By Dele Ogbodo
The Director, Centre for Basic Space Science, University of Nigeria Nsukka, an activity centre of the National Space Research and Development Agency (NASRDA),
Dr. Bonaventure Okere, has said that over dependence on foreign technology and expertise is impeding the development of the country’s satellite technological advancement.
The Director made the disclosure at a special presentation on the achievements of the centre at Nsukka, during the week end, pointing out that the centre is however striving hard to change to change the narrative because the agency has qualified scientists and engineers with the requisite capacity to reposition Nigeria’s space development numero uno in Africa.
Dr. Felix Ale, NASDRA’s Head of Communications in a signed statement made available to Sharpedgenews news, quoted Dr. Okere as saying: “The DG noted with regret that over dependence on foreign expertise and technology has made it almost impossible for Nigeria to advance technologically.
He however pointed out that the centre is taking the bull by the horn in line with the mandates of the space agency.
“To change the trend as qualified scientists and engineers that have the capacity to produce ingenious products that will promote development in the country are domiciled at the centre to pioneer the cause.”
According to him, basic science research has been described as very strategic in the quest for the application of space science and technology for the development in any nation, explaining that astronomy which is the thrust of basic space science research can provide the platform for technological revolution which will spiral into enormous benefits for the transformation of both human lives and the society.
Okere, however pointed out that the development of satellite technology stemmed from discoveries in basic space science, especially the discovery that the sun sees and covers the whole earth.
This discovery according to him led to the development of satellite technology, which today is a major advancement and indeed one of the greatest scientific discoveries and innovations in human history.
The Director emphasised that without basic space science and its discoveries there would be no space technology, adding that research from this critical area of space science and technology can be applied in various areas including transportation, agriculture, construction and disaster management.
According to him, the centre is poised to achieve greater heights to justify its enormous responsibilities as one of the activity centres of excellence of the space agency in order to ensure the full and successful realisation of Nigeria’s space technology.
He said: “The Centre for Basic Space Science Nsukka has recorded a lot of giant strides and now reputed and ranked as number two in Africa in the field of astronomy.
“The centre is now taking advantage of its current vantage and enviable position to focus more on how to develop inventiveness that will make the nation begin to produce technology that will benefit the ordinary man on the street.”
He called for proper funding of the centre and indeed the Nigeria space programme, saying space technology remain a great asset of any nation and also a strategic tool for development in various sectors, adding that investment in this critical area is not only crucial but very strategic in the developmental efforts and growth of the country.