of Education
Kano State Ministry of Education
Aliko Dangote University of Science and Technology, Kano
These endorsements further solidify Dr. Mahmud’s status as a national asset and a global scientific leader.
The Mahmud Method is expected to be integrated into forestry education curricula in select universities worldwide, and it holds promise for shaping the future of environmental science, biodiversity monitoring, and climate action initiatives.
This historic contribution not only underscores Nigeria’s rising role in the global scientific arena but also highlights how homegrown innovation can provide practical solutions to complex ecological challenges.
Dr. Mubarak Mahmud’s achievement is more than a scientific milestone—it is a beacon of hope for the future of sustainable forestry and global environmental stewardship.
