The West African Science Service Centre on Climate Change and Adapted Land Use, WASCAL, a German funded outfit, located at the Federal University of Technology Akure, FUTA marked its 10th year anniversary with an award ceremony for individuals who have contributed to the growth and development of the Centre on Saturday November 18, 2023. The occasion was also used to celebrate the graduation of its Batch 4 students who partook in the 33rd convocation ceremony of the University. Speaking at the event, the Director FUTA-WASCAL, Professor Debo Adeyewa said event was organized to appreciate individuals of have contributed to the success recorded by the Centre in the last ten years and to felicitate its graduands. Professor Adeyewa said the Vice Chancellor of FUTA Professor Adenike Oladiji deserves special commendation for her tenacity of purpose and total commitment to the success of the Centre. He said under her watch as Vice Chancellor “the Centre continues to deliver excellently on its core mandate of training high caliber manpower in climate science for the sub region.” He also appreciated the other persons who were given award for their contributions to the making of the success of WASCAL. Professor Adeyewa gave kudos to the graduands saying they have all been very impressive and charged them not to rest on their oars. Professor Oladiji while responding said the story of FUTA- WASCAL is that of excellence. She described the Centre as a pace setter in its area of core competence and very relevant to the manpower need of West Africa. She also congratulated the graduands while advising them to build relationships and keep in touch with FUTA. In his remark, the Director of Capacity Building, WASCAL, Prof. Daouda Kone appreciated the commitment of WASCAL staff. He said over the years FUTA-WASCAL has distinguished itself from the rest and for that reason it’s no surprise that FUTA has maintained its position as the best University of Technology in Nigeria in the last two decades. The Highlight of the event was award the ceremony in two categories. Professor Adenike Oladiji got an award of Remarkable support to WASCAL, Prof Daouda Kone, award for Extraordinary support, Prof Oluayo Bello-Olusoji, Dean School of Postgraduate Studies , FUTA award for Unique support, Prof Philip Oguntunde, former Deputy Vice Chancellor Development, ,award for Unique support, Professor Adeleye Yekini Anifowose, Dean School Of Earth and Mineral Sciences, award for support and Mr. Adegbenro Adebanjo Director of Corporate Communications and Protocol , Special Award for supporting the Centre in the area of media and public relations. For the student category, Dr Assa Tapilly, won the award for the most resilient student, Dr Peace Awoleye, most Helpful, Selfless and Resourceful Student, Dr Michael Ochei Best Student in Publication, and best student in work, Dr Nimon Pouwereou. In vote of thanks, Deputy Director FUTA-WASCAL, Professor Ife Balogun thanked the management and those who won award for their contributions to the growth of WASCAL. He also congratulated the graduands urging them to go on and make FUTA proud.
