NAN-H-75
Space
By Toba Ajayi
Ilorin, Feb. 22, 2017 (NAN) Prof. Seidu Mohammed, the Director-General, National Space Research and Development Agency (NASRDA) has called on students in Kwara to exploit opportunities in space technology.
Mohammed made the call while delivering his keynote address at a two-day Zonal Space Education Workshop (North-Central) in Ilorin on Wednesday.
Mohammed, who was represented by the Director, Center for Satellite Technology Development (CSTD), Dr Spencer Onuh said that exploring such opportunities would help in building future carriers in space science technology.
He said that the workshop was set up purposely to enlighten children on space exploitation to be part of the information revolution technology in the world.
The theme of the workshop is:”Space for All: Creating Awareness and Inspiring Students”.
The workshop was attended by about 30 Secondary Schools across Kwara.
Mohammed said that space technology should start from the students through such training, adding that there were many opportunities in the space in the country to catch up with the rest of the world.
He said that Nigeria, through NASRDA had lunched five satellites – two communication satellites and three earth observation satellites.
“We want to provide a major platform through the space education outreach programme of the centre for educating, inspiring, stimulating and motivating schools children at all levels to develop interest in future careers in space science and technology.
“We hope these two days workshop will produce inspired young learners with enhanced interest in Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics (STEM).
“As a result of this outreach programme, we hope to produce more future space scientists and engineers in order not to rely on foreign space experts,” he said.
Mr Musa Yeketi, the Kwara State Commissioner for Education, advised the students to embrace the opportunity by widening their scope on space science.
The Commissioner, who was represented by Mr Samuel Ajide, the Director of Purchasing, Finance and Supply of the Ministry of Education and Human Capital Development said that development of any nation depended on science and technology.
He however called on government at all levels to provide a friendly environment and best facilities to encourage drive toward acquiring space knowledge. (NAN)
LEX/ESAN/GY
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Edited by Abiodun Esan/Grace Yussuf