ABU, Beihang University hold virtual Science and Technology seminar for partnership
Ahmadu Bello University and China’s Hangzhou International Innovation Institute of Beihang University, have jointly organised a virtual science and technology seminar for partnership.
The event, which was held on Tuesday, 6th January, 2026, was essentially to establish a framework aimed at fostering a long term scientific cooperation between the two institutions.
At the meeting, the Vice-Chancellor, Ahmadu Bello University, Prof Adamu Ahmed, led ABU team, while the delegation from the Hanzhou International Innovation Institute of Beihang University was headed by Prof Yang Donkai.
The symposium featured four core presentations bridging the gap between theoretical research and practical infrastructure:
There was a presentation on ‘GNSSR for Soil Moisture Monitoring’ by Prof Yang Donkai of the Hangzhou International Innovation Institute.
Donkai spoke on GNSS Reflected Signal (GNSSR) applications, detailing signal characteristics and the development of custom JSR receivers to monitor soil moisture for precision agriculture and climate validation.
Another presentation was on ‘Strengthening GNSS Infrastructure at ABU’ by Dr Moses Mefe (ABU) who outlined the rationale for establishing a modern GNSS laboratory.
Dr Mefe, who teaches at the Department of Geomatics, Ahmadu Bello University, identified the current gaps in real-time support and meteorological sensors.
He proposed a core facility to transform ABU into a national GNSS hub.
In his presentation, Prof Xiu Chundi spoke on ‘Space Science Education (RCSSTEAP)’, providing an overview of the Regional Centre for Space Science and Technology Education in Asia and the Pacific.
He noted the centre’s success in training 465 postgraduates and discussed its membership of 10 countries.
‘Enhancing Soil Survey Capabilities’ was the presentation by Prof Suleiman Lawal Ya’u of the Department of Soil Science, Ahmadu Bello University.
Prof Ya’u addressed the need for modern equipment in land evaluation.
He advocated for advanced data collection tools to improve agricultural analysis at Ahmadu Bello University.
Significantly, the presentations from ABU aligned with the objectives of the proposed partnership between the two institutions.
Members of the Beihang University team led by Prof Donkai were impressed with the ABU presentations.
Consequently, Prof Donkai made significant offers towards strengthening ABU’s technical capacity to position it as a national GNSS hub and enhance Nigeria’s geospatial infrastructure.
For example, Beihang University proposed a donation of specialised software and potential installation of GNSS receivers and UAV (drone) applications for land survey at ABU.
The Chinese university also pledged to outline two-year Master’s and four-year Doctoral pathways for Nigerian students at Beihang University, focusing on satellite communication and sensing.
The team from the Beihang University further extended an invitation for officials from Ahmadu Bello University to visit the Hangzhou International Innovation Institute in 2026 to further cement the collaboration.
In his remarks at the occasion, the Vice-Chancellor, Ahmadu Bello University, Prof Adamu Ahmed, emphasized the ABU heritage as a pioneer institution for surveying in Nigeria.
Prof Ahmed also highlighted the university’s 3+2 joint degree programme with Central South University in China as an evidence of ABU’s successful history with Chinese academic partnership under the Belt and Road Initiative.
Members of the ABU team at the session led by the Vice-Chancellor, Prof Adamu Ahmed, included Director, Directorate of Advancement and International Education, Prof M I Umar-Buratai; Head of Department, Geomatics, Prof Samuel Azua; and Head of Department, Soil Science, Prof Aisha Abdulkadir.
Others were the Dean of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Prof Muhammadu Magaji Garba; and Assistant Director, Directorate of Advancement and International Education, Dr Ahmed Zakaria.
The session, which was concluded with a shared commitment to capacity building and academic exchange, was moderated by the Director, Directorate of Advancement and International Education, Ahmadu Bello University, Prof M I Umar-Buratai.
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Public Affairs Directorate,
Office of the Vice-Chancellor,
Ahmadu Bello University, Zaria (NEWS/NAM)
Sunday, 11th January, 2026
