The federal government via the National Space Research and Development Agency (NASRDA) is working to boost the astronomy sector in science and technology because of the benefits it would add to the gross domestic product (GDP) of the nation. BINTA SHAMA reports.
The Nigeria National Space Centre
Astronomy is said to be the branch of science which deals with celestial objects, space, and the physical universe as a whole. While on the other hand, the National Space Research and Development Agency (NASRDA) is the national space agency of Nigeria.
It is a part of the Federal Ministry of Science and Technology and it is overseen by the National Council on Space Science Technology. The agency based in the Nigerian capital Abuja has a ground receiving station. Nigeria has cooperation in space technology with the United Kingdom, China, Ukraine and Russia.
NASRDA to improve living
The National Space Research and Development Agency (NASRDA), says it is working to improve the living condition of Nigerians through the application of space technology.
Recently, during the commemoration of the World Space Week with the theme: ‘Space Unites the World’. Organised by the agency the Director-General NASRDA, Prof. Seidu Mohammed, said the agency would continue to adhere to its mandate as spelt out by the federal government.
The Minister who as the helmsman of the federal ministry of science and technology over seeing 17 parastatals under it with NASRDA inclusive.
Astronomy key to GDP growth
The Minister of Science and Technology Dr. Ogbonnaya Onu said that the Centre for Basic Science is keying into Astronomy which will enhance the growth of gross domestic products (GDP) in areas such as medicine, manufacturing, education, agriculture and communication.
He said “the Federal Government will invest in space, science, and technology to boost the sector because of its tremendous benefit to the nation.”
Commissioning of Astronomy Centre
The minister recently disclosed this during the commissioning ceremony of the Astronomy Observatory Complex of the Centre for Basic Space Science, in Ebirimiri,Agu Umakashi, Nsukka , Enugu state.
Onu said the federal government’s decision to accord priority to space science development was to improve the quality of life of Nigerians, adding that space science technology will boost telemedicine, agriculture, and manufacturing etc.
Private sector to take advantage of R&D
He called on the Private Sectors to take adequate advantage of these products that are coming out from these research Centre for commercialization, that would be market driven across the nation.
He reiterated the tremendous importance of space science technology in the development of our economy, to ensure improvement of everyday life of an average Nigerian.
He explained that, through commercialization of research findings, new products and services would be created for consumption by the Nigerian public and the world at large.
Creating wealth for the nation
While saying that the Buhari administration is committed in making space science technology an important segment of the economy, he called on Nigerians to maximise the highest potentials in the space science technology sector to grow the economy, provide jobs , fight poverty and create wealth for the nation.
Onu commended the National Space Research and Development Centre (NARSDA) for putting up a beautiful edifice for office accommodation, and urged it to develop a programme for students of secondary and tertiary institutions to acquire knowledge in space science technology.
‘’We will also encourage all Nigerians at a tender age to develop interest in space science technology’’, he added.
Importance of the innovation in the aviation sector
The Minister said the products being produced at the Centre would be useful in the Aviation sector, adding that the collaboration between Research Centres and Universities should be strengthened.
‘’When Universities and Research Centres work together, high investments would be maximised for the benefit of the country’’.
The Ministry, he explained located the Centre for Basic Space Science close to the University of Nigeria , Nsukka, so as to create a synergy between the two bodies, as well as build capacity and enhance positive outputs in the long run.
Centre created to tackle developmental challenges
Earlier in his welcome address, the Director General / Chief Executive Natural Space Research and Development Agency (NARSDA), Professor Saidu Mohammed, said the Centre was established to build capacity that would address the developmental needs of the country in several areas.
He said the construction of the Observatory Complex started 15 years ago, and commended the present administration for seeing to its completion.
In his opening remarks, the Acting Director of the Centre, Dr. Bonaventure Okere, said the vision of the Centre was to play strategic roles in the development of space science and technology as a driving force and engine of economic growth and as a major ingredient for human resource and infrastructural development.
