On Thursday, 3rd October 2024, the Executive Director of the United Nations African Regional Centre for Space Science and Technology Education in English (UN-ARCSSTE-E), Engr. Dr. Seyi Festus Olatoyinbo, led a delegation on a courtesy visit to the Cooperative Information Network (COPINE). The delegation was warmly received by Dr. Omowumi Alabi, the Director of COPINE and her team members.
While speaking during the visit, Dr. Olatoyinbo expressed his pleasure in reconnecting with Dr. Alabi. He recalled that their first encounter at NASRDA headquarters left a lasting impression on him. He said he had profiled the great footprints Dr. Alabi left in ARCSSTE-E, which are evidence of her commitment, diligence and immense contributions to the Centre’s progress.
While speaking during the visit, Dr. Olatoyinbo expressed his pleasure in reconnecting with Dr. Alabi. He recalled that their first encounter at NASRDA headquarters left a lasting impression on him. He said he had profiled the great footprints Dr. Alabi left in ARCSSTE-E, which are evidence of her commitment, diligence and immense contributions to the Centre’s progress. Speaking further, he expressed his excitement about working in close proximity to Dr. Alabi, noting that it will afford both organizations the opportunity to collaborate on critical projects that would advance their unique mandates and that of the National Space Research and Development Agency (NASRDA). He highlighted the need for continued cooperation in academic programmes, especially regarding staff enrolment and the involvement of resource persons in ARCSSTEE’s postgraduate programmes. Dr. Olatoyinbo described the appointment of Dr. Alabi, the first female Technical Director, as strategic. He showered encomiums on the Director-General of NASRDA, Dr. Matthew Olumide Adepoju, for great insight and for putting ‘round pegs in round holes”. Similarly, he noted that he is committed to improving on what his predecessors have done, in line with the DG’s 3-Point Agenda. While noting that he is the seventh Executive Director of UN-ARCSSTE-E, he expressed optimism that his tenure as a Director will usher in significant progress. In response, Dr. Alabi appreciated Dr. Olatoyinbo for making time to visit in spite of his tight schedule. She expressed her readiness to collaborate with ARCSSTE-E on projects of mutual benefits. She introduced the key members of her team, including Mrs. Adewoyin, the most senior technical staff; Mrs. Ijishakin, administrative staff; Dr. Bimbo Atijosan, her right-hand person; Mrs. Oyewo of Accounts Unit; Mr. Folu of Media Unit and Mr. Dickson. Also present at the meeting are Dr. Jasini, Dr. Alao, the Special Technical Assistant and Special Administrative Assistant, respectively.
Dr. Olatoyinbo was accompanied by an equally distinguished team members, comprising Dr. Olakunle Oladosu, Deputy Director and Head of Atmospheric and Allied Sciences; Mr. Samam Obaguo, Deputy Director and Head of Administration; Dr. Felix Buba, Assistant Director and Head of Academic Programmes. Others are Dr. John Nester, Assistant Director and Head of Legal Division; along with Mrs. Adenike Akinpelumi and Mr. Olaoluwa Adegbulugbe, both from the Media Unit. The courtesy visit marked a significant step towards strengthening collaboration between ARCSSTE-E and COPINE, with both parties looking forward to joint initiatives that will further enhance capacity building in space science and technology education
