The Institute of Space Science and Engineering, ISSE, on Thursday began Master’s and Doctorate degree programmes with 24 students pioneering the 2019/2020 session.
ISSE, an academic arm of the National Space Research and Development Agency, NASRDA, was established as the agency over time had developed human capacity in space science and technology.
The agency had been able to produce more than 250 MSc degrees and over 150 Doctorate degree holders, hence the need to build more competence for development and sustenance of space programmes in the country.
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Dr Olufemi Agboola, Provost of the institute, said “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 Halilu Shaba, Head of Department, Geo-Informatics and Geographic Information System (GIS) Applications, commended the institute for eventually commencing the postgraduate programmes three years after establishment in 2016.
Shaba, however, said the delay could be blamed on the need for the institute to adopt a global standard for the benefit of the students.
According to him, 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, Engineering Systems, said in spite being colleagues with some of the students, they would ensure good relationship with them for the success of their programmes.
Mr Onuh 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.
The News Agency of Nigeria reports that the programmes to be taken by the students include Aerospace Engineering, Geo-informatics and HIS Application, Space Physics and Systems Engineering.
ISSE which was approved in 2016, and affiliated to the African University of Science and Technology, AUST, received the National Universities Commission’s accreditation in four programmes in 2017.
NAN
