THE REPORT ON ACTIVITIES AT YURI S NIGHT, 12 TH APRIL, 2013 a. Preamble Afe Babalola University, Ado-Ekiti (ABUAD) in collaboration with Space Media Technologies Ltd, commemorated Yuri Gagarin s maiden flight into space, an event which occurred on 12 th April, 1961. The voyage into space is deemed a watershed which opened space as a new frontier of science and technology. Dubbed Yuri s Night, the commemoration was hosted by Afe Babalola University, Ado-Ekiti on 12 th April, 2013. The event was conducted at the University s Multi-purpose Hall and kickstarted at 7.00pm, with a flurry of academic and social activities. Themed, Space for a Peaceful Nation, the event attracted distinguished academics, policy makers and politicians, who graced the occasion and contributed to the intellectual discourse. The following dignitaries were at the event: Senater (Prof.) Robert Ajayi Boroface (OON), who is Chairman Senate Committee on Science and Technology in the National Assembly, is the founding Director-General, NASRDA. He was the Chairman of the night s event. Emeritus Professor Ekundayo Balogun, Former Director, African Regional Centre for Space Science and Technology Education in English. Professor Akinola Aguda, Former Head, Department of Geography, Obafemi Awolowo University, Ile-Ife. Professor Joseph Akinyede, Executive Director, African Regional Centre for Space Science and Technology Education in English. 1
Dr. S.I. Ohamobin, Former Head, Department of Environmental Science, Anambra State University. Mr Adekola Johnson, representing the Acting Director-General, Nigerian Civil Aviation Authority, Lagos. Honourable Michael Opeyemi Bamidele, member, House of Representatives, representing Ado-Ekiti/Irepodun Ifelodun Federal Constituency). He is also the Chairman, Committee on Legislative Budget and Research at the Federal House of Representatives, Abuja. b. Opening Ceremony The Opening ceremony began with prayer, followed by the National, as well as ABUAD anthem. After the introduction of guests, the Vice Chancellor presented a welcome address, which acknowledged Yuri s flight as testimony to human s quest for adventure and thirst for knowledge. According to the Vice Chancellor, Space has become a frontier of knowledge and holds enormous potentials for the transformation of the global economy. The event was also described as a manifestation of Afe Babalola s celebration of academic excellence and the promotion of science and technology for national development. The Vice-Chancellor also affirmed the University s desire to introduce Aerospace Engineering programme in the College of Engineering after the necessary clearance from the National Universities Commission. This is to 2
complement the Engineering programmes currently available in the University. The Founder, Afe Babalola University, Aare Afe Babalola, (SAN, LLD, CON,OON) welcomed participants in a brief speech. The Emeritus President of the University placed Yuri Gagarin s accomplishment as evidence of man s quest to extend the frontiers of knowledge for human development. He recalled his motivation to establish the University as a model and benchmark for higher education excellence. According to the Founder, the University aims to nurture young leaders equipped with the requisite knowledge and skills necessary to compete favourably in the world. The University, therefore, places premium on Science and Technology as a platform to launch the nation s economy towards accelerated growth and development. In line with this aspiration, the University launched Space Science Technology and Tourism Society, as an instrument to connect ABUAD students with global space activities and institutions. It is also a platform to inspire students on space history, Science and Technology and a tool to network with researchers and policy makers on Space Science and Technology. c. Technical Session Two presentations were delivered by eminent scholars on Space Science and Its Relevance to Nigeria s Development. The first presentation was made by Professor Ekundayo Balogun, FAAS, Emeritus Professor of 3
Physics, Obafemi Awolowo University, Ile-Ife. The presentation was themed, Role of Space Science and Technology in National Development and Human Activities. The presentation began with the concept of space as a continuous, unlimited area or expanse which may or may not contain objects. He also placed space science as a convergence of traditional disciplines, including Biology, Physics, Chemistry, Medical Science, Computer Science, Geology etc. Professor Balogun opined that in the process of studying Space Science new insights are gained into the physical nature of life generally, leading to the development of new ideas. The presentation provided an insight into Nigeria s Space Science and Technology agenda; including: Preparation of a National Policy on Space Science and Technology. Elaboration of a National Space Programme Determination of modalities to implement National Space Policy Determining the cost implications for the National Space programme Among other things, the Nigerian Space programme aims to: Train young Nigerians in Space related science and Technology as a springboard to launch the nation s technological and industrial development. Utilize space Science and Technology for the development of disaster mediation techniques and protection of the environment. Invest in Space Technology for the development of telecommunication systems for national growth. 4
The second presentation was made by Dr. Joseph Akinyele, Director/CEO, African Regional Centre for Space Science and Technology Education in English (ARCSSTE-T). Themed: Space Solutions to Nigeria s Socio- Economic Development Challenges, the presentation elaborated the imperatives of Space Science for Nigeria s Socio-economic development. Dr. Akinyele described man s initial experience with space as one grounded on curiosity, particularly at the early ages. He went further to define the solar system as a body comprising the sun and the astronomical objects gravitationally bound in orbit around it, all of which formed from the collapse of a giant molecular cloud approximately 4.6billion years ago. He also defined outer space as any point over 100km (62miles) above the sea level, characterized by extreme temperature, lack of air, cloud, moisture or life. It however possesses high radiation. The presenter also enumerated the benefits of Space Technology, together with the spin-offs generated from the knowledge associated with it. These include weather forecasting and climate change prediction, telecommunications and navigation, energy, surgical appliances, among other things. The presenter also posited that Nigeria s socio-economic challenges could be addressed with space technology in the following areas: Sustainable Agriculture and Food Security Environmental/Ecological Management Transportation Infrastructure Geopolitical Applications 5
Defence and Security Tele-communication Education, Commerce, Sports and Tourism Health and Medical Research Employment generation and Economic Empowerment Judiciary and Rule of Law Energy and Water Resources Management Disaster Management d. Social Activities The evening was laced with an array of social activities, driven by ABUAD students. Activities include dancing, drama, fashion parade and choreography. These activities aimed at entertaining participants and inspiring students on the imperatives of Science and Technology as key elements extending the frontiers of knowledge in the 21 st century. Finally, the event was concluded with a dinner, featuring both traditional and continental dishes for all participants. 6