The Federal University of Technology, Akure (FUTA), has reaffirmed its readiness to collaborate with the National Space Research and Development Agency (NASRDA) in advancing space education, engineering and national development.
The Vice-Chancellor of FUTA, Professor Adenike Oladiji, gave the assurance in Akure while receiving the Director-General of NASRDA, Dr. Matthew Adepoju, during a courtesy visit to the university.
Professor Oladiji described NASRDA as a centre of excellence and a source of pride to Nigeria, commending the agency’s contributions to national development. She noted that the visit by the NASRDA Director-General and his management team was timely and provided a rare opportunity to deepen collaboration in critical areas of mutual interest.
She praised Dr. Adepoju’s leadership style since assuming office and expressed surprise at his decision to personally lead the delegation, describing the gesture as heartwarming and a demonstration of effective leadership and excellence.
The Vice-Chancellor announced the constitution of a joint committee comprising top university officials to work with NASRDA in fine-tuning strategies for the proposed areas of collaboration.
Earlier, Dr. Adepoju congratulated Professor Oladiji on the university’s achievements, particularly in academic excellence, describing FUTA as one of the country’s leading institutions with alumni making significant impacts across various sectors globally.
He stressed the need for the university to sustain its high academic standards, especially at this critical time, and outlined areas of collaboration in space science, engineering, aeronautics and manpower development.
Dr. Adepoju assured that NASRDA would forward the names of its representatives to the joint committee and reaffirmed the agency’s commitment to the full implementation of Nigeria’s space policy and programme under his administration.
In his remarks, the pioneer Director of Strategic Space Applications at NASRDA, Professor Joseph Akinyede, commended the Director-General for the visit, describing NASRDA as a vital national asset. He expressed satisfaction with the agency’s steady progress and growth, particularly under the leadership of Dr. Adepoju, adding that the best of the agency is yet to come.
The visit concluded with a tour of selected laboratories and facilities in the university.
