A high-level delegation from the European Union (EU) and the European Space Agency (ESA) paid a working visit to the African Regional Centre for Space Science and Technology Education in English (ARCSSTE-E) at its Space Museum Building located within Obafemi Awolowo University Campus, Ile-Ife, Osun State, Nigeria on Tuesday December 9, 2025.
The delegation led by Dr. Godstime JAMES, the Director of Strategic Space Applications Department of the National Space Research and Development Agency (NASRDA), comprises the representative of the European Union, Mr. Hugh BRIGGS (Programme Manager of EU for Agriculture in Nigeria and West Africa), the representative of European Space Agency, Dr. Zoltan SZANTOI (Team Lead of EO African Initiative), and the representative of International Institute of Tropical Agriculture (IITA). The officials of ARCSSTE-E led by its Director, Engr. Dr. Seyi OLATOYINBO, and Management Staff of Cooperative Information Network (COPINE), a Zonal Advanced Space Technology Application Laboratory (ZASTAL) of NASRDA, warmly received the visitation team to Obafemi Awolowo University Campus.
The discussions focused on strengthening cooperation in Space Science and Technology, with a focus on research funding, capacity development, and academic scholarship opportunities for young scientists and engineers of ARCSSTE-E and COPINE.
Key Areas of Collaboration
- Research Funding: Exploring opportunities for joint research projects and funding possibilities.
- Capacity Development: Enhancing skills and knowledge of ARCSSTE-E and COPINE staff through training and workshops.
- Academic Scholarships: Granting access to fully-funded academic training for young scientists and engineers to pursue advanced degrees and high-impact research work.
- Resource Sharing: Providing access to EU and ESA resources, including data, facilities, and expertise.
The Director, Engr. Dr. Seyi F. Olatoyinbo, expressed his excitement about the potential areas of collaboration with the European Union and the European Space Agency, which will enhance the Centre’s research capabilities and provide opportunities for both students and staff of the Centre.
The working visit is part of ongoing efforts to strengthen ties between ARCSSTE-E and international organizations, and to promote space science and technology development in Africa.
