Federal University of Technology Ikot Abasi to Partner NDDC on Indigenous Research and Development
The Federal University of Technology, Ikot Abasi (FUTIA) has pledged its commitment to partner with the Niger Delta Development Commission (NDDC) to promote indigenous research, technological transfer, and innovations tailored to regional and national challenges.
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The Federal University of Technology, Ikot Abasi (FUTIA) has pledged its commitment to partner with the Niger Delta Development Commission (NDDC) to promote indigenous research, technological transfer, and innovations tailored to regional and national challenges.
Vice Chancellor of FUTIA, Professor Leo Daniel, made this pledge on Tuesday, August 19, 2025, during a strategic visit by a delegation from the Directorate of Planning, Research and Statistics/Management Information System of NDDC, led by Assistant Director Dr. Okokon Akwa, to the University’s take-off campus in Ikot Abasi.
Professor Daniel, a Professor of Aeronautics and Astronautics, said FUTIA was established as a specialized institution to drive academic excellence in science, technology, and innovation under its motto: “Innovation Drives Transformation.” He highlighted the university’s flagship programmes, which include:
- Aerospace Engineering
- Naval Architecture
- Cybersecurity
- Software Engineering
- Petroleum/Gas Engineering
According to him, the NDDC had made the right choice in seeking collaboration with the university, given its academic capacity and research focus. He assured the Commission that FUTIA was ready to conduct need-based research and develop indigenous technologies that would directly address its operational needs, thereby advancing regional and national development.
The Vice Chancellor commended the NDDC for its numerous interventions in the Niger Delta region, particularly in the education sector and infrastructure support for tertiary institutions. He further appealed to the Commission to assist FUTIA in meeting critical infrastructural needs such as the construction of an aerodrome, wind tunnel, and naval yacht, which are essential for the institution’s aerospace engineering and naval architecture programmes. He called on NDDC, government at all levels, multinationals, and private investors to support the projects, which he noted would serve as research facilities for industries in the region and boost the university’s socio-economic impact.
Representing the NDDC Director of Planning, Research and Statistics/Management Information System, Dr. Patterson Ogon, Assistant Director Dr. Okokon Akwa expressed gratitude to the FUTIA management team for their reception. He stated that the Commission was exploring research outputs from universities in the Niger Delta as a means of addressing the region’s environmental and socio-economic challenges.
“It is our expectation that in a world where data drives development planning and implementation, our tertiary institutions and their intellectual resources will be of immense value,” Dr. Akwa said.
The engagement between FUTIA and NDDC is expected to identify areas of collaboration and leverage the university’s research data for mutual benefit.
A highlight of the visit was the presentation of a memento and commemorative books marking the NDDC’s 25th anniversary, titled “From Vision to Reality,” from NDDC Managing Director Dr. Samuel Ogbuku to the university management.
On behalf of FUTIA, the Registrar, Mrs. Offiongita Nkang, expressed appreciation to Dr. Ogbuku and the Commission for considering FUTIA as a partner in strategic research and innovation.
Members of FUTIA’s management present at the event included the University Bursar, Dr. Mbobo Erasmus, and the University Librarian, Prof. Philip Akor.
Other members of the NDDC delegation included Principal Manager Igwoku Kate, Assistant Manager Dosunmu Ibitamuno, and Akene Olaowei, an officer in the Directorate.
