Idris Jega: Acting Director of Space Enterprise Department
Idris Jega
MBA, 2024
Based in:
Nigeria
Came to study at Warwick from:
Nigeria
First job:
Teller, Standard Trust Bank Ltd, before moving up within the company
Strangest interview question
"If you could have dinner with any historical figure, who would it be and why?"
Advice for current students:
Upskill, adapt to new technologies, and remain open to new opportunities. Focus on creating value, and your career will continue to grow.
Ambitions for the future:
My ambition is to help position Nigeria as a leading space-faring nation where space science, technology, and innovation drive economic growth, industrial development, and societal impact. I aspire to build a vibrant space economy by strengthening partnerships, supporting innovation and entrepreneurship, and accelerating the commercialization of space technologies. Equally important is mentoring the next generation of leaders who will shape the future of Africa's space sector.
Acting Director of Space Enterprise Department and Special Adviser (Technical) to the Director General, National Space Research and Development Agency (NASRDA), Obasanjo Space Centre
Describe your current role and what attracted you to it.
I drive the transformation of space research outputs into market-ready products and services. I was attracted to this role by my desire to bridge research with real-world commercialisation.
What鈥檚 your favourite part of your role?
The most rewarding part for me is commercialising space research into impactful, market-ready products and services that generate revenue, build partnerships, and contribute meaningfully to Nigeria鈥檚 growth.
What are the key skills you learnt at Warwick that have helped you with your career to date?
My experience at Warwick reinforced the value of visionary leadership, strategic collaboration, and lifelong learning. These principles have become the foundation of my leadership approach, enabling me to drive innovation, promote high-impact partnerships, and advance the commercialization of space technologies.
Did you have a specific career path in mind when you chose to study at Warwick?
I wanted to transition from serving as a technical specialist to leading and managing technical teams, where I could provide strategic direction, drive innovation, and deliver greater organisational impact.
What top tips do you have for Warwick graduates who would like to work in your sector?
Develop a commercial mindset. Don't just think about how technology works; think about the problems it solves and the value it creates. The future of the space sector lies in translating innovation into products, services, and businesses that improve lives.
What does a typical day look like for you?
My day typically starts by reviewing priorities, addressing urgent matters, and meeting with my team to track project progress. I work closely with government, industry, academia, startups, and international partners to build strategic collaborations. I also review policies, proposals, and technical reports, contributing to national space programmes, emerging technology decisions, and providing strategic guidance to multidisciplinary teams.
What has been your greatest career challenge to date and how did your experience and skills help overcome it?
One of the greatest challenges in my career has been transforming space research into commercially viable products and services within an emerging space ecosystem. This required changing mindsets, building strategic partnerships, and creating new pathways for collaboration between government, industry, academia, and startups. My experience in strategic leadership, stakeholder engagement, and innovation management, combined with the skills I developed through continuous learning, enabled me to navigate institutional barriers, align diverse interests, and drive initiatives that are helping position Nigeria's space programme as a catalyst for economic growth and national development.
What do you know now that you wish you had known when you were applying for jobs?
I wish I had known earlier that employers value far more than academic qualifications. I've also come to appreciate that careers are rarely linear; staying open to new opportunities, embracing change, and committing to continuous learning can open doors to rewarding paths you may never have anticipated.
What鈥檚 the best piece of advice you鈥檝e been given in relation to your career?
One of the best pieces of career advice I've received is: "Focus on creating value, and opportunities will follow". That advice has shaped my approach throughout my career. Rather than chasing titles or positions, I have concentrated on solving meaningful problems, delivering results, and continuously developing my skills.