The need for establishment of TETfund Centre of Excellence for Space Scientists and Engineers

By Musa Wada

The National Space Research and Development Agency,(NASRDA), is saddled with the responsibility of engaging in empirical research and data analysis in all space related field in the country. So, as important as the task is, it is very important that it collaborates with relevant institutions and organisations to fast track the delivery of the nation’s space programmes and activities.

The import of its recent decisions and proclamation of its readiness to collaborate with the tertiary institutions funds agency, TETFUND, is very important and its significance can never be overemphasized.

The proposed collaboration which is a welcome development is borne out of the need in assisting the agency in designing, building and assembling sattelites, as well as in the training and intellectual empowerment of the budding space scientists and engineers in the country.

The agency is committed to this collaborative efforts 100 percent, according to its Director-General, Dr.Halilu Ahmed Shaba because the mission of space and its future have to be enhanced because of its many benefits and belief that broadening the nation’s capabilities in space and its continuous effcts which is to serve the society in ways that Nigerians can hardly imagine.

This is primarily because exploration will once more inspire wonder in a new generation-sparking passions and launching careers and ultimately, because if we fail to press forward in the pursuits of discoveries, we are ceding that essential element of the Nigerian character.

This collaborations have a lot of advantages and it is aimed and designed to expand inter agency support for students in tertiary institutions that have a bias for science and engineering and particularly space studies. This is primarily to support space research programmes and outreach through competitive grants and awards.

The call for the establishment of a hall of fame for deserving students who through their researches and contributions have raised the bar in the space science and engineering field was more importantly highlighted as a welcome development.

The TETFUND is to help through in developing this envisaged award programme and host the hall of fame which is generally proposed to enhance competition from students in higher institutions in Nigeria.

The space agency of Nigeria is today exploring the best possible synergical procedures to ensure that the Nigerian youth benefit from the space exploration field and the move to synergise with TETFUND should be seen as NASRDA’s deliberate policy in ensuring that the space world benefits all.

Musa Wada is a public Affairs analyst and writes from Abuja, FCT