The department of Geography of Nasarawa State University Keffi (NSUK) has signed a Memoradum Of Understanding (MOU) with National Space Research and Development Agency, (NASRDA), Nasarawa Geographic Information Service, (NAGIS), Nigerian Metrological Agency (NIMET) and Obasanjo Space Centre, Abuja to improve on the academic programmes of the department.
The acting head of department, Dr Adamu Tanko Ogah, disclosed this to journalists on the campus recently.
Ogah said that the purpose for which the University signed MOU with professional agencies was to collaborate in terms of research, staff exchange and publication between the institution and agencies. He further stressed that the department needs experience and professional agencies to argument their programme.
He further said that the relationship is between Geography department and other agencies but it is the efforts of NSUK management and those institutions even though Geography department stands to have direct benefits from the synergy.
Ogah said the department had already been gaining from the cordial relationship with NIMET where professional weather station instrument to monitor and collect information related to climate in Nigeria are being provided and installed in the department.
The don also said the university community, staff and students would vigorously benefit from the MOU, especially staff, in the area of manpower development, research and publication. While on the student angle, the department offers a programme called Geographical Information System (GIS), a course at post graduate level. Students also gain at the undergraduate stage from agency like NAGIS where students are giving opportunity to undergo their mandatory Students Industrial Work Experience Scheme (SIWES) basically on practical level.
Ogah stressed that NASRDA had promised to provide quality equipment to set up a geographical computer base laboratory at the department were information related to space can be easily accessed.
He said as HOD, there will be no achievement in isolation but with the collective efforts from the university community. The Dean, Faculty of Environmental Sciences, Professor Nasiru Idris and staff of the department the institution can become a 21st century citadel of learning.
He further stressed that the effort is to accomplish the blueprint of the institution’s vice chancellor, Professor Suleiman Bala Muhammed for nurturing the university to an international standard.
Ogah added that the university community would adequately benefit from the relationship especially staff and students, although he said on staff perspective it is in the area of research and manpower development.
Meanwhile, “the students’ benefits are numerous as the department of Geography offers a programme at post graduate level known as Geographical Information System (GIS). On the other hand, students are giving opportunity to undertake their mandatory SIWES from NAGIS where they handle the practical aspect while we maintain theoretical side.” Ogah said.
Ogah expressed his profound gratitude to the leadership of the dean, Faculty of Environmental Sciences, Professor Nasiru Idris for his excellent stewardship for the department. He stressed that as HOD, the department cannot progress in isolation but it is the collective effort from the entire university community. He pointed out that the MOU is yet to be sealed with NIMET which is already a partner in progress with the department
