Thursday, August 5th 2021 marked a significant day in the records of the Centre. It was the 20th graduation ceremony of another set of sixty-two (62) students drawn from five(5) Anglophone countries in Africa (Zimbabwe, Liberia, Cameroon, Nigeria, and Ghana). The Centre’s office complex located in the Religious Ground, Obafemi Awolowo University campus came alive as early as 9.45am.
Cross Section of dignitaries during the occasion.
The office complex hall was full to capacity with important dignitaries among whom were the Director- General of NASRDA, Dr Halilu Shaba; representative of the Vice- Chancellor ably represented by the Deputy Vice-Chancellor Academics, Prof. M. O. Babalola; Principal members of staff of the University; PGD resource persons; Centre’s staff; participants; invitees from other organizations within the university campus; families and friends of the participants.
The occasion formally kicked off at exactly 10.00am with the introduction of guests to the high table and rendition of participating countries’ anthems.
In his opening remark, the Director/Chief Executive of ARCSSTE-E Dr G.I Agbaje lauded the participants for their hard work, good behavior, dedication and commitment to studies despite all odds and challenges. He charged the students to be good ambassadors and to positively impact and their various and respective countries with the acquired skills and knowledge.
The Graduation Lecture titled, “Space Science Technology and Transnational Crime of Terrorism in Africa” was delivered by Barrister O. S. Fayomi. In his lecture, the guest speaker stated that Space Science and Technology is a veritable tool used in the studying of happenings on the Earth, with a view to assist terrestrial government forces.
2020/2021 Postgraduate Diploma Graduating Students
Executive Director (ARCSSTEE): Dr G. I. Agbaje
Guest Speaker: Dr. O. S. Fayomi
He pointed out the branches of Space Science to include Astronomy and Astronautics with divisions which are categorized into Astrobiology, Astrochemistry, Cosmology, Planetary Science etc. The lecture also exposited on transnational crime and how Space Science and Technology could be utilized to reduce its effect.
He specifically gave an evolution of the Boko Haram Sect an how it has grown into a multi hydra demon with ties with well established terrorist organizations such as Al – Qaeda and Al – Shabaab. He recommended a synergy in form of Treaties, amongst African countries to check transnational crime terrorists throughout the African continent. He believed that studying the Earth from Space will expose the activities of these terrorists in order for the Military to ascertain what, where and how to strategize and save Africa from the scourge of terrorism.
Dr Halilu Shaba. DG, NASRDA
A major landmark of the event was the fact that this was the first time a Director General of the Agency will be attending the graduation ceremony. Ina brief speech, Dr Halilu Shaba congratulated ARCSSTEE for its contribution in the development of capacity in Space Science and Technology for the past twenty years. He added that many of the products from the Centre have gone ahead to becoming experts in theiir fields of endeavour. He admonished the
graduating participants to tow the same path as their predecessors in order to remain relevant in their chosen career.
The Vice Chancellor, Obafemi Awolowo University, ably represented, appreciated the contribution of ARCSSTEE to the growth and development of the University. He further encouraged the Centre to do more enlightenment in order to attract more foreign participants in future programmes.
In his admonition, the Director of OAU-OAK Park, Prof Aderounmi charged the students to go beyond the acquisition of the certificate and be consistent on skills acquisition and mastery in their chosen area of expertise.
Participants who had distinguished themselves during the 9-Months Programme were awarded prizes. The award of Best Graduating student went to Mr Ebenezer Dariye (Nigeria), while the Best Project award was presented to Ms Memory Dizha (Zimbabwe). Ms Memory Dizha also received the “Women in Science” award.
In an appreciation speech, the representative of the students, Mr Wilson Gwanfogbe (Cameroun) recounted their experience throughout the months of study. He appreciated Management and Staff of the Centre for ensuring that their stay was worthwhile.
