FUTA WASCAL-GPS Welcomes West African Students for Ph.D. Programme

The Federal University of Technology, Akure (FUTA), through the West African Science Service Centre on Climate Change and Adapted Land Use (WASCAL) Graduate Studies Programme (GPS), formally inducted its Batch 6 cohort of Ph.D. students on October 7, 2025.

This intake reinforces FUTA's commitment to regional collaboration and training high-quality manpower for the West African sub-region.

The new cohort comprises 12 Ph.D. students from 11 African countries, specializing in Meteorological and Climate Science. The students hail from nations including The Gambia, Guinea Conakry, Benin Republic, Togo, Ghana, and Nigeria, among others.

FUTA WASCAL is a research-focused climate service center dedicated to developing innovative solutions to combat climate change and its effects. The WASCAL programme itself is a German Government supported intergovernmental organization under ECOWAS.

 * Vice-Chancellor’s Address: Representing the Vice-Chancellor, Professor Adenike Oladiji, the Deputy Vice-Chancellor (Development), Professor Sunday Oluyamo, described the orientation as the beginning of a transformative experience. Professor Oladiji urged the students to embrace challenges like language barriers and cultural differences as stepping stones to success and to be ready to become global citizens contributing to international development.

The Director of FUTA-WASCAL, Professor Ife Balogun, noted that the students were selected from a competitive pool of 245 applicants. He commended FUTA for maintaining the WASCAL programme as one of the best among its peers nationwide.

The orientation featured presentations from key university leaders who guided the students on how to access the institution's comprehensive support services and facilities.

 * Key Presenters: Included the University Librarian, Dr. Robert Awoyemi; Dean of the School of Postgraduate Studies, Professor Oluayo Bello-Olusoji; and Dean of Student Affairs, Professor David Oke.

 * Support Services Covered: Library resources, counseling, health care, campus transportation, accommodation, and security.

 * Rules of Engagement: Professor Bello-Olusoji encouraged students to consult the university website, handbook, and relevant administrative offices for guidance. Professor Oke urged them to maintain good conduct and make full use of the support systems.

 * Reassurance: Former Director of WASCAL, Professor Debo Adeyewa, reassured the students that they are in capable hands and would receive support throughout their academic journey.

Batch 6 Ph.D. Cohort (Meteorological and Climate Science)

The 12 Ph.D. students comprising the Batch 6 cohort are:

 * Derby Codjo David – Benin

 * Pekeyi Grace – Togo

 * Yoda Adaman – Burkina Faso

 * Langui Jean Christ – Côte d’Ivoire

 * Adu Abigail – Ghana

 * Diablo Mamadou – Guinea

 * Kone Lassina Dit Papa – Mali

 * Moussa Idrissa Samira – Niger

 * Ayomide Arowolo – Nigeria

 * Tolulope Akinnubi – Nigeria

 * Diatta Assie Regina – Senegal

 * Alberr Bass – Gambia