The Nigerian Society of Engineers (NSE) has said that with a total of six satellites launches, Nigeria is a major player in space technology, listed among owners of man-made objects orbiting the earth.
Engr Aishatu Umar, the NSE Giri branch chairman, disclosed this in her remark at a public lecture tagged “The Impact of Space Engineering on Industralisation’’ held on Wednesday in Abuja.
Umar said that Nigeria achieved such feat through national commitment and focus on development of technology and human capital to meet `our needs, as a nation, in the space sphere.’
She said that one of the satellites orbiting the earth today was solely designed by Nigerian scientists and engineers.
The Chairman said the achievement was as a result of the collaboration between National Space Research and Development Agency, Federal University of Technology, Akure and Japanese University.
Aishatu said further that sustaining the momentum of space technology could only be achieved through training and empowerment of personnel.
She challenged specialists and stakeholders to make an evaluation of the benefits from Space Technology in Nigeria and come up with informed opinion on how to use it and diversify the economy.
The event, which was organised by the Giri branch of the NSE, brought together specialists and major key stakeholders on different aspects of space industries.
It gave the participants the opportunity to look at space resources, share experiences and chart a way into the future.
According to Aishatu, the event comes at a period the nation is besieged with security challenges, pipeline vandalism, erosion in some parts of the country, and climate change etc.
She said in this regard, much is expected from the space industry especially in putting into use, “our national assets to enhance our overall national security.’’
She noted that with the benefit of space technology in focus, “there is no more appropriate time for this gathering and purpose than now.’’
The lecture was delivered by Engr.(Dr) Olufemi Agboola, the Director Engineering, Space Systems, NASRDA, represented by Engr(Dr) Felix Ale, Head, Advanced Computerization and Expert Systems Division,NASRDA.
Highlights of the event saw the induction of new members by the NSE president, represented by the Vice President Engr.Dr(Mrs) Ishidi Edith.
Also in attendance was the National Chairman of the Nigerian Institution of Civil Engineers (NICE), Engr(Hon) Andem Ekpo-Bassey and other dignitaries of the Engineering profession.
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