National Points of Contact
Nigeria
Etim Offiong	James Chibueze
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SGAC Nigeria

A hearty welcome to the SGAC Nigeria page! Nigeria has seen a lot of development in space and satellite technology in the past decade. On August 17, 2011, two Earth Observation satellites, NigeriaSat-2 and NigeriaSat-X, were launched into space. NigeriaSat-2 is a replacement for NigeriaSat-1 whose life-space expired in 2008, but is still presently in orbit. Also, NigeriaSat-2 is part of the African Resource Management satellite Constellation (ARMC). NigeriaSat-X is a step-forward in the development of indigenous capability of Nigeria. The satellite was designed and developed by young Nigerian scientists and engineers, with the support of technical partners.

A communications satellite tagged “NIGCOMSAT-1R”, was launched on 19^th December, 2011. This satellite will boost the access to telephony and broadband, already created by GSM and CDMA. The satellite was designed and constructed by Nigerian partners in China.

Every year, the African Regional Center for Space Science and Technology Education in English Language (ARCSSTE-E) celebrates the World Space Week. This year, the week was marked at the Obafemi Awolowo University campus, Ile-Ife. The three-day event comprised of workshops for primary and secondary school students, workshop for school teachers on using GPS receivers, quiz competition and science project exhibitions. ARCSSTE-E also held her first Annual Lecture. The lecture, with the title “Space in the revitalisation of Nigeria’s economy” was delivered by Dr. Adigun Ade Abiodun, former chairman of the United Nations Committee on the Peaceful Uses of Outer Space (UN-COPUOS) and a member of SGAC board of advisers.

NigeriaSat X

Young Space Activities Overview in Nigeria

SGAC Nigeria in collaboration with National Space Research and Development Agency (NASRDA) activity centers [especially the Centre for Space Science and Technology Education (CSSTE) and the Center for Basic Space Sciences (CBSS)] and some Nigerian universities, hold a series of space related seminars. NASRDA, through its activity centers organise space and astronomy outreach activities, which sometimes feature rocket propulsion principle demonstrations in high schools and at some universities. SGAC Nigeria hopes to reach more young minds in the country to raise awareness about space and its many terrestrial benefits. Future priorities will involve getting more and more youths involved in SGAC Nigeria activities and establishing an online group for easy communications.

Country Specific Events in 2012

• Astronomy workshop (13 April): A national workshop on basic space physics and astronomy will be held in conjunction with the Center for Basic Space Science (CBSS), University of Nigeria, Nsukka.
• Yuri’s night (12 April): Activites marking Yuri’s night will be held in difference parts of the country. This includes space film shows, night sky watch and space parties.
• Matlab workshops: Two workshops on “Using Matlab to solve real-life problems” have being scheduled to take place at the University of Ilorin, Kwara State and the Obafemi Awolowo University, Ile-Ife. The dates will be announced later.
• SGAC Nigeria will participate in activities and programmes leading to the Second Mission to Mars Conference. These programs include competitions, workshops and outreach programs. Details will be announced later.
• 2^nd ARCSSTE-E Biennial Conference and Alumni  Re-union (22 – 24 August)
• 2^nd ARCSSTE-E Annual Lecture (11 October)
• World Space Week (6 – 10 October)

Interesting Web Links for the Young Generation in Nigeria

National Space Research and Development Agency (NASRDA)
Center for Space Science and Technology Education (CSSTE)
Center for Basic Space Sciences (CBSS)