The Director General of the National Space Research and Development Agency (NASRDA), Dr. Halilu Ahmad Shaba, has emphasized the importance of strategic collaborations for the advancement of Space Science in the nation.
He said this while receiving the Chief Executive and Founder of Network of Research on the Chemical Emergence of Life (NoRCEL) Prof. Sohan Jheeta, at the Agency’s headquarters in Abuja.
According to him, Nigeria has a sizeable population in Africa, therefore, educating Nigerians equals educating a third of Africa’s population.
The Director General who explained that Nigeria had been on the forefront of astronomy in Africa stressed the need for Nigeria to take its place as a major player in the field of astronomy in Africa and and the world at large.
He therefore called on scientists especially those in the Life sciences department to take advantage of the opportunity being offered by NoRCEL in the area of asteosciences.
Earlier in his presentation, the Founder and Chairman of NoRCEL, Prof. Sohan Jheeta, appreciated the DG NASRDA for hosting him and being a bankable ally in his company’s quest to partner with stakeholders in a bid to deepen Astrosciences in the country as well as the African continent.
According to him, Africa must not be left behind in the unfolding benefits that the study of Astrosciences presents, and the time to act is now, as it’s applications presents potent tools that can be used to positively impact the socio-economic development of the nation.
He however commended NASRDA for making her mark in astronomy as it’s interactions with the Centre for Basic Space Sciences proves Nigeria’s capabilities in the field, requesting that the agency becomes a node for Astrosciences such as Astromedicine, Astrochemistry, Astrobiology and the likes, adding that this gesture will make an example for other African Nations to follow.
NoRCEL is a global network of scientists, researchers, students and lay people coming together to work to investigate and fathom the most multi-faceted and elusive challenges facing the scientific world.
Priscilla Harry
Media and Corporate Communications