Lagos State University ( LASU) and the Nigerian Air Force (NAF) have renewed and expanded their strategic partnership with the signing of a new Memorandum of Understanding (MoU)
The event held over the weekend in Abuja, also marked the inauguration of a 10-member Joint Research Committee to reinforce the commitment of both the university and NAF to innovation, defence technology, and national development.
Vice-Chancellor of the university , Prof. Ibiyemi Olatunji-Bello while speaking at the event, described the signing ceremony as a historic milestone in the long-standing relationship between the two institutions, which dates back to the original MoU signed in 2013 and renewed in 2018.
The professor of physiology added that the latest agreement, which expired in 2023, has now been renewed following a high-level engagement between the leadership of the two institutions in October 2024.
"Today’s event is historic in the sense that apart from the signing of the MoU, we are also inaugurating the 10-member Joint Research Committee between LASU and NAF. Lagos State University, as of academic excellence, is committed to impactful research, interdisciplinary collaboration, and national relevance. Partnering with the Nigerian Air Force, an institution known for its discipline, innovation, and excellence in defense technology aligns perfectly with our vision to be a globally competitive university that produces graduates who are not only academically sound but also solution-driven", she stated
She affirmed that the new MoU broadens the scope of the collaboration to include key disciplines such as Industrial and Systems Engineering, Electronic and Computer Engineering and core sciences including Mathematics, Physics and Biotechnology amongst others while introducing new focus areas in Transport and Logistics Management, reflecting the evolving strategic needs of Nigeria's defence and academic sectors.
In his address, the Chief of Air Staff, Air Marshal Hasan Bala Abubakar, expressed his satisfaction at the partnership while urging members of the Joint Research Committee to serve with patriotism and dedication. 'Today’s inauguration is borne out of the need to strengthen our research capabilities to position us to solve security challenges facing the nation'. "I enjoin members to approach the task with the highest level of dedication patriotism for the good of the country," he said before going on to inaugurate the 10-man Joint Research Committee of LASU and NAF.
The Joint Committee is expected to drive collaborative projects, blending LASU's academic capabilities with NAF's operational insights to develop practical solutions for national security, technology innovation, and resilience against emerging threats.
Under the terms of reference, it will develop a 12-year strategic plan and conduct needs assessments for potentially beneficial research projects, identify promising initiatives, monitor quality, establish funding requirements, and source grants from national and international organisations.
The Committee’s assignment will span a period of ten years, with the chairmanship rotating between the two participating institutions. For the first five years, the Chairman will be Prof. Adejuwon Adeneye, Director of the Directorate of Research Management and Innovation at Lagos State University. After this period, a representative from the Nigerian Air Force (NAF) will assume the chairmanship for the remaining five years.
Other LASU representatives on the Committee include:Prof. Nurudeen A. Raji, Dean, Faculty of Engineering, Prof. Oladejo Duduyemi, Head, Department of Civil Engineering, Prof. Charles Asenime, Dean, School of Transport and Logistics, Dr. Ashiribo Senapon Wusu, Assistant Director, Open and Distance Learning and Research Institute
Similarly, the NAF has as Committee members Air Vice Marshal P.O. Oahimire (NAF/2161), Director General, Air Force Research and Development Institute (AFRDI) – Committee Co-chairman, Air Vice Marshal N.S. Okoro (NAF/2280), Director, Research and Development, Headquarters Nigerian Air Force (HQ NAF), Air Commodore A.A. Adebomehin (NAF/2208), Director, Artificial Intelligence Research, AFRDI, Prof. M. Alimi, Director, Centre for Innovation and Research (DCIR), Air Force Institute of Technology (AFIT) and Air Commodore M. Umar (NAF/2325), Commander, 631 Aircraft Maintenance Depot (ACMD)
Other university officials present at the ceremony included Mr Emmanuel A. Fanu, Registrar; Prof. Elkanah Oyetunji, Head of Epe Campus; Mrs Olajumoke Boyejo, Deputy Registrar, Legal Unit; Mrs Fatima Ogunniyi, Personal Assistant to the Vice-Chancellor; and Mr Oluwaseun Gbanja, Media Assistant to the Vice-Chancellor.
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