UN-ARCSSTE-E Hosts 25th Postgraduate Diploma Graduation Ceremony in Grand Style

The United Nations African Regional Centre for Space Science and Technology Education in English (UN-ARCSSTE-E) held its 25th Postgraduate Diploma (PGD) Graduation Ceremony with grandeur, on Wednesday September 3, 2025, in its Space Museum. It was the celebration of academic excellence, innovation, and the remarkable achievements of its PGD students.

The event, which attracted distinguished personalities from the academia, government circle, and space science & technology sector, commenced with the National Anthem of Nigeria, followed by the National Anthems of other participating countries (Kenya, Liberia, Sudan, Tanzania and Cameroun), setting the tone for an international gathering of bright minds

In attendance were prominent dignitaries, including Engr. Dr. Seyi F. Olatoyinbo, Executive Director of UN-ARCSSTE-E; Dr. Matthew Olumide Adepoju, Director-General of the National Space Research and Development Agency (NASRDA), ably represented by Dr. Momoh Jamiu Yusuf, Deputy Director of the National Resource Management Division, NASRDA; and Prof. Adebayo Simeon Bamire, Vice Chancellor of the Obafemi Awolowo University (OAU), ably

represented by Prof. Adetokunbo O. Ilesanmi, Provost of Postgraduate College, OAU and the Management Staff of the Centre.The Executive Director of UN-ARCSSTE-E welcomed guests and graduands to the 25th Postgraduate Diploma Graduation Ceremony, highlighting the Centre’s mandate to build indigenous capacity in space science and technology applications for sustainable development in Africa. The Centre has trained over 673 participants from 18 African countries since its inception and has collaborated with other academic institutions to offer master’s programmes in Space Science and Technology (SST). The Executive Director congratulated the graduands, urging them to apply their knowledge and skills to address pressing challenges in Africa and also to be good ambassadors of UN-ARCSSTE-E.

Dr. Momoh Jimoh Yusuf, who represented the NASRDA DG, congratulated the 2025 PGD graduates, commending their resilience and determination. He appreciated the leadership of NASRDA and UN-ARCSSTE-E and urged the graduates to put their knowledge and values into practice as they pursue future endeavours.

The OAU Vice-Chancellor, ably represented by Prof. Adetokunbo O. Ilesanmi, Provost of Postgraduate College, congratulated the 25th PGD graduates of UN-ARCSSTE-E, praising the Centre’s impact on SST education in Africa. He highlighted the OAU–ARCSSTE-E partnership as a driver of innovation and excellence and expressed confidence in the graduates’ role in shaping Africa’s future.

A major highlight of the event was the Graduation Lecture delivered by Dr. Omowumi Alabi, a distinguished Scholar and NASRDA Research Director, who spoke on ‘Go out there and make a difference”. In her lecture, she shared her personal experience beginning from her father’s positive influence on her childhood that shaped her to influence lives around

her to influence lives around her, even as she is currently working with young girls in STEM education. She concluded by admonishing the graduands to go home and influence lives around them positively.

Goodwill message was given, online, by Emeritus Prof. Ekundayo E. Balogun (Pioneer Director of UN-ARCSSTE-E) who also gave each graduand a copy of his book. Other goodwill messages were delivered by Prof. M. O. Olawole (HOD, Dept of Geography, OAU); Dr. Enaruybe Glory (Office of the Director, AFRIGIST); Dr. A. T. Oyeniran (Dept. of Aerospace Engineering, OAU); Dr. Fadodun Olatomide (CERD); Dr. Kapo Ayorinde (Rep., COPINE Director), Prof. Joseph S. Ojo (Director of CESRA, FUTA); Prof. L. A. Raimi (Rep., Dean-Faculty of Law, OAU), Prof. A. T. Ademola (Rep., HOD-Dept of Mathematics, OAU) and Prof. S. L. Fadiya (HOD-Geology, OAU).

Goodwill Messages

Presentation of Awards to outstanding Participants

The Award Ceremony was anchored by the Head of UN-ARCSSTE-E Postgraduate Programmes, Dr. Felix Buba. Awards were given in categories such as Best Graduating Student in Remote Sensing & GIS, (Mr. John-Martin Owenje from Kenya), Best Graduating Student in Satellite Meteorology & Global Climate (Mr. Mam Tawey Daniel from Nigeria), Best Graduating Student in Space Law (Ms. Oluwanimilo Ola-Olorun from Nigeria) who also received a special award from Dr. (Barr.) Olusoji Nester John.

The Best Project Award went to Mr. Iredumare Ojengbede Opeyemi (Space Law, Nigeria), for his project “Navigating Dual Regulations: A Legal Analysis of Private Participation in Commercial and Non-Commercial Satellite Services in Nigeria,” and who was also recognized for his humanitarian services to the Centre, and Ms. Elizabeth Adhiambo Owiti (Satellite Meteorology and Global Climate, Kenya), for her project “Monitoring Deforestation and Associated Microclimate Changes at the Mau Forest, Kenya, Using Remote Sensing and Climate Reanalysis Data,” who in addition received the Best Female Graduating Student Prize, sponsored by Dr. Omowumi Alabi.

The Overall Best Graduating Student (Mr. Mam Tawey Daniel from Nigeria), delivered an inspiring response on behalf of 2025 Graduates, expressing gratitude to the Centre’s management and its partners for their unwavering support throughout the period of their academic sojourn.
In his vote of thanks, Mr. Samam, Deputy Director Admin and Human Resources, appreciated the efforts of the organizing committee, faculty, and invited guests for making the day a memorable one. The ceremony concluded with a group photograph session, capturing the joy and pride of the graduates and dignitaries in attendance.