UI Reaffirms Readiness to Launch Aerospace Engineering Programme

The Vice-Chancellor of the University of Ibadan (UI), Professor Kayode O. Adebowale, mni, FAS, fspsp, has reaffirmed the University’s readiness to commence its proposed Aerospace Engineering programme.

Professor Adebowale gave the assurance while receiving a National Universities Commission (NUC) Resource Verification Team during a courtesy visit to his office ahead of the resource verification exercise.

The Vice-Chancellor disclosed that the University had put the necessary resources in place for the take-off of the programme, adding that laboratory facilities were also being prepared to support its commencement.

He described the proposed Aerospace Engineering programme as particularly important to the University and assured the NUC team that relevant facilities within the Faculty of Engineering would be made available for the verification exercise.

Professor Adebowale also said ongoing infrastructure projects relevant to the programme would be accessible to the team as part of the exercise.

The Vice-Chancellor highlighted the strategic relevance of the University’s collaboration with the National Space Research and Development Agency (NASRDA), which was established at the University by the Federal Government in December 2025.

He explained that NASRDA was established to develop and implement programmes in space sciences and related disciplines.

According to him, the agency’s research interests in areas including rocketry and propulsion, space research and space transport technologies are closely connected to Aerospace Engineering, strategically positioning NASRDA to support the proposed programme.

Professor Adebowale further disclosed that the University was seeking collaboration with the Oyo State Government on the use of its airfield facility to support practical training and other activities associated with the programme.

He added that the University has alumni with relevant expertise who are willing to contribute to the development of the programme.

The Vice-Chancellor specifically mentioned the Chairman and Chief Executive Officer of Air Peace, Dr Allen Ifechukwu Onyema, as one of the University’s distinguished alumni who had expressed interest in supporting the initiative.

Professor Adebowale appreciated the NUC team for undertaking the resource verification exercise and assured the team of the University’s full cooperation throughout the process.

The leader of the NUC team, Professor J. Tuaweri Tolumoye, said the exercise was a national assignment aimed at ascertaining the level of readiness of the University of Ibadan for the proposed Aerospace Engineering programme.

He explained that the team’s mandate was to verify the resources and facilities the University had indicated were available for the commencement of the programme.

Professor Tolumoye stressed that the exercise was not intended to witch-hunt the University but to conduct a comprehensive assessment of the resources available for the proposed programme.