In a landmark meeting between the Vice-Chancellor of Kogi State University, Kabba, Professor KIT Eniola, and the Executive Director of the Centre for Atmospheric Research (CAR), National Space Research and Development Agency (NASRDA), Dr Ibrahim Yakubu Tudunwada, an ambitious collaboration was forged to establish KSU Kabba as a Centre of Excellence in Atmospheric Research.
Prof. Eniola, in his welcome address, emphasized the unwavering commitment of the government of His Excellency Alhaji Yahaya Bello to education. He highlighted the vision of KSU Kabba to become a proactive problem solver for society, as envisioned by Governor Yahaya Bello. The Vice-Chancellor pointed out the university’s strategic location, nestled amidst areas of heavy industrial activity, which necessitated a dedicated focus on safeguarding the atmosphere. He expressed his keen interest in partnering with CAR, requesting the establishment of the Centre within the premises of KSU Kabba. Furthermore, Prof. Eniola assured the Director of NASRDA-CAR that the necessary infrastructure and skilled manpower are already in place at the university to nurture the Centre into a beacon of excellence for Atmospheric Research.
The Executive Director of NASRDA-CAR, Dr Tudunwada, lauded the vision shared by the Vice-Chancellor, acknowledging its alignment with the Centre’s mandate. He emphasized the university’s strategic position to lead the charge in atmospheric research, thereby transforming KSU Kabba into a hub for innovative solutions to the challenges posed by industrialization. The delegation from NASRDA-CAR, including Mr. Abdul Ali Danjuma (Head of Administration), Engr Umar Abubakar Saleh PhD (Head of Instrument and Design), and Dr Najib Yusuf Galadanci (Head of Research and Development), expressed keen interest in the collaboration.
The meeting witnessed the presence of key members of the University Management, including Dr. Joel Amodu Usman (Registrar), Professor Olanrewaju Ifatimehin (Director of Academic Planning), Dr. Hassan Otuoze (Director of Physical Planning), Mr Samuel Olubato (Chief Security Officer), and Mr Tade J. Oshaloto ANIPR (University Public Relations Officer).
CAR, a world-class research and development center established by NASRDA in 2013, is deeply committed to research and capacity-building in atmospheric and related sciences. It strives to acquire a comprehensive understanding of the atmosphere, from the fundamentals surrounding our daily lives to the complex interconnected processes that constitute the Earth system. The establishment of the Centre within KSU Kabba promises to revolutionize the field of atmospheric research and positions the university as a focal point for tackling atmospheric challenges across various sectors.
The collaboration between KSU Kabba and NASRDA-CAR marks a progressive stride towards a brighter, greener, and sustainable future, reiterating the importance of effective partnerships in advancing research and finding critical solutions to protect our planet. With this newfound alliance, the nation anticipates exponential growth in the field of atmospheric research and a significant contribution from KSU Kabba to environmental preservation and knowledge dissemination.
