The Director General of the National Space Research and Development Agency (NASRDA), Dr. Matthew Adepoju, has said that strong collaboration between universities and research institutions remain a sustainable pathway to national development.
He made the statement during the signing of a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) between NASRDA and Bingham University at the Agency’s headquarters in Abuja.
According to him, meaningful national development can only be achieved when relevant stakeholders work together in a balanced and mutually beneficial relationship.
The NASRDA boss explained that the Agency is a platform that belongs to all stakeholders in the science and technology ecosystem, particularly academic institutions, stressing that academic pursuit remains the heartbeat of the Agency’s programmes and activities.
Speaking further, the Director General stated that technological breakthroughs often begin within a single university department before expanding into research institution and industry, thereby creating a continuous cycle of innovation and economic growth.
He noted that as universities abroad advance beyond existing technologies, Nigeria must position itself through capacity building and advanced research, adding that science cuts across all sectors and the collaboration would span multiple disciplines.
The Director General reaffirmed NASRDA’s readiness to deepen collaboration with academic institutions in order to build capacity, strengthen research output and contribute meaningfully to Nigeria’s technological and socio-economic development.
Speaking earlier, the Vice Chancellor of Bingham University, Professor Haruna Ayuba, congratulated the Director General on his appointment, describing it as well deserved in view of his vast experience, proven leadership capacity and contributions to the advancement of science and technology in Nigeria.
He said the institution though relatively young, boasts of departments, faculties and academic programmes that align with and directly support NASRDA’s mandate in science, technology and innovation.
Professor Ayuba referenced a past partnership he facilitated with NASRDA while serving as Deputy Vice Chancellor at Nasarawa State University, expressing satisfaction with the progress recorded from the collaboration.
He expressed excitement over the new partnership, hoping that NASRDA would support the institution through capacity building and training opportunities for graduates in geospatial and related fields.
Below are pictures from the event:
Reporter: Oluwaseun Ajayi
Editor: Joy Opaluwa
Media and Corporate Communications
