From Noah Ocheni, Lokoja
The 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 exploration of Aerospace Engineering Technology department.
The MoU was signed at the NASRDA headquarters, Obasanjo Space Centre, Abuja by the Director General, National Space Research and Development Agency (NASRDA), Dr. Halilu Ahmed Shaba and Dr. Salisu Ogbo Usman, Rector, Kogi State Polytechnic respectively.
In his speech, Dr. Shaba said the MoU would strengthen the deep historic ties between the two bodies in terms of socio-economic development, space exploration, environmental safety and trade.
He further said that the two parties had made relentless efforts in ensuring the actualisation of the great feats, adding that National Space Research and Development Agency and Kogi State Polytechnic, Lokoja share historic ties.
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 and Innovation driven-based.”
In a press release made available to Journalists in Lokoja by the head of Public relations, Uredo Omale reiterated the agency’s desire to make Aerospace Engineering Technology competitive globally, by investing in Aerospace Engineering Technology.
Dr. Shaba further disclosed that the agency would be collaborating with the Kogi State Polytechnic in the area of agricultural advancement in 2023 by organising an exhibition anworkshop.
In the same vein, Engr. Sadiq Umar, Director, CSCD while delivering a closing remarks, appreciated NASRDA Director General and the Rector, Kogi State Polytechnic for the passion and unfettered energy towards achieving the feat, describing them as reformers of high repute and ones whose mandates had yielded a landmark achievement.
Engr. Umar disclosed the agency’s readiness to establish AEROSPACE technology across institutions in the country as already achieved in Lagos State University (LASU).
Earlier, Dr. Salisu Ogbo Usman,
revealed that the MoU which had just been approved, started in 2014 under the then Director General ‘NASRDA’, the Late Prof. Seidu Ogah Mohammed and the then, Kogi State Polytechnic Rector, the Late Prof. Matthew Ajibero – both of blessed memory.
Dr. Usman while commending the Director General, National Space Research and Development Agency for his unusual humility in sustaining the relationship between both agencies, 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.
He reassured the Director General, ‘NASRDA’ on the Institution’s readiness in ensuring quick and prompt utilisation of facilities in the area concerned.
