Dr. Kenneth Abaagu Uchua is a Space Scientist and currently the Director of the Advanced Space Technology Application Laboratory (ASTAL), Uyo Akwa Ibom State. ASTAL is an offshoot of the National Space Research and Development Agency (NASRDA) and a laboratory of excellence under the Federal Ministry of Innovation, Science and Technology (FMIST). ASTAL is a regional institution and its space-based programmes and activities covers the entirety of the South-South Region and specifically: Akwa Ibom, Bayelsa, Cross River, Edo, Delta and Rivers States.
Dr Uchua has evolved scientific expertise over two decades through vigorous research and intensive application of satellite remote sensing and geospatial technologies for the identification, inventory, development as well as management of land and water resources for sustainable national development. The aforementioned were achieved through dedicated research, user dialogues and multiplication of experience in the field of natural resource survey, systematic mapping, infrastructural development and environmental management for the overall well-being of humanity.
In 2010, Dr Uchua was adjudged worthy both in character and in learning by the Senate of the prestigious University of Jos, Nigeria for the award of a Doctor of Philosophy (PhD) degree in Environmental Resources Planning where he researched extensively on terrain characterization and agricultural intensification in the Lower River Benue Basin. Furthermore, he completed a Master of Science Degree in Land Resources and Satellite Remote Sensing as well as a Bachelors Degree in Geography and Regional Planing in 1999 and 1993 respectively at the most revered Bayero University Kano. It is worth noting that, Dr Uchua also attended LGEA Primary School Agbeede in 1976-1982 (FSLC), NKST Secondary School Korinya in 1982-1987 (GCE) and School of Basic Studies Makurdi in 1988-1990 (IJMB).
His scientific quest for knowledge and academic prowess compelled him to proceed in 2005 on a scientific fellowship programme at the indian Institute of Remote Sensing, Dehradun – India which was offered by the indian National Science Academy an extension of India Space Research Organisation (ISRO). He was also trained in the area of Satellite Remote Sensing and Geo-information at post graduate level at the Regional Centre for Training in Aerospace Surveys (RECTAS) lle-Ife in 2004, now African Regional Institute for Geospatial Information Science and Technology (AFRIGIST).
Dr Uchua has published a number of academic papers and a book titled: “Soil Survey and Land Use Planning using Remote Sensing, Global Positioning System and Geographic Information System Techniques”. The book has delved so much on the principles and applications of space-based technologies for land resources utilization in the River Benue Floodplain. It is also considered as a fertile reference material for students, educators, resource planners, decision makers amongst others. He has participated actively in high profile international and local scientific conferences. Notably, the 8th International Conference on Earth Observation for Africa’s Development held at the United Nations Conference Center in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia on 25th – 29th October, 2010. Consequently, he is a member of various professional and scientific bodies such as
- FELLOW – Institute of Oil and Gas Research and Hydrocarbon Studies (IOGRHS)
- FELLOW – Forestry Association of Nigeria (FAN)
- Association of African Remote Sensing of the Environment (AARSE),
- Soil Science Society of Nigeria (SSSN),
- Nigerian Meterological Society (NiMETS),
- Agricutural Society of Nigeria (ASN),
- Geoinformation Society of Nigeria (GEOSON),
- Association of Nigerian Geographers (ANG),
- Remote Sensing and Geo-information Association of Nigeria (RESGAN)
Not relenting on his academic exploits, Dr Uchua has been rendering a decade of selfless services as Visiting Senior Lecturer in the Department of Geography, Benue State University Makurdi. He has considered such services as veritable avenue to enable him contribute immensely to the academic and manpower development of students in the famous university, particularly in such courses and programmes where space-based technologies of Satellite Remote Sensing, Geo-information and Global Positioning System are practically applicable. Also, in 2004, Dr Uchua lead a Team of Scientists from the National Centre for Remote Sensing Jos to Benue State for a capacity building and manpower training of Science Teachers in Secondary Schools covering the three senatorial districts with training venues in Makurdi, Otukpo and Katsina-Ala. This was accomplished through the Know-How-Technology-Transfer (KHTT) Schema of the agency.
