Defence Space School, FED Poly Orogun Forge Strategic Alliance to boost Security, Technology, Research

Orogun, Delta State- In a move poised to redefine institutional collaboration and community security, the Defence Space School, Orogun, Delta State, on Wednesday paid a high-level courtesy visit to the Management of Federal Polytechnic Orogun, pledging deeper cooperation in research, security and technological advancement.

The delegation, led by the Acting Coordinator of the Defence Space School, Commodore K.O. Olarewanju, was received at the Rector’s Office by the Rector, Prof. Duke Okoro, alongside principal officers of the Polytechnic.

Commodore Olarewanju, accompanied by the Commander of Security Services of the School, Major G.F. Ayeyemi, conveyed warm greetings from the Chief of Defence Space Administration, Major General P.O. Olodibia, and expressed appreciation for the cordial relationship that has existed between both institutions since the Defence Space School was established in Orogun.

Speaking during the visit, Commodore Olarewanju traced the evolution of Nigeria’s defence space architecture, noting that the Nigerian Space Policy and Programmes (NSPP), approved in 2001, laid the foundation for a Defence Space Command to drive the security components of the nation’s space agenda.

He explained that the Defence Space Administration (DSA), established in 2014 and backed by an Act of the National Assembly in 2017, was created to harness space products and services to support the Nigerian military and other security agencies in addressing emerging security challenges.

“Space is no longer a luxury; it is a force multiplier,” Olarewanju stated. “Beyond the traditional theatres of operation — land, sea and air — the world has expanded to cyberspace and outer space. To have a global view and secure national interests, we must operate beyond conventional boundaries.”

He emphasized that the Defence Space School was established as a professional institution to build capacity in space science, technology development and management for defence operations, in line with global best practices and the provisions of the United Nations framework on the peaceful uses of outer space.

According to him, the purpose of the visit was to strengthen goodwill and institutional synergy.
“We are here to appreciate the Rector for his kind gesture in providing accommodation to some of our pioneer staff. We seek greater synergy — in research collaboration, joint workshops and seminars, cross-training of lecturers, and mutual support in security,” he said.

Olarewanju assured the Polytechnic of the School’s readiness to assist in enhancing campus security and exploring other areas of partnership that would benefit both institutions and the wider community.

Responding, the Rector, Prof. Duke Okoro, described the visit as historic and strategic, noting that the Polytechnic shares the same perimeter fence with the Defence Space School.

“We must appreciate the privilege of having a military formation of this calibre in Orogun,” Okoro said. “Their presence is not only symbolic; it is reassuring. It sends a strong message that social vices such as cultism, vandalism and theft will no longer have a foothold around our institution.”
The Rector recounted past incidents of vandalism and theft that had affected the Polytechnic but expressed optimism that such challenges would soon become history.

“With the Defence Space School as our neighbour, we believe the narrative will change permanently. Security is fundamental to learning, and we are committed to providing a safe and enabling environment for our students and staff,” he stated.

Okoro highlighted that the Polytechnic runs several NBTE-approved programmes, particularly in Engineering and the Sciences, which are well-equipped and aligned with modern technological demands.

“Administration must link up with technology,” he declared. “The Defence Space School represents cutting-edge technology. We cannot operate in silos. Our School of Business must collaborate with technology-driven institutions like this. That is how institutions grow relevance.”

The Rector further revealed that the Polytechnic is leveraging solar energy solutions to power its systems, adding that plans are underway to introduce programmes in renewable energy to align with global sustainability trends.

“We are setting up a think-tank to identify programmes of collaborative interest. With the pool of qualified PhD holders and seasoned professionals at the Defence Space School, there is enormous intellectual capital to tap into through mutually beneficial arrangements,” Okoro added.

The Registrar of the Polytechnic, Mrs. Christine Aluyi, described the visit as “timely and forward-looking,” stressing that institutional partnerships are critical to achieving administrative efficiency and academic excellence.

“This engagement opens doors for structured collaboration in staff development, policy support and shared expertise. It reflects a shared commitment to national development,” she said.
Similarly, the Polytechnic Librarian, Prof. Achugbue I. Edwin, underscored the importance of research cooperation.

“Research thrives on collaboration,” Prof. Edwin noted. “With space science, cybersecurity and satellite technologies becoming central to national development, our libraries and research units can build resource-sharing frameworks, joint publications and digital knowledge platforms that will benefit both institutions.”

The visit signals a significant step toward integrating academic innovation with defence technology in Delta State, positioning Orogun as an emerging hub for advanced technological education and strategic research.

As both institutions pledged sustained engagement, observers say the alliance could yield transformative outcomes - from enhanced campus security and cutting-edge research to joint capacity-building initiatives that align with Nigeria’s broader aspirations in space science and national development.

For Federal Polytechnic Orogun, the partnership represents not just proximity to a military institution, but a gateway to global relevance in science, technology and innovation.