The Director General and Chief Executive, National Space Research and Development Agency (NASRDA), Dr. Matthew Adepoju has called for result oriented collaboration with strategic partners and relevant stakeholders in building a formidable platform that can serve as a catalyst for national development.

Dr. Adepoju made this statement while receiving a delegation from the SUBSOIL Africa Consortium of Universities at the Agency’s headquarters in Abuja.

The NASRDA boss explained that understanding mineral-rich subsoil as a strategic resource aligns with NASRDA’s mandate to promote technological innovation and capacity building.

Dr Adepoju added that subsoil resources like steel are components of national transformation which are essential for advancing Nigeria’s industrial base and achieving long-term economic resilience.

He said, the Agency places high value on quality scientific, engineering, and space technology training as crucial pillars for sustainable national development.

Dr. Adepoju also explained that NASRDA maintains active collaborations with both national and international institutions to promote inclusive socio-economic growth and technological advancement.

Speaking earlier, the leader of the delegation, Professor Omali Ojoina said, one of the major reasons for the visit is to collaborate with NASRDA on capacity development and knowledge transfer.

He noted that the initiative aims to train personnel particularly in geosciences to efficiently harness Nigeria’s subsoil resources.

Professor Ojoina stressed that the goal of the initiative goes beyond merely tapping into subsoil resources but also involves the sustainable management of these resources through ongoing learning and professional development.

According to him, Africa must strive for self-reliance in subsoil exploration and utilization, as this will play a key role in alleviating poverty and enhancing economic resilience across the continent.

Professor Ojoina stated that UNESCO serves as the foundational pillar of the consortium, offering guidance and support for its objectives and activities.

He emphasized that the consortium is not designed to operate in isolation rather, it will actively involve all member institutions in engineering-related aspects of its mission to ensure transparency and shared ownership.

Below are pictures from the event.

Written by: CHADO JOEL
Edited by: JOY OPALUWA
MEDIA AND CORPORATE COMMUNICATIONS