Engr. Dr. Aiyeola Sikiru Yommy has been an active staff of the National Space Research and Development Agency (NASRDA) since 2001, joining as one of the agency’s first engineers. Currently, he serves as the Director of the Space Regulation and Spectrum Management Department, where he plays a crucial role in shaping Nigeria’s space ecosystem.
With a commitment to advancing space-related activities, Engr. Dr. Aiyeola has significantly contributed to the development of a regulatory framework for overseeing space operations within Nigerian territory. He created a comprehensive business model to support these regulations and leads a dedicated team of engineers, scientists, and legal experts tasked with implementing the regulation, licensing, and supervision of space activities provisions of the National Space Research and Development Agency Act of 2010. On April 8, 2025, he successfully organized a workshop aimed at sensitizing stakeholders on the commencement of space regulation, spectrum management, and licensing in Nigeria.
Dr. Aiyeola’s expertise was also pivotal during the pioneering project of the first Nigerian Communications Satellite (NigComSat-1). He was an integral member of the project management team and played a key role in contract negotiations with Telesat in Ottawa, Canada, on behalf of the Nigerian government. His technical acumen allowed him to thoroughly review the request for proposal (RFP) documents provided by Telesat concerning the Satellite Control Centres (SCC) located in Abuja and Kashi, China. He was one of fifty Nigerian engineers and scientists selected by the Federal Government for the Know-How Technology Transfer (KHTT) training related to the NigComSat-1 project, completing ground station engineering training and participating in the installation of critical equipment for the two Satellite Control Centres.
Dr. Aiyeola holds a doctoral degree in Communications and Information Systems from Beihang University in Beijing, China, which he earned in 2016. He also obtained a Master of Engineering in Telecommunications Engineering from the University of Nigeria Nsukka in 2013 and a Bachelor of Science (Honours) in Electronics and Computer Engineering from Lagos State University in 1998. His dedication and service have been recognized with accolades such as the Most Dedicated Engineer and Outstanding Service Awards from the Centre for Satellite Technology Development in 2011.
An active participant in both local and international training, workshops, and conferences, Engr. Dr. Aiyeola has published numerous papers in reputable journals. He has also managed several notable projects, including the Greenhouse Gas Data Management with Cloud-Based Logging (Proof of Concept) Quick Win project funded by the Centre for Satellite Technology Development and the Quadcopter Drone SWARM Quick Win Project financed by NASRDA. Additionally, he coordinated the successful S-band satellite ground station filter project funded by the Centre for Satellite Technology Development (CSTD).
Known for his collaborative spirit, Engr. Dr. Aiyeola encourages team members to continuously evolve and develop, fostering an environment of growth and innovation within the agency. His contributions continue to propel Nigeria’s capabilities in satellite technology and space exploration forward.
