Matthew Olumide Adepoju

Early Life

Matthew Adepoju was born in Nigeria. He enjoyed learning and solving problems from a young age. He went to Yaba College of Technology. He later continued his studies at Lagos State University. 

Then, he moved to the United Kingdom (UK) to study further. In the UK, he earned a master's degree in Geographical Information Science at the University of Nottingham. 

After that, he earned his PhD from the University of Leicester. His studies helped him understand how to use maps, satellites, and space science to solve real world problems on Earth. These skills helped him to become one of Nigeria's top space scientists! 

Career highlights

Adepoju began working at Nigeria’s National Space Research and Development Agency (NASRDA) in 2009. He started as a Chief Research Officer. In this role, he used satellite pictures and maps to study land, water, cities, and the environment. His job helped cities grow smarter. 

From 2014 to 2022, he became Deputy Director at NASRDA. He helped manage big science projects and worked with teams to improve how Nigeria uses space science. In 2021, he was made Acting Director. In 2024, the President of Nigeria chose him to lead NASRDA as Director General. This is the highest position in the agency. 

During his leadership, NASRDA has launched 4 of its own satellites; the first one was in 2003, and the last one in 2009. These missions help Nigeria watch floods, study farms, and plan for natural disasters.    

Adepoju also led the Geoinformation Society of Nigeria for 5 years. This group helps people learn about maps and space tools (technology and equipment used in space science). He has worked with large organisations such as the United Nations (UN) and the World Bank. He has written over 30 papers on things like weather, farming, cities, and how to use satellite pictures. 

He supports programmes that teach young people skills in software, data, artificial intelligence, and satellites. These skills help students prepare for future jobs in science and technology. 

Matthew Adepoju is known across Africa and beyond as a helpful leader in space science!    

Legacy

Adepoju has made a big difference in how Nigeria uses space and science. Thanks to his work, the country now uses satellites to watch for floods, study the land, and help farmers grow more food. He has also helped cities plan better by using maps made from space data.

He made NASRDA stronger and more modern. Because of him, more people in Nigeria understand how space tools can make life on earth better. He also helped to connect Nigeria with other space experts around the world. 

In 2024, NASRDA received a Nigeria Government Public Service Award. This award shows how NASRDA uses digital and space tools to serve the public.

Many young scientists can look up to him, and his work shows how space science can solve real world problems.