By Emmanuel Elebeke

The Nigerian Communications Satellite (NIGCOMSAT) Ltd. has signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with the Federal University of Technology (FUT), Minna to strengthen technology innovation in the country.

(From L-R) Professor Bala Abdullahi, Vice Chancellor, Federal University of Technology, Minna in a chat with the Managing Director, Chief Executive Officer, NIGCOMSAT Ltd, Abimbola Alale at the signing of the MoU

Signing the MoU in Abuja, the Managing Director, Chief Executive Officer, NigComSat Ltd Abimbola Alale, disclosed that the MoU was meant to strengthen technological innovations in the country through centre of excellence.

With the signing of the MoU, she said all technological products are expected to be duly registered in Nigeria and at the international level before it reaches the market following several breakthroughs the country has achieved in technological innovations.

Alale, added that the collaboration would ensure that the two government agencies reached out to customers with their products.

The NIgComSat boss, who stressed the importance of the MoU, said that all technology innovations should be registered through the relevant regulatory bodies believing that if scientific research and technological products are duly registered, the country can claim ownership of such products and make money from it.

‘‘FUT Minna, has distinguished itself in research innovations having won many grants and recognitions at the global and national levels.

‘‘I believes that NIGCOMSAT products and services like Staff Attendance And Control System (SAACS), ‘Internet of thing’, Internet Services, e-voting, etc are very much available to impact positively and place the country at par with other technology driven economy. The collaboration will further be opened to the academic community,’’ she added.

In his remark, the Vice Chancellor of FUT Minna, Prof. Bala Abdullahi expressed happiness on the collaboration between his institution and NigComSat, saying that ‘FUT, Minna is doing its best to improve the quality of education in the country.’

The Vice Chancellor also described the MoU as an opportunity for the two government agencies to leverage on what they are doing, adding that ‘NIGCOMSAT is the right outlet to market research products.’’

In his contribution, the Executive Director, Technical Services, Engr. Kolawole Raji expressed optimism on the MoU and urged all parties to fully implement the terms and letters to encourage home grown technology in line with Executive order 003-005.

Also contributing, the Executive Director, Marketing and Business Development, Hon. Samson Osagie, urged the two agencies to be agents of change and commended those who proposed federal universities of technologies all over the country.

One of the highlights of the MoU is the establishment of an African Centre of Excellence mainly with the view for the academic exchange of post graduates.