Foster Akpore | May 11, 2026 | Orhomurhu-Orogun
The Defence Space School in Orhomuru-Orogun, Delta State, on Monday formally commenced its 2026 academic session with a strong emphasis on developing indigenous manpower for Nigeria’s growing defence space architecture and strengthening the country’s strategic security capabilities through specialised training in space science and technology.
The event, which featured a guided tour of the school’s facilities, inauguration of pioneer students, goodwill messages from stakeholders, and presentation of plaques and souvenirs, drew senior military officers, academics, traditional rulers, government representatives, and members of the host community.
Speaking at the inauguration ceremony, the Acting Coordinator of the Defence Space School, Commodore K. O. Olanrewaju, described the commencement of the academic session as “another milestone” in the effort by the Defence Space Administration to institutionalise structured manpower development in defence space operations.
According to him, the school was established on January 12, 2022, as part of deliberate efforts to create an institutional platform for capacity development in space science, technology, and defence operations.Olanrewaju disclosed that 81 students were inaugurated for the 2026 academic session, comprising 56 students of the Basic Space Science and Technology Course and 25 students of the Basic Non-Technical Course.
He noted that the institution was conceived with the understanding that future military operations would increasingly depend on personnel capable of applying space-enabled technologies in support of national security objectives.
“The Defence Space School is an idea whose time has come,” he stated.He added that the school was established as a strategic training platform to equip personnel with the knowledge, technical awareness, discipline, and professional orientation required for space-enabled defence capability.
The Acting Coordinator commended the Chief of Defence Space Administration, Major General Philip Ogochukwu Ilodibia, for providing the leadership that transformed the vision of the school into a functional institution.
He also appreciated the support of the Deputy Chief of Defence Space Administration and other senior officers, as well as stakeholders including the host community, the family of former Deputy Senate President, Senator Ovie Omo-Agege, and the Federal Polytechnic Orogun.
Representing the Chief of Defence Space Administration and serving as Special Guest of Honour, Air Vice Marshal John Ayodele Laoye said the school represented a strategic national investment designed to prepare Nigeria for the realities of modern security operations increasingly shaped by space-related technologies.
Laoye stated that space had become central to military effectiveness globally, with intelligence gathering, surveillance, reconnaissance, secure communication, navigation, cyber operations, and early warning systems now heavily dependent on space capability.
“Nations that fail to develop indigenous expertise in these areas risk strategic dependency and operational vulnerability,” he warned.
He said the Defence Space School was established to train military personnel and civilian staff with the intellectual, technical, operational, and professional competencies needed to support effective defence space operations and strategic decision-making.
According to him, the school would commence the academic session with two flagship programmes, namely the Basic Space Science and Technology Course and the Basic Non-Technical Course, both structured to run for 24 weeks in modular format.
Laoye said the long-term vision of the institution extends beyond the Defence Space Administration and is intended to provide training opportunities for personnel of the Armed Forces of Nigeria, other security agencies, and stakeholders within Nigeria’s expanding space ecosystem.
Drawing parallels with international models, he referenced institutions associated with the United States’ NASA and Kennedy Space Center, China’s space programme, and Japan’s precision research achievements as examples of how sustained investment in human capacity and research could drive national advancement.
He also described the siting of the institution in Orogun as strategic, noting that major global space research facilities are often located in serene environments conducive to concentration, innovation, and uninterrupted research.
“The presence of this institution here is not intended to disrupt or overshadow the host community. Rather, it is part of a broader national purpose aimed at strengthening Nigeria’s strategic and technological capabilities,” he said.
Laoye assured the people of Orogun that students and staff of the institution would be expected to conduct themselves responsibly and with respect for the customs and traditions of the host community.
He further acknowledged the contributions of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, the Minister of Defence, the Minister of State for Defence, the Chief of Defence Staff, General Christopher Musa, service chiefs, partner institutions, engineers, contractors, consultants, and support personnel toward the development of the school.
The senior military officer particularly commended former Deputy Senate President, Senator Ovie Omo-Agege, for what he described as instrumental support and sustained commitment to the establishment and development of the institution in Orogun.
In his goodwill message, the Rector of the Federal Polytechnic Orogun, Professor Duke Okoro, who was accompanied by the Deputy Rector, Dr. Efetobor Ogheneyoma Elijah and other staff of the polytechnic, described the Defence Space School as the first institution of its kind in Nigeria and praised Omo-Agege for facilitating its siting in Orogun.
He said the institution symbolised innovation, discipline, patriotism, and the future of technological advancement in Nigeria.
Drawing inspiration from the history of NASA, Okoro recounted the story of a janitor who reportedly described her role at the American space agency as helping to “take America to the moon,” urging students and staff of the Defence Space School to align themselves with the institution’s broader vision and mission.
“Do not see yourselves as just passers-by who came here only to obtain knowledge and leave. Contribute whatever you think you can contribute to the growth of this institution,” he advised.
Also speaking, the Okarhoro of Orhomuru-Orogun, Chief Benjamin Ojiri, expressed gratitude to the Federal Government and Senator Ovie Omo-Agege for bringing the institution to what he described as a previously unrecognised community.
He described Orhomuru-Orogun as a peaceful community and assured the management, instructors, and students of cordial relations and support from the host community.
“As humans, there will always be challenges among neighbours, especially when difficulties arise or when anyone tries to take advantage of another. As visitors, please feel free to reach out whenever necessary,” the traditional ruler stated.
The event concluded with the presentation of plaques and souvenirs to Professor Duke Okoro, Senator Ovie Omo-Agege, represented by Comrade Progress Omo-Agege, and Chief Benjamin Ojiri, in recognition of their support and contributions to the development of the Defence Space School.