The Director-General and Chief Executive of National Space Research and Development Agency (NASRDA) Dr Halilu Shaba Ahmed has solicited for partnership between the Agency and Tertiary Education Trust Fund (TETFund) in space technology development.
Dr. Halilu Shaba who spoke while he led a team from NASRDA on a courtesy call to TETFund, highlighted the capabilities and capacity available in the Agency and stressed that the proposed collaboration would go a long way in assisting the agency in designing, building, and assembling satellites. It would also aid in the training and intellectual empowerment of budding space scientists and engineers, he added.
The Director General of NASRDA reiterated that other areas of possible collaboration would include the establishment of a TETFund Centre of Excellence for Space Science and Engineering for the advantage of space researchers and students in the field of space science and technology from tertiary institutions across Nigeria.
He further intimated the Executive Secretary of TETFund, Arc Sonny Echono on the already existing partnership with TETFund Beneficiary Institutions such as the Air Force Institute of Technology (AFIT), Kaduna, Ahmadu Bello University, Zaria and pledged the Agency’s willingness to be of service to TETFund, especially in areas of mutual interests such as education.
While congratulating the Executive Secretary on his well-deserved appointment, he explained that NASRDA is working diligently as directed by President Muhammadu Buhari to collaborate with relevant organisations to fast-track the delivery of the Nigerian Space Programme. He maintained that the space agency remains the sole institution saddled with the responsibility of engaging in empirical research and data analysis in all space-related activities in Nigeria.
In his remarks, Arc Echono welcomed the NASRDA delegation, and commended them for the tenacity in accomplishing the mandate of the organization. Echono also lauded the Agency on its achievements through the years.
He informed the Management of NASRDA that the fund is constrained by law that defines its area of intervention which only permits the sponsorship of projects in Public Universities, Polytechnics and Colleges of Education in Nigeria, however, partnerships can be formed to enable support for NASRDA initiative through institutions benefiting from TETFund.
