The Director General, National Space Research and Development Agency (NASRDA), Dr. Matthew Olumide Adepoju, has emphasized that collaboration with key stakeholders are essential for the advancement of Nigeria’s Space Program, fostering innovation, enhancing technological capacity and driving national development.
He made this statement during the signing of a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) between NASRDA and the African University of Science and Technology (AUST), at the Agency’s headquarters in Abuja.
Dr. Adepoju, while highlighting NASRDA’s strategic role in the success of any partnership, noted that the collaboration between the Space Agency and AUST has the potential to propel Nigeria to new heights in space technology and innovation, positioning the nation as a leader in the global space industry.
According to him, NASRDA is committed to fulfilling its obligations under the MOU by providing all the necessary laboratory equipment and facilities to support research efforts within the collaboration.
Dr. Adepoju also stressed the importance of this partnership in advancing the nation’s scientific capacity saying, collaborations such as this, will not only enhance space technology but also create a foundation for sustainable development.
In his remarks, the President of the African University of Science and Technology (AUST), Prof. Azikiwe Onwualu, emphasized that the signing of the MOU will further strengthen the relationship between the institution and NASRDA, which will yield results in groundbreaking research and technological advancements that will significantly contribute to Nigeria’s socio-economic development of the country and Africa at large.
He explained that the collaboration is a strategic step aimed at establishing a sustainable communication system that will support the mutual goals of both institutions.
Prof. Onwualu emphasized that NASRDA’s expertise in research, technology, innovation, engineering, and space science, are the basis for the foundation of the partnership between the two institutions.
The Provost of the Institute of Space Science and Engineering, (ISSE) Dr. John Momoh, described the collaboration as a positive and strategic move that align with the shared goals of both institutions to advance space science and technology.
He expressed confidence that the partnership would be mutually beneficial and rewarding in the future, especially in the areas of research, innovation, and capacity building.
