… As VC Calls on Physics Dept. to Train Students at Solar Project
By Joy Adeyiga
In a bid to enhance practical education and foster collaboration in research and development, the Vice-Chancellor of the Federal University of Agriculture, Abeokuta (FUNAAB), Prof. Babatunde Kehinde, has urged the Physics Department to utilise the University’s ongoing 3MW Solar Power facility for student training.
The call was made during a Courtesy Visit by the executive members of the Nigerian Institute of Physics (NIP) to FUNAAB on March 1, 2024.
Prof. Kehinde emphasised the importance of converting research findings into practical applications that’s beneficial to the society. He urged the Physics Department and NIP to make physics more practical rather than theoretical, making it more attractive to students and the society at large.
Highlighting the University’s readiness to collaborate with NIP, Prof. Kehinde stressed the availability of capable staff members who could propel the partnership towards fruitful ventures.
He specifically urged the Head of the Physics Department, Prof. Itunu Okeyode, to maximise the opportunity provided by the ongoing University’s 3MW Solar project to train students, stressing their potential role in future maintenance tasks.
Commending the executive members of NIP for their election, Prof. Kehinde described their visit as an honour and expressed optimism about the collaboration’s potential to benefit both parties and advance the field of physics.
Earlier, the National President of NIP, Prof. Joseph Coker expressed gratitude to the Vice-Chancellor for the warm reception and outlined the Institute’s possible areas of partnership, including research collaboration, resource and manpower exchange, revenue generation, and addressing energy challenges to improve livelihoods.
Prof. Coker, also the Head of the Geophysics Group at Olabisi Onabanjo University, Ago-Iwoye, highlighted his achievements since assuming office, particularly the establishment of state chapters within the Southwest region, with Ogun State being the pioneer.
The meeting was attended by the Deputy Vice-Chancellor (Academic), and one of NIP’s dedicated members, Prof. Olukayode Akinyemi, other dignitaries including the Ogun State Chairman of NIP, Prof. Johnson Akinlami, as well as State Executives, like Dr. Fidelis Ogunsanwo and Dr. Razaq Amusa.
