NigComSat launches circuit board, micro electronics centre

Satellite communication services provider, NigComSat Ltd has launched a wholly Nigerian Printed Circuit Board (PCB) and micro electronics centre at its complex, situated in Lugbe, Abuja, reports CHARLES OKOH.

Speaking during the official commissioning, the Minister of Science and Technology, Dr. Alhassan Bako Zaku said the PCB forms one of the most important parts needed in the manufacturing process of electronic devices.

He expressed delight at the technological advancement brought to the nation with the achievement, saying the venture of the nation into space technology has provided an advantage to embark on know-how trainings in this high-tech field.

The minister said the commissioning has marked the onset of a technical revolution in the country, noting that with the effect of the global meltdown this represents a fresh opportunity to build the nation’s economy.

In the area of education, the minister said the centre is fully equipped to meet the learning needs of undergraduates to receive hands-on training and firsthand experience in electronics manufacturing.

“It is the core of electrical and electronic gadgets. Prior to today, all PCBs required for the assembly of these devices have been imported from other countries. It is with great pleasure that I announce to you that the printed circuit boards can now be manufactured within the shore of this country, courtesy of the research and development department of NigComSat as the company has re-strategized by harnessing in-house human resources development towards attaining a more vibrant economy,” he said.

Dr. Zaku said the nation possesses the knowledge and the type of technological capability that could kick-start and sustain an industrial revolution in the style of China, India, East Asia and other industrializing countries.

Earlier in his welcome address, the Managing Director of NigComSat, Alhaji Timasaniyu Ahmed-Rufai said the PCB is the basis for any electronic system which provides a convenient and efficient means to mount electrical components which forms underlying part of all electrical products namely; radio, television, computers, handsets, ATM machine and many more.

Describing the achievement as a spin-off from the know-how technology transfer and training of over 100 Nigerian engineers in China, United Kingdom, USA and the United Arab Emirates (UAE), Ahmed-Rufai said the breakthrough is crucial in the achievement of the nation’s vision to be amongst the top 20 economies by year 2020.

“We are proud to state that it will mark another milestone in Nigeria’s history to lead Africa in its drive for technological breakthrough. This centre will be a confirmation of the federal government’s commitment to ICT to provide web enabling governance for the provision of quick access to communication services,” he said.

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