The Vice Chancellor of the Federal University of Technology,Akure, Professor Adenike Oladiji has expressed the readiness of the institution to collaborate with the National Space Research and Development Agency in any area of interest, describing the Agency as a centre of excellence and pride to Nigeria.
The Vice Chancellor was speaking in Akure while receiving the Director General of the National Space Research and Development Agency (NASRDA), Dr Matthew Adepoju during a courtesy visit.
She acknowledged the unique contributions and support of the Agency to National development, pointing that the visit by the NASRDA Director General and his team to the University was not only timely but a rare opportunity and privilege to facilitate collaboration and partnership in critical areas of interest.
Professor Oladiji applauded the NASRDA Boss on his style of administration since he assumed office, expressing surprise on the decision of the Director General to personally lead the delegation to the University.
The gesture she described as heartwarming , demonstration of good leadership and excellence.
Professor Oladiji however announced names of some top officials of the University as members of a joint committee between the University and NASRDA with the mandate to work out and fine-tune strategies in the proposed areas of collaboration.
Dr Adepoju had earlier congratulated the Vice Chancellor on the success story of the University, particularly in the area of academic excellence.
He described the University as one of the best in the country, pointing that the institution has churned out numerous outstanding alumni who are making waves in different sectors across the globe.
The NASRDA Boss who commended the Vice Chancellor stressed the need to maintain the high level of academic excellence the institution is already known for, particularly at this point in time.
Dr Adepoju however outlined some areas of interest in academic and manpower development, particularly on Space, Engineering and Aeronautics.
While promising to forward names of NASRDA’s team for the committee on the proposed joint collaboration, Dr Adepoju assured that no stone will be left unturned by the Space Agency under his administration towards the successful implementation of the Nigeria Space policy and programme.
In his contribution,the pioneer Director of Strategic Space Application in NASRDA, Professor Joseph Akinyede commended the Director General for the visit.
He said, as one of the founding fathers of the Space Agency, it is a thing of joy seeing NASRDA growing and striving ahead steadily in the actualisation of its mandate, particularly under the leadership of Dr Matthew Adepoju.
Professor Akinyede described NASRDA as a great asset to the country, emphasising that the best of the Agency is yet to be seen.
The NASRDA Director General and his team were later conducted round some laboratories and facilities in the Institution.
Written by: Alexandria Oladipo
Edited by: Kaneng Dagyeng
Media and Corporate Communication
