US trained, Nigerian aerospace engineer offers ways to promote aerospace research in Nigeria

As a US-trained Nigerian aerospace engineer, I’m often asked about how Nigeria can promote aerospace research and development. Having spent several years studying and working in the United States, I’ve had the privilege of experiencing firsthand the cutting-edge research and innovation that’s happening in the field of aerospace engineering. And I must say, I’m convinced that Nigeria has the potential to become a major player in the global aerospace industry.

However, I also recognize that there are several challenges that we need to overcome before we can achieve this goal. One of the biggest challenges is the lack of infrastructure and resources. Nigeria’s aerospace industry is still in its infancy, and we lack the necessary facilities, equipment, and funding to support meaningful research and development.

Despite these challenges, I believe that there are several ways that we can promote aerospace research in Nigeria. First and foremost, we need to invest in education and training. We need to develop programs that can train the next generation of aerospace engineers and scientists, and provide them with the skills and knowledge they need to compete globally.
One way to do this is to establish partnerships with international institutions and organizations. For example, Nigeria can partner with universities and research institutions in the United States, Europe, and other parts of the world to develop joint research programs and exchange students and faculty. This can help us to tap into the expertise and resources of these institutions, and bring world-class research and education to Nigeria.

In fact, some Nigerian institutions have already made significant contributions to aerospace research and development. For example, the Federal University of Technology Akure (FUTA) has made history by creating Nigeria’s first nanosatellite in collaboration with the Japanese Birds-1 program. This was a collaborative effort between FUTA and the Japanese Kyushu Institute of Technology (KIT), which supported the design and fabrication of the satellites. Japan, Ghana, Mongolia, Nigeria, and Bangladesh participated in the Birds-1 program, all building identical satellites for the constellation.
However, despite these successes, I believe that there is still an underrepresentation problem that needs to be solved.

As a young student pursuing aerospace engineering, I often felt isolated and alone. Before going to grad school for aerospace engineering, I didn’t have anyone in my circle from Nigeria who was pursuing the same thing, and it felt pretty daunting. In fact, while I was pursuing my mechanical engineering degree at the University of Ibadan, I was the only one in a graduating class of 50 students to carry out a project related to aerodynamics and aircraft design, and it was a purely computational campaign. I did have an uncle who is a retired aerospace engineer himself, so that was helpful with regards to motivation, but in my experience, many young students might not have this kind of support.

Pursuing aerospace engineering can be a lofty goal, and it’s not uncommon for young students to feel discouraged or intimidated. Airplanes are seen everywhere in the globe, from the first world rich countries to the third world and poorer nations. The space above us (outer space) envelopes all of us, so everyone should really be participating in its exploration. But for many young Nigerians, the idea of pursuing a career in aerospace engineering may seem like a pipe dream.

That’s why I believe that we need to do more to promote awareness and interest in aerospace research and development among young Nigerians. We need to create programs and initiatives that can inspire and motivate young students to pursue careers in aerospace engineering and science. We need to provide them with role models and mentors who can guide and support them on their journey. And we need to create opportunities for them to gain hands-on experience and training in aerospace engineering and science.

In conclusion, promoting aerospace research in Nigeria will require a multi-faceted approach that involves investment in education and training, partnerships with international institutions and organizations, funding and resources for research and development, a supportive regulatory framework, public awareness and outreach, and leveraging the expertise and resources of the Nigerian diaspora community. We also need to address the underrepresentation problem and create opportunities for young Nigerians to pursue careers in aerospace engineering and science. If we can do these things, I’m confident that Nigeria can become a major player in the global aerospace industry.