The African Regional Centre for Space Science and Technology Education in English (ARCSSTE-E) held its end-of-the-year Get-Together on Tuesday, December 9, 2025 at its Space Museum located within Obafemi Awolowo University Campus, Ile-Ife, Osun State, Nigeria. The Get-Together programme featured staff recognition & awards, send-off of one of ARCSSTE-E’s Deputy Directors, who was recently-appointed as an acting Director of a newly-established Centre-Centre for Space Life Sciences-under the National Space Research and Development Agency (NASRDA), and an appreciation service for its four retired staff members.
In his opening speech, the Director of ARCSSTE-E, Engr. Dr. Seyi Olatoyinbo, welcomed the Management and Staff of the Centre and appreciated their unflinching support in the year 2025. He proceeded to highlight sevenfold reasons for which he was grateful in the concluding year including: five staff members who bagged their PhD degrees, seven newly-deployed staff of the Centre, safe travels for all staff who embarked on road trips and air flights throughout the year, overall success in staff promotion exercise and elevation of one of the ARCSSTE-E.s Deputy Directors to a Centre Director, among others.
Afterwards, the Director expressed appreciation to all staff members who worked tirelessly with him throughout the year, contributing to the overall success and laudable achievements recorded in 2025. Some distinguished staff members included Dr. Olakunle Oladosu (former Head of Atmospheric and Allied Science Division), Alhaji Abdulraheem Shuaib (Head of Finance & Accounts Division), Mr. Samam Obaguo (Head of Administration Division), Dr. Felix Buba (Head of Academic Programmes), Barr. Dr. Olusoji John (Head of Legal Unit) and Mr. Baba Shaibu (Finance & Accounts Division).
Subsequently, top Management staff were given ample opportunity to share words of wisdom with staff members for the coming year, 2026. Alhaji Abdulraheem Shuaib admonished members of staff to be more dedicated and committed, while striving to be better versions of themselves. Mr. Samam Obaguo encouraged them to work better as a team, while Dr. Felix Buba counselled them to take on new challenges with courage.
The celebration progressed to the sent-forth of Dr. Olakunle Rufus Oladosu, who was recently appointed by NASRDA Director-General, Dr. Matthew Olumide Adepoju, as the acting Director of the Centre for Space Life Sciences, located within University of Ibadan Campus, Ibadan, Oyo State. Staff members erupted in joyous applause, acknowledging his well-deserved appointment. ARCSSTE-E Director, Engr. Dr. Seyi Olatoyinbo, highlighted Dr. Oladosu’s achievements and presented him with a plaque. Staff members also shared goodwill messages with Dr. Oladosu.
The peak of the ceremony was honouring the four retired officers including: Mrs. Mercy Oluwagbamila, Mr. Kingsley Omorodion, Mr. Gabriel Okotete, Mr. Joshua Adeniyi. Each retiree was presented with an award and a befitting gift
Staff members also commented on the notable achievements and great impact made by each retiree on individuals and the Centre as a whole. Afterwards, each retiree took turns to appreciate the Management and Staff of ARCSSTE-E for the honour and love showered on them. The programme came to an end with a vote of thanks given by Mr. Samam Obaguo. The retirees were treated to danceable music leading to happy moments filled with fun and laughter.
