Engr. Dr. Iliya Solomon Zakwoi is a distinguished engineer and director at the National Space Research and Development Agency (NASRDA). Born on February 1, 1972, in Diko Gurara, Niger State, Nigeria, to the late Pastor and Mrs. Iliya Zakwoi, he enjoys a fulfilling family life with his beautiful wife and three wonderful children.
Dr. Zakwoi began his educational journey at Diko Central Primary School in Gurara, where he earned his first school leaving certificate in 1984. He then attended Government Science College Kagara, graduating with his Senior School Certificate (SSCE) in 1990. His academic pursuits continued at the Federal University of Technology, Minna, where he completed a B.Eng in Electrical and Computer Engineering with second-class honors in 1998.
His professional career in civil service commenced in 2001 when he joined NASRDA. As a young research engineer, he played a key role in the design, training, and launch of NigComSat-1 in the People’s Republic of China, focusing on antenna studies. Upon returning, he transitioned to the agency’s ground station control operations department.
Driven by a passion for academia, Dr. Zakwoi pursued a Master’s degree in Electrical Engineering, with a focus on telecommunications, at the Federal University of Technology, Minna, graduating in 2010. In 2011, he continued his studies at Universiti Teknologi Malaysia, where he began a PhD in Electrical Engineering, specializing in wireless communication and antenna design. His research interests have fostered numerous publications and mentorship opportunities, with notable projects including:
- Design and Development of a Ka-Band (21.7-22.0) GHz RLSA Antenna for future DBS services in Downlink (2014)
- Design of a Wearable Microstrip Patch Antenna at 3.7 GHz (2021)
- Design of Radio Frequency Identification (RFID) systems for home automation (2018)
- Design of a Pyramidal Horn Antenna for WLAN communication at Landmark University Farm, 5.8 GHz (2019)
- Design and Construction of an Automatic Water Level Indicator (2018)
- Design and Analysis of a C-Band Microstrip Patch Antenna for satellite communications (2021)
During his sabbatical at Landmark University in 2017, Dr. Zakwoi became the Coordinator of the Advanced Aircraft Engineering Laboratory (AACELAb) under NASRDA, a role he maintained until he was appointed the substantive Director of AACELAb Gusau.
His professional journey has also included participation in various international and national conferences, such as:
- Satellite Tool Kits (STK) Training in Maryland, USA (November-December 2009)
- WCC Workshop on Advanced Design Systems (ADS) Training (2015)
- Colloquium on Electronics, Power, Instrumentation & Control Communication at Universiti Teknologi Malaysia (2012)
- UAV Conference in Las Vegas, USA (2019)
- Nigerian Society of Engineers Industrial Visit to Japan (2010)
- International Workshop on Space Science Applications at Obafemi Awolowo University, Ile-Ife (2003)
- Effective Maintenance Management Conference by the Nigerian Society of Engineers in Ikeja, Lagos (2008)
Dr. Zakwoi’s contributions to engineering, coupled with his leadership and commitment to education, continue to shape the field and inspire future generations.
