By Friday Idachaba, Lokoja.
Management of Kogi State Polytechnic, Lokoja has signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with the National Space Research and Development Agency (NASRDA) for the purpose of collaboration with the institution’s Aerospace Engineering Technology Department, School of Engineering.
In a statement signed by Uredo Omale, Head, Public Relations and Protocol Unit of the institution, the MoU was signed on Wednesday at the NASRDA headquarters, Obasanjo Space Centre, Abuja.
The Director General, National Space Research and Development Agency (NASRDA), Dr Halilu Ahmed Shaba and Rector, Kogi State Polytechnic, Lokoja, Dr Salisu Ogbo Usman, signed on behalf of both parties.
Dr Shaba said the MoU would strengthen the deep historic ties between the two parties in terms of socio-economic development, space exploration, environmental safety and trade.
He further said that the institution and the Agency had made relentless efforts at ensuring the actualisation of the great feat for exploration of Aerospace Engineering Technology.
“National Space Research and Development Agency and Kogi State Polytechnic, Lokoja share historic ties, as both agencies have been working closely in recent times”, he said.
The signing of the MoU, Dr Shaba added, “Is a right step in the right direction, as it will accelerate Nigeria’s economic transformation from a resource-based to knowledge-based and Innovation driven.”
Shaba bemoaned the obsolete equipment in some institutions, and commended KSP Rector, Dr Ogbo Usman for sustaining the relationship, the great feat and advancement in achieving the Aerospace exploration.
He added that the Polytechnic had persistently, since 2014 been pushing for the attainment of the MOU and reiterated the agency’s desire to make Aerospace Engineering Technology competitive globally by investing in Aerospace Engineering Technology.
He hinted that the agency would further collaborate with the Kogi State Polytechnic in the area of Agricultural advancement in 2023 by organising an exhibition and a joint workshop.
In the same vein, Engr. Sadiq Umar, Director, CSCD in his closing remarks, appreciated the managements of NASRDA and KSP for the passion and unfettered energy towards achieving the feat.
He described Dr Shaba and Dr Usman as reformers of high repute and ones whose mandates had yielded a landmark achievement.
Umar disclosed the agency’s readiness to establish AEROSPACE technology across institutions in the country as already achieved in Lagos State University (LASU).
Speaking earlier, Dr. Salisu Ogbo Usman, Rector, Kogi State Polytechnic, said the MoU would be of mutual socio-economic benefit to both parties.
He revealed that the MoU which had just been approved, started in 2014 under the then Director General of NASRDA, Late Prof. Seidu Ogah Mohammed and the then Rector of KSP, Late Prof. Matthew Ajibero – both of blessed memory.
He therefore commended the deceased Prof. Ogah and Prof Ajibero for their historic initiative “which without doubt, will stand the test of time” and commended NASRDA DG for his unusual humility in sustaining the relationship.
Dr Usman said that the historic event would further expand collaborations in Agriculture, Aerospace Technology and capacity building as well as space application programmes for societal purposes.
Dr Ogbo Usman reassured the Agency on the Polytechnic’s readiness to ensure quick and prompt utilisation of facilities in the areas concerned.
Highlight of the occasion was the exchange of souvenirs by both agencies as a mark of honour and appreciation for continued collaboration. (Ends)