Egbewole pledges support for DSA partnership on space technology
By Tajudeen Babamale
The Vice-Chancellor of the University of Ilorin, Prof. Wahab Olasupo Egbewole, SAN, has pledged the University’s full support for a strategic partnership with the Defence Space Administration (DSA) to advance research, innovation and indigenous capacity in space science and technology.
Prof. Egbewole stated this last Thursday (August 27, 2026) when he received the Director, Launch Services and Operations of the Defence Space Administration, Air Commodore Emmanuel O. Iduh, who visited him in his office ahead of his visit to the Advanced Space Laboratory (ASCO LAB) Space Research Centre at the University of Ilorin.
The Vice Chancellor, who spoke through the Deputy Vice Chancellor (Research, Technology and Innovation), Prof. Muhtar Adeiza Etudaiye, described space technology, particularly satellite technology, as the next frontier of national development, noting that the ability of a nation to explore and utilise space would increasingly determine its technological and strategic capabilities.
He expressed delight at the establishment of the ASCO LAB Space Research Centre at the University and assured the DSA of the readiness of the University to deepen the relationship and move the partnership to the next level.
Prof. Egbewole noted that the University possessed substantial human and material resources beyond ASCO LAB that could contribute to the development of Nigeria’s space technology ecosystem. He identified engineering and technology, physical sciences and the humanities as areas with expertise that could support the partnership, particularly in research, innovation, knowledge transfer and the communication of scientific discoveries to the wider society.
Speaking earlier, Air Commodore Iduh explained that his visit to the University of Ilorin was aimed at familiarising himself with the Administration’s research and development activities at the University and exploring opportunities for closer collaboration with UNILORIN researchers.
The DSA Director disclosed that the Administration had established research and development units in the University of Ilorin, to strengthen its technological capacity through partnerships with academic institutions.
He, however, announced plans to deploy military personnel to work alongside the civilian researchers at the University, particularly in composite materials, as part of efforts to commence the development of rocket system technology.
Air Commodore Iduh disclosed that the DSA already possessed considerable capacity in rocketry, having built and launched two rockets as of June 2026. He explained that the ultimate objective was to develop Nigeria’s indigenous capability to launch satellites into space using locally developed launch vehicles.
According to him, the partnership with the University of Ilorin would provide students and researchers of the Institution with opportunities for exposure to space technology, collaborative research, knowledge transfer and technological innovation, while strengthening Nigeria’s capacity in rocketry, satellite technology, engineering and related scientific fields.
Air Commodore Iduh, who was accompanied on the visit by the immediate past Director of DSA, Air Vice Marshal Lanre Ibrahim Oluwatoyin, added that the collaboration is expected to further position the University as a strategic academic partner in Nigeria’s efforts to expand its frontiers in space research and develop indigenous capabilities in advanced space technology.
