Abuja — The Director-General, National Space Research and Development Agency, Dr. Seidu Mohammed has been elected to the board of the International Academy of Astronautics. He was recently inducted along other distinguished scientists drawn from different parts of the world at the Academy day of Honour in Daejon, South Korea.

The International Academy of Astronautics is an independent organisation of distinguished individuals elected by their peers for the outstanding contributions to astronautics and the exploration of space.

With the induction of the NASRDA boss as a council member of the global organisation,Dr. Seidu Mohammed thus joined the club of very few distinguished scientists in Africa to be honoured by the world body.

Dr. Mohammed who has doctor of philosophy in environmental remote sensing also has to his credit over fifty international and local publications as well as various researched works on scientific findings.

He was appointed by the Federal Government of Nigeria as Director General of the National Space Research and Development Agency (NASRDA) in December, 2008. Meanwhile, all is now set for the hosting of the third African Regional Conference of the International Academy of Astronautics (IAA).

The Head Media and Corporate Affairs of NASRDA, Mr. Felix Ale said, the conference which has as its theme "Space for Africa: Joint participation, knowledge development and sharing will be held between 24th and 26th November in Abuja, in collaboration with the National Space Research and Development Agency (NASRDA).

According to him, the conference will highlight the role of joint participation, knowledge development and sharing in the development and growth of Space Science and Technology in Africa, particularly in the application of Space technology to the sustainable development of the continent.

The conference will also provide a platform for interaction among the scientific, academic and engineering communities of world and Africa in particular to maximise the benefits of space exploration and exploitation.