NASRDA, FUNAI COLLABORATE ON SPACE SCIENCE
- AS NCRS BUILDS ASTAL IN FUNAI
The National Space Research and Development Centre (NASRDA) has pledged to collaborate with the Federal University Ndufu-Alike Ikwo (FUNAI), Ebonyi State in the area of space Science and Technology by reactivating a Memorandum of Understanding signed by the two organizations in 2012.
Director/CEO, NCRS, Dr. E.N Gajere (standing), Director, Strategic Space Applications, NASRDA, Dr. Halilu Ahmad Shaba (2nd R) and Personal Assistant to Minister of Science and Technology, Hon. Julian Onu (3rd R) during the visit
This was made known by the Director of Strategic Space Applications, NASRDA, Dr. Halilu Ahmad Shaba on August 16th, 2016 when he accompanied a team from the National Centre for Remote Sensing to the University for a fact finding mission. He said ‘I will make sure the legal Unit of our Organization search for and look into the MOU and I assure you it will be reactivated for implementation.’
Meanwhile, the National Centre for Remote Sensing (NCRS), Jos is to build an Advanced Space Technology Application Laboratory (ASTAL) in the University. The Director General and Chief Executive Officer of NCRS, Dr. E. N Gajere disclosed this when he visited the University to ascertain its readiness for the commencement of the project.
Dr Gajere explained that NCRS is saddled with the duty of providing remote sensing in Nigeria, noting that in 2011 such Centre was established at the University of Uyo, Akwa Ibom State to serve the South-South geopolitical zone of the country. He added that when completed the Advanced Space Technology Application Laboratory to be situated in the University would serve the tertiary institutions and relevant government agencies in the Southeast geopolitical zone. He pointed out that researchers and students in the Physical Sciences will be the major beneficiaries of the laboratory.
The Director General further assured that when completed the Laboratory would generate data that would bring the needed panacea to challenges confronting the zone in the areas of environmental management, urban management, and disaster and flood management.
The space expert enjoined the University Management to expedite action in providing temporary office accommodation for the staff of NCRS that would manage the affair of the centre, and allot a land space where the laboratory would be built in the University.
VC, Prof. Chinedum addressing the NCRS team during the event
The Vice Chancellor of the University, Professor Chinedum Nwajiuba in his response expressed his gratitude to the Federal Ministry of Science and Technology for choosing the University for such an important Project. He further stated that the University remains open to other government agencies and private organizations for investment, partnership and collaboration in mutual benefiting and rewarding areas.
Professor Nwajiuba vowed to immediately put efforts in top gear towards providing the necessary logistics to ensure the swift take-off of the centre, pledging that the University’s culture of excellence and integrity would be strictly adhered to in this regard. He further appealed to the NCRS Director and Chief Executive Officer, Dr. Gajere to use his good offices in ensuring that the Laboratory building plan takes cognizance of the tropical nature of Ebonyi state in order to improve the durability of the building.
Dr. Gajere was accompanied to the event by the Director, Strategic Space Applications in NASRDA, Dr. Halilu Ahmad Shaba and the Personal Assistant to the Minister of Science and Technology, Hon. Julian Onu.
VC, Prof. Chinedum Nwajiuba (5th L), Director/CEO, NCRS, Dr. E.N Gajere, DVC, Prof. S.O Elom, Bursar, Mr. R.K Aliu, Director, Strategic Space Applications, NASRDA, Dr. H.A Shaba, DAP, Prof. K.N Nwogu, Registrar, Mr. G.O Chukwu (4Tth L), PA to the Minister of Science and Technology, Mr. J Onu, Librarian, Dr. O.O Adediji, Director, Physical Planning & Works Services, Dr. A.I Ezeocha