African countries have been urged to improve the level of funding for Space Science and Technology Education to ensure it boost socio-economic development of the continent through its regional centres.
Experts from 14 countries at the 6th Consultative Meeting of the Governing Board of the African Regional Centre for Space Science and Technology Education in English converged in Abuja to discuss this critical challenge.
Building capacities in space science and technology according to the experts will also help solve major problems of food insecurity and flooding.
Satellite communication, meteorological satellite applications are some of the most critical areas that were recommended to be taken seriously.
In developed countries the use of space science and technology has over time addressed disaster management, food security and sustainable agriculture and even security issues.
The United Nations have provided various training courses and free scholarships to encourage member nations to participate so as to promote the use of space technology in Africa.
However since the establishment of the African Regional Centre for Space Science and Technology Education in English, experts in Africa continue to lament over paucity of funds, in spite of the numerous achievements.
The experts also recommended the following of trends in satellite communication as well as its education.
Some of the experts also say the challenge of funds for the centre, located in Obafemi Awolowo University, has had ripple effects.
The experts also noted that the centre has no library and laboratory to carry out efficient training.
Experts present at the event include the Director General of the National Space Research and Development Agency (NASRDA), Mohammed Seidu, the director for the Centre for Space Science and Technology, Joseph Akinyede and the the Programme Officer for Space Relations, Sergei Chernikov.
