Nigeria will soon join the ranks of nations conducting high-level astronomical research. The country through the centre of Basic Space Science (CBSS), Nsukka is constructing an extensive network of radio telescopes, called "interferometer".
Engineers at the research centre are building some smaller instruments themselves, using local materials. According to Professor F.E Opara, recently appointed director:
"It is important, for both scientific and strategic reasons that we quickly break into the ranks of nations conducting serious research. In fact, we want Nigeria and, indeed, West Africa to be a cetre of excellence".
He added that the centre's parent body, the National Space Research and Development Agency (NASRDA) is now laying heavy emphasis on radio astronomy.
NASRDA’s vision is that its interferometer will become the hub of an expansive network of radio telescopes, encompassing not only Nigerian institutions but also universities and space agencies in other African countries, particularly in the western sub-region.
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