FUTA Partners with NASRDA to Enhance Earthquake Monitoring

The Federal University of Technology, Akure (FUTA) has formalized a partnership with the Centre for Geodesy and Geodynamics, a subsidiary of the National Space Research and Development Agency (NASRDA), to advance earthquake monitoring, prediction, and disaster prevention.

The Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) was signed during a working visit by senior NASRDA officials to FUTA’s Vice-Chancellor, represented by the Deputy Vice-Chancellor (Academic), Professor Taiwo Amos.

Speaking during the visit, Dr. Ofonime Akpan, Deputy Director and Head of the Seismology Division at the Centre, emphasized the sensitivity and strategic value of FUTA’s earthquake monitoring station, which can detect tremors from across the globe, including a recent quake in Russia. He noted that the Akure station is among only a few in Nigeria, with its quiet and low-vibration location making it ideal for accurate seismic readings.

Professor Gbenga Moses Olayanju, Head of FUTA’s Department of Applied Geophysics, expressed gratitude for NASRDA’s support, describing the partnership as mutually beneficial for both the university and the global scientific community. The collaboration is expected to foster research, provide training opportunities for students, and contribute to national and international disaster risk management efforts.