The Ondo State Government and the Federal University of Technology, Akure (FUTA), have expressed readiness to partner with the National Space Research and Development Agency (NASRDA) to advance space science, technology, and manpower development for sustainable national growth.
The Deputy Governor of Ondo State, Mr Olayide Adelami, made this known while hosting the Director General of NASRDA, Dr Matthew Olumide Adepoju, on behalf of the Executive Governor, Mr Lucky Aiyedatiwa, during the Director General’s official visit to the state.
Mr Adelami commended Dr Adepoju for his strategic and effective leadership of NASRDA, noted that the agency’s activities position it as a critical driver of development in key areas of human and societal advancement. He described NASRDA as a special-purpose vehicle for development and appreciated the Director General’s visit, which he said demonstrated goodwill towards the people of Ondo State and commitment to educational advancement.
The Deputy Governor assured that the present Ondo State administration is willing to partner with NASRDA in relevant areas to promote good governance and overall development in the state.
Earlier, Dr Adepoju thanked the Ondo State Government for the warm reception accorded him and members of his team, explaining that the visit was part of ongoing consultations with critical stakeholders. He stated that NASRDA remains ready to support the state government through space science and technology-driven solutions for effective governance.
As part of the visit, the NASRDA Director General also paid a courtesy call on the management of the Federal University of Technology, Akure, where discussions focused on collaboration in space science, engineering, aeronautics, and capacity development.
Receiving the NASRDA team, the Vice Chancellor of FUTA, Professor Adenike Oladiji, described NASRDA as a centre of excellence and a source of national pride, expressed the university’s readiness to collaborate with the agency in areas of mutual interest. She described the visit as timely and significant, noting that it provided a rare opportunity to strengthen institutional partnerships.
Professor Oladiji also commended Dr Adepoju’s leadership style, particularly his decision to personally lead the delegation, which she described as a demonstration of commitment and excellence. She announced the constitution of a joint FUTA–NASRDA committee to develop and fine-tune strategies for the proposed collaboration.
In his remarks, Dr Adepoju congratulated the Vice Chancellor on FUTA’s academic achievements, describing the institution as one of Nigeria’s leading universities with alumni making significant contributions across various sectors globally. He emphasised the need to sustain the university’s culture of excellence while outlining key areas of collaboration in space science, engineering, aeronautics, and manpower development.
Also speaking, the pioneer Director of Strategic Space Applications at NASRDA, Professor Joseph Akinyede, commended the Director General for the visit, describing NASRDA as a valuable national asset whose best achievements are yet to be realised.
The visit concluded with a guided tour of selected laboratories and facilities within the university, underscored NASRDA’s commitment to advancing the Nigeria Space Policy and Programme through strategic partnerships.
