The African University of Science and Technology (AUST), Abuja, has formally promoted to the rank of Professor of Geo-informatics and GIS Applications on the Director-General and Chief Executive of the National Space Research and Development Agency (NASRDA), Dr Matthew Olumide Adepoju, in recognition of his outstanding contributions to Geo-informatics, remote sensing, GIS and space science.
The brief ceremony, held at AUST, brought together members of the university management, NASRDA officials, family members and distinguished guests to mark the milestone event.
Welcoming guests, AUST President, Professor Azikiwe Peter Onwualu,FAS, explained that the ceremony was organised to formally present the promotion letter, while noting that Professor Adepoju’s’s inaugural lecture would be held at a later date.
He highlighted the longstanding partnership between AUST and NASRDA, particularly through the Institute of Space Science and Engineering (ISSE), which supports postgraduate programmes in Space Physics, Systems Engineering, Aerospace Engineering, GIS and Geoinformatics.
Professor Onwualu also outlined AUST’s rigorous promotion process, noting that candidates undergo internal assessment and external evaluation by full professors in their respective fields before recommendations are presented to the University Appointments and Promotions Committee and ultimately approved by the Board of Trustees.
He commended Professor Matthew for combining his responsibilities as NASRDA Director-General with teaching, research, postgraduate supervision and mentorship of young scholars in geoinformatics and GIS.
Presenting the citation, Special Assistant to the NASRDA Director-General on Strategic Communications, Ita Okon, highlighted Professor Matthew’s academic and professional journey, including his PhD and MSc in Geographical Information Science, extensive research in remote sensing and geospatial information science, over 40 scholarly publications, and his contributions to environmental monitoring, agriculture, flood assessment and land-use studies.
The Provost of ISSE, Dr John Momoh, described Professor Matthew as a scholar of high repute who played an important role in the development and affiliation of the Institute with AUST. He congratulated him on attaining the rank of professor.
Similarly, the Head of Geoinformatics and GIS, Dr G.K. James, expressed the department’s support for the promotion, noting that Professor Matthew had contributed significantly to the growth of the department and had provided academic and administrative leadership over the years.
Presenting the promotion letter on behalf of the Board of Trustees, Professor Onwualu congratulated the new professor while reminding him that the professorial rank comes with increased academic responsibilities. He stressed that continued teaching at the PhD level requires at least one Scopus-indexed international publication annually, alongside continued research, teaching and postgraduate supervision.
In his acceptance remarks, Professor Matthew Ulumide Adepoju expressed gratitude to the AUST Board, President, management, colleagues, mentors, family and collaborators for their support. He reaffirmed his commitment to teaching, research, postgraduate supervision and mentoring young scholars, adding that he would continue to serve as a good ambassador of AUST.
He also acknowledged the role of his family in his academic journey and appreciated the support of his mentors and colleagues at AUST and NASRDA.
The ceremony concluded with presentations to family members and guests, followed by press and group photographs.
Also present at the ceremony were members of AUST Management, including Professor Abdulhakeem Bello, Vice-President Academic and Director of Academic Planning; Professor A.Y. Badmos; Mr Ben Okonkwo, Bursar; Dr Usman A. Bello, Dean, School of Science and Engineering; Mr Inegbensse Osoba, Registrar; Mrs Bolade Igbagbo, Head of Human Resources; Prince Obioha Atulomah, Head, Media Services and PR Unit; and Ms Blessing Iweha, Admin Assistant, Media and PR Unit.
NASRDA was represented by Dr G.K. James, Head of Geoinformation and GIS; Dr Alaga A.T., Director, Mission Planning and Satellite Data Management; Dr John Momoh, Provost, ISSE; Mrs Lami Ali Fadiora, Director of Human Resource Management; Dr Idris Jega, Ag. Director, Space Enterprise; Mrs Olufisayo M.O., Special Adviser; Dr Dade Usuewa, Deputy Director; Dr/Engr Yusuf O. Tafa, Senior Special Assistant on Engineering Matters; and Ita Okon, Special Assistant on Strategic Communications, among others.