Date: 2017-02-23

The Director General/ Chief Executive of the National Space Research and Development Agency (NASRDA), Prof. Seidu Mohammed, has called on students in Kwara state to exploit opportunities in Space technology.

The DG made the call while delivering his key note address at the Two- day Zonal Space Education Workshop (North-Central) held in Ilorin on Tuesday.

Mohammed, who was represented by the Director of Center for Satellite Technology Development (CSTD) Dr. Spencer Onnuh, said exploring such opportunities would help in building future carriers in space science technology.

He said the workshop was set up purposely to enlightened children on space exploitation as information revolution technology is going on in the world.

ROYAL NEWS reports that the theme of the workshop is "Space for All: Creating Awareness and Inspiring Students" while no fewer than 30 Secondary Schools across Kwara state participated in the workshop.

Mohammed said there was the need to start from the students by getting them interested in space technology, saying there were many opportunities in the space to catch up with the rest of the world.

He said Nigeria, through NASRDA has lunched five satellites which include two communication satellites and three earth observation satellites.

"We want to provide a major platform through the space education outreach program of the center for educating, inspiring, stimulating and motivating schools children at all levels to develop interest in future careers in space science and technology.

"We hope this two- day workshop will produce inspired young learners with enhanced interest in Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics (STEM). "As a result of this outreach program, we hope to produce more future space scientists and engineers in order not to rely on foreign space experts," he said. The Kwara State Commissioner for Education, Eng. Musa Yeketi, 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 development of any nation depends on science and technology.

He however called on government at all levels to provide a friendly environment and best facilities to encourage drive towards acquiring space knowledge.