UI VC Assures of Readiness for Aerospace Engineering Programme as NUC Conducts Resource Verification

The Vice-Chancellor of the University of Ibadan, Professor Kayode O. Adebowale, mni, FAS, fspsp, has reiterated the institution’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 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 team of full access to relevant facilities within the Faculty of Engineering, including ongoing infrastructure projects relevant to the programme.  

Professor Adebowale highlighted the relevance of the University’s collaboration with the National Space Research and Development Agency, NASRDA, which was established at UI by the Federal Government in December 2025.  

He explained that NASRDA was set up to develop and implement programmes in space sciences and related disciplines. Its research interests in areas such as rocketry and propulsion, space research, and space transport technologies, he said, are closely related to Aerospace Engineering and strategically position the agency to support the proposed programme.  

He further disclosed that the University is seeking collaboration with the Oyo State Government for the use of its airfield facility to support practical training and other activities associated with the programme.  

According to him, the University also has alumni with relevant expertise who are ready to contribute to the development of the programme. He specifically mentioned the Chairman and Chief Executive Officer of Air Peace, Dr. Allen Ifechukwu Onyema, as one of UI’s distinguished alumni who had expressed interest in supporting the initiative.  

Professor Adebowale appreciated the NUC team for undertaking the exercise and assured them 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 to ascertain the level of readiness of the University of Ibadan for the proposed programme.  

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

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