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BACKGROUNDNigeria’s desire to venture into space science and technology dates back to 1976, when the delegation of the Federal Government of Nigeria first made the intention of the country known to an Inter-Governmental meeting which was held in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia. Before this pronouncement, several studies undertaken on behalf of the Government of Nigeria had recommended the desirability of establishing a National Centre for Remote Sensing, centrally located. It was not until 1988 when the National Council of Ministers’ approved that a National Centre for Remote Sensing should be established and situated at Jos; with a Ground Receiving Station to be established at Kerang, in Mangu LGA of Plateau State, (that is, site of the defunct Aerostat Balloon Project). Thus, the National Centre for Remote Sensing, Jos eventually took off functionally in October 1995.
THE CENTRE The National Centre for Remote Sensing is a Centre of excellence that is poised for the promotion of research and application of Remote Sensing and Geographic Information System (GIS) in Nigeria. It is a parastatal of the Federal Ministry of Science and Technology and one of the six (6) Centres of Excellence under the aegis of the National Space Research and Development Agency (NASRDA), which is positioned to provide comprehensive research, application and training with hands on experience of the emerging technologies of Remote Sensing and GIS. Late 70’s and early 80’s saw the emergence of remote sensing as a powerful tool for natural resources survey and management and in the year 1995, the desire to have NCRS established was realised, as the nodal point for the development and application of space science and technology, particularly, Remote Sensing and GIS technologies for the socio-economic benefit of the nation. Also, NCRS with its impeccable expertise trains people and develops capacity among the users and thus the Centre remains an important contributor to RS activity in Nigeria.
POLICY The National Centre for Remote Sensing would serve as the institutional framework and focal point for Remote Sensing and Geographical Information System (GIS) activities in Nigeria including the acquisition, application, popularization and promotion of these modern technologies.
MISSION STATEMENT The National Centre for Remote Sensing is committed to Promote excellence and professional research and education in the field of Remote Sensing and Geo-information Science. Achieve the goal through research, user dialogues and sharing of experience in the field of natural resource survey, mapping, infrastructure development and environmental management for sustainable development. Address on inter-disciplinary interface including attention to socio-economic and environmental considerations.
MANDATES OF THE CENTRE The Centre is mandated by the Federal Government of Nigeria to carry out among other things, the following functions:
In pursuance of its objectives, the Centre is to undertake both short-term and long-term programmes which include the following; Application of remote sensing and GIS in relevant areas of national development. Research Activities and Technology transfer. The Centres staff is to keep carrying out specific research activities in some cases in collaboration with Nigerian Universities Education and Training: Education and training are the backbone of the successful implementation of any new technology. Accordingly, the Centre has developed various training and skill development programmes for diverse stakeholders. Promotional Activities: In order to disabuse the minds of the user community and to increase their awareness about the relevance of remote sensing and its related technologies, the Centre has engaged in serious promotional activities. NCRS Consultancy Services.. |
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