By Ibunkun Emiola
Ibadan, May 13, 2026 A physicist, Prof. Victor Uzodinma Chukwuma, has said that Nigeria’s national security and economic development now depend largely on the strategic deployment of space science, space technology and artificial intelligence (AI).
Chukwuma said this while delivering the keynote address at the 47th Annual Conference of the Nigerian Institute of Physics held at Lead City University.
The conference has as its theme: “Smart Physics: The New Perspective of Technological Advancement.”
He said that modern security challenges had gone beyond conventional warfare to include cyber threats, economic instability, environmental crises and technological vulnerabilities.
According to him, countries across the world now rely on satellite surveillance, AI-powered defence systems, cyber infrastructure and space-based communication to survive emerging security threats.
Chukwuma referenced recent global tensions involving Iran, Israel and the United States as examples of how technology had become central to national defence strategies.
He described Nigeria’s insecurity as not only a military challenge but also a technological failure characterised by weak surveillance systems, poor communication infrastructure and inadequate intelligence gathering.
“The future security and prosperity of Nigeria depend on scientific innovation, especially in space science and artificial intelligence,” he said.
Using a fable about a tortoise named Mbe and his daughter Mmele, Chukwuma urged Nigeria to learn from global experiences and prepare proactively for future threats.
He identified four major areas where “smart physics” could strengthen national development and security.
According to him, satellites and AI can improve monitoring of pipelines, dams, power grids, agriculture and transportation infrastructure.
He added that precision agriculture and space technology could boost oil exploration, agricultural productivity and employment generation.
The physicist further said that satellite monitoring could help Nigeria tackle climate change, desertification and energy poverty, while AI-driven intelligence systems could strengthen military operations against insurgency, banditry and other security threats.
Chukwuma explained that physics remained the foundation of technologies such as remote sensing, orbital mechanics, quantum communication, materials science and AI systems.
He proposed the establishment of a national space and AI security framework, stronger indigenous satellite capabilities, increased investment in STEM and physics education, and collaboration among government, universities and industry to develop a national AI and space technology sector.
He also urged Nigeria to deepen regional and international partnerships in science and technology.
Reviewing Nigeria’s achievements in satellite development since 2003, Chukwuma listed NigeriaSat-1, NigComSat, NigeriaSat-X, NigeriaEduSat and DelSat-1 among key milestones.
He also noted plans by the current administration to approve six additional satellites.
Earlier, the President of the Nigerian Institute of Physics, Prof. Joseph Coker, called on governments at all levels to strengthen support for physics education and research.
Coker said investment in physics remained critical to technological advancement, innovation and national development.
It was reported that the conference attracted more than 400 participants, including physicists, researchers, educators and industry experts from across the country.
