The National Space Research and Development Agency (NASRDA) has made attempts to expand its operations and functions over the years and has successfully expanded its scope to academics.
NASRDA has produced more than 250 M.Sc and over 150 Doctorate degree holders in the past couple of years, which created the need to establish the Institute of Space Science and Engineering (ISSE), an academic arm of the Agency, with a view to building more competence for development and sustaining of space programmes in the country.
ISSE which was approved in 2016, and affiliated to the African University of Science and Technology (AUST), received accreditation from the Nigerian Universities Commission in four programmes in 2017. The Institute has finally taken off, admitting 24 students for a start.
“Being pioneers of this institute, we want you to set the good standard that others will follow and benefit from. NASRDA and the institute are making every effort to ensure that these programmes are sustained for the development of our space industry’’, Dr. Olufemi Agboola, Provost of the Institute, commented while addressing the newly admitted students.
Dr Halilu Shaba, Head of ISSE’s Department of Geo-Informatics and Geographic Information System (GIS) Applications, commended the Institute for eventually commencing the postgraduate programmes, three years after its establishment in 2016. He noted, however, that the delay could be blamed on the need for the institute to adopt a global standard for the benefit of the students. In his words, the minimum academic standard can be achieved when the management of the institute and the students work collaboratively.
He added that efforts were being made to ensure a conducive learning environment for the students.
Prof. Spencer Onuh, Head of Programme for the Institute’s Engineering Systems, stated that in spite of being colleagues with some of the students, lecturers at the Institute would ensure a good professional relationship with the students for the success of their programmes. He further urged the students to take their programmes seriously and to consolidate on the efforts of their lecturers for the development of space engineering in the country.
Currently located in Abuja, the Institute of Space Science & Engineering (ISSE) was established in accordance with the National Space Research & Development Agency (NASRDA) Act 2010. It is a unique postgraduate Institute set to address the growing needs of space scientific knowledge and innovations in Nigeria and Africa continent at large.
The Institute comprises of the Department of Space Science and Department of Aerospace Engineering Systems, with programmes drawn from the specialised studies in Space Sciences, Engineering, Mathematics, Computerisation, and Technology Innovations, leading to the award of Master of Science (M.Sc) and Doctor of Philosophy (PhD) degrees.
The programmes were strategically developed in response to the challenges faced by today’s scientific community that requires the ability to analyse and solve complex scientific and engineering design problems in space science and engineering. The Institute aims to impart interdisciplinary skills, expertise and approaches for proffering solutions to a better understanding of Earth-Sun systems and space technology, for the purpose of improving socio-economic development and security. The programmes provide students with training and skills in analysis, designs and monitoring of space systems. Human-centred design and development studies are incorporated into every facet of learning at the Institute to emphasize the role of space science and technology in achieving the sustainable development goals in Africa.
Some of the approved postgraduate programs at the Institute include:
- M.Sc in Space Physics
- M.Sc in Systems Engineering
- M.Sc in Aerospace Engineering
- M.Sc in Geoinformatics and GIS
- PhD in Space Physics
- PhD in Systems Engineering
- PhD in Aerospace Engineering
- PhD in Geoinformatics and GIS
