Professor Babatunde Rabiu
Prof. Babatunde Rabiu Director/CEO 2013 - 2022 Former Director/Chief Executive | 1 January 2013 – 8 November 2022Professor Babatunde Rabiu, a Professor of Physics, served as the Director/Chief Executive of the Centre for Atmospheric Research (CAR), National Space Research and Development Agency (NASRDA) from 1 January 2013 to 8 November 2022.
During his nearly ten-year tenure, Professor Rabiu provided leadership to the Centre from its location at the then Kogi State University, Anyigba, now Prince Abubakar Audu University. His administration contributed to the growth and development of the Centre and the advancement of its mandate in atmospheric and space-related research.
Following the conclusion of his tenure in November 2022, the Centre continued its leadership transition and institutional development in line with the mandate and strategic direction of NASRDA.
CAR-NASRDA acknowledges Professor Rabiu's years of service, leadership, and contributions to the development of the Centre and the advancement of atmospheric research in Nigeria.
Following the continuous restructuring of the Agency aimed at enhancing productivity, operational efficiency, and institutional effectiveness, Dr. Ibrahim Yakubu Tudunwada retired from his position as Director of the Centre for Atmospheric Research (CAR), National Space Research and Development Agency (NASRDA) on 30 December 2025.
Dr. Tudunwada served as Director of CAR-NASRDA from May 2023 to December 2025. During his tenure, he contributed to the advancement of the Centre's research activities, institutional development, and the implementation of its mandate in atmospheric and environmental research.
Following his retirement, Dr. Najib Yusuf Galadanci assumed leadership of the Centre as Acting Director in January 2026, continuing the Centre's commitment to scientific excellence, innovation, greater productivity, and efficient service delivery.
The management and staff of CAR-NASRDA acknowledge and appreciate Dr. Tudunwada's service and contributions to the Centre and wish him well in his future endeavours.
The NASRDA Centre for Atmospheric Research (NCAR) is a world class research and development center committed to research and capacity building in the atmospheric and related sciences. CAR is dedicated to understanding the atmosphere—the air around us—and the interconnected processes that make up the Earth system, from the ocean floor through the ionosphere to the Sun's core.
CAR was established by the National Space Research and Development Agency in 2013 to provide research community with state-of-the-art facilities and services that can compete with the international standard.
We continue to deliver on this mission for over a decade today. CAR provides the atmospheric and related Earth system science community with education opportunities, capacity-building, support and real-time observational datasets from reliable resources using advance equipment.
CAR staff comprises of scientists, engineers and administrators that works with collaborators at various universities and research institutions around the world to ensure the facilities and resources meets the demands and contributes in solving scientific challenges in policy making and national planning for a sustainable ecofriendly environment and conducive atmosphere for a living. This is communicated through scientific publications, outreach and workshops.
Dr. Ibrahim Yakubu Tudunwada is currently the substantial Director leading the activities of the Centre.
Dr. Najib Yusuf Galadanci
Acting Director | January 2026 – Present
Following the retirement of Dr. Ibrahim Yakubu Tudunwada and the continuous restructuring of NASRDA for greater productivity and efficiency, Dr. Najib Yusuf Galadanci assumed leadership of the Centre as Acting Director in January 2026.
As Acting Director, Dr. Galadanci is providing leadership towards strengthening the Centre's scientific and technical capabilities, improving operational efficiency, supporting innovative research, enhancing institutional collaboration, and ensuring the effective implementation of CAR-NASRDA's mandate.
Under his leadership, the Centre continues to pursue excellence in atmospheric and environmental research while embracing emerging technologies, improved scientific data services, capacity development, and partnerships that contribute to national development.
CAR-NASRDA remains committed to building on the achievements of successive administrations while positioning the Centre for greater scientific impact, productivity, innovation, and institutional excellence.