The University of Ilorin on Tuesday commissioned the NASRDA/Defence Space Administration (DSA) Space Research Centre, describing it as a major milestone in Nigeria’s quest to expand its scientific and defence research capacity. The event formed part of activities marking the university’s 50th anniversary.
The Vice-Chancellor, Professor Wahab O. Egbewole (SAN), in his remarks, welcomed dignitaries including the Minister of State for Defence, Dr. Bello Mohammed (represented by Air Vice Marshal Charles Otegbade, rtd), members of the University Governing Council, military officers, traditional leaders, and representatives of the Ilorin Emirate Descendant Progressive Union.
Professor Egbewole commended the immediate past Chief of the Defence Space Administration, Air Vice Marshal Lanre Ibrahim Oluwatoyin (rtd), whom he credited for driving the project from conception to completion. He noted that the initiative aligned with the university’s current strategic plan, which envisions a bold shift toward advanced scientific research.
According to the Vice-Chancellor, the collaboration between the university, NASRDA, and the DSA represents a “courageous and innovative” step toward strengthening Nigeria’s capacity in space science, urging researchers across the three institutions to harness the centre for world-class work.
Air Vice Marshal Oluwatoyin (rtd.), who facilitated the project, expressed gratitude to the Defence Space Administration, NASRDA, the University of Ilorin, and his professional colleagues for supporting the idea from inception. He explained that the project was conceived in May 2025 and completed within months, following a series of technical visits and consultations.
He also acknowledged the Chief of Defence Staff, General Olufemi Olatokunbo Oluyede, the Chief of the Air Staff, Air Marshal Sande Kelfin Aneke, and other service chiefs for their support, stressing that the centre was built “to the glory of God” and in line with national security aspirations.
The Director General of NASRDA, Dr. Matthew Olumide Adepoju, who represented the Minister of Science, Innovation and Technology, described the facility as a significant contribution to Nigeria’s space ecosystem. He praised the University of Ilorin for providing the environment and land for the project, and commended Air Vice Marshal Oluwatoyin for initiating and driving the process.
Dr. Adepoju said the centre exemplifies the productive “triangulation” of industry, research institutes, and universities—an approach he described as necessary for national development. He pledged that NASRDA would work with the DSA to equip the laboratory with state-of-the-art research tools and extend training opportunities to the university community.
He also acknowledged the ASCO Lab team and previous directors whose efforts, he said, laid the foundation for the present collaboration.
Representing the Chief of Defence Staff, Major General P.O. Ilodibia delivered a message emphasizing the importance of space capabilities to modern defence operations. He said the new centre would strengthen Nigeria’s ability to deploy satellite technology, geospatial intelligence, and surveillance systems necessary for national security and disaster response.
He commended the University of Ilorin for hosting the facility, noting that the partnership with academia would help nurture a new generation of scientists and analysts equipped for Nigeria’s technological advancement.
The ceremony was attended by senior military officers, university officials, traditional leaders, members of the Ilorin community, and partners from the national space ecosystem.
