Thirteenth (13th) October 2014 will remain a
‘memorable day’ in the history of WASCAL CC & ALU hosted by the
Federal University of Technology, Minna. The MRP scored a big first in
the WASCAL programme….sending forth the first set of WASCAL graduates
into the research community to give back to the world after the huge
investment on them as scientists. Two years of hard work finally paid
off.
Our August dignitaries graced the occasion. Prof Musbau A.
Akanji (the Vice Chancellor of the Federal University of Technology,
Minna) and his team of Principal Officers received the guests which
comprised the Honorable Minister of Environment of Nigeria, who was very
unavoidably absent but ably represented by Dr Jare Adejuwon, the
Director of Climate Change Department in the Ministry; the German
Ambassador to Nigeria who was ably represented by Mr Dirk Schulz;
Chairman of WASCAL Board (Prof Haidara), WASCAL Board member
representing Nigeria and Second Vice Chairman (Prof Osuntogun);
Executive Director and his team (Dr Sedogo, Ouattara and Mr Ofori); The
Vice Chancellor of FUTA ably represented by Prof Bayo Omotosho;
representatives of our two German Partner Universities (Dr Thiel and Mrs
Boutros, who is also the GRP/MRP Coordinator of WASCAL); members of
WASCAL CC&ALU International Regional Advisory Board comprising Prof
Bayo Omotosho (Director WACS FUTA), Dr Eric Forkuo (representing KNUST),
Dr Georges Abbey (representing University of Lome), Mrs Christine K
(from HBF representing the Civil Society), Dr Jare Adejuwon
(representing Focal Ministry); members of FUT Minna Advisory Board led
by the Dean of Postgraduate School, Prof (Mrs) Stella Zubairu; staff and
students of WASCAL and representatives of the Press.
The ‘big
day’ tagged WASCAL DAY commenced with the ceremony marking the
graduation of the 2012/2013 Batch of WASCAL CC &ALU students. While
the sponsoring Ministry in Germany, BMBF was showered with gratitude for
the foresight demonstrated through the WASCAL programme, congratulatory
and encouraging messages were passed on to the students to be worthy
Ambassadors of WASCAL. The commitment of the Nigerian Government to the
successful implementation of WASCAL was emphasized by the Honourable
Minister’s representative. To add glamour to the occasion, the
traditional dancers, Gwape Troupe, invited to entertain the guests
decided to invite dignitaries to the ‘shake body’ to the entertaining
music. From there, the newly completed WASCAL CC & ALU building was
commissioned. The guests were introduced to WASCAL by the Director CC
& ALU at the reception, while along the corridors of this simple but
beautiful building, A0 Size posters were exhibited showcasing the
students’ research. Each student stood beside his/her poster to explain
the content to the guests. During the luncheon organized to round up
activities for the day, three students were recognized and presented
with personalized plaques: Mr SANOGO, Karamoko (Most improrved student);
Miss KIMA, Sophie A. (Best Research); and Mr ADENLE, Ademola Andrew
(The Overall Best Student). The 2012/2013 Batch of WASCAL CC & ALU
graduates have since left for their various countries as the very first
ALUMNI of the programme. The Director of CC&ALU gratefully
acknowledges the contribution of the University Management, guests and
WASCAL staff and students to the success of the WASCAL DAY in FUT Minna.
Read more on the event at http://www.futminna.edu.ng/index.php?option=com_content&view=article&id=1095&Itemid=
Contact
Dr. Appollonia Okhimamhe
Director of the Master Research Program Climate Change and Adapted Land Use
Associate Professor of Geography
Head, Department of Geography
Federal University of Technology,
Minna
PMB 65, Niger State, NIGERIA
Email: aimiosino(at)yahoo.com