The National Space Research and Development Agency (NASRDA) has urged Nigerian school administrators to leverage space education programmes to prepare students for careers in space science and technology. Director-general of the agency, Dr. Matthew Adepoju gave the advice at the second graduation ceremony of the Pathway to Space Programme organised by Future African Space Explorers STEM Academy (FASESA), South Africa, and held at the Premier Academy, Lugbe, Abuja.
Adepoju, represented by an assistant director in the agency, Mrs Olayinka Fagbero, said the initiative was designed to catch the students young, by creating awareness and stimulating interest in space education, among African students. The programme, which was organised physically and virtually, had participants from Ethiopia, Kenya and Nigeria.
Revealing that beginning from the third edition of the programme, NASRDA would coordinate the participation of Nigerian students in the event, Adepoju said the space agency is going to be sending invitations to schools to join the programme because it is very much interested in getting young people to embrace space science and technology.
“This is an opportunity for us to get them to be part of a programme that is designed to shape their career path. “In the next cohort coming up in 2026, we are hoping to have as many schools as possible, because it is something that is open and free,” he said. In own address as the FASESA country coordinator, Fagbero said the programme had an increase of about 400 students compared to 70, in 2024.
She explained that participation in the programme only required internet connectivity and a device, adding that in view of this, FASESA targets thousands of students across the country. She expressed hope that more schools across the country would join the programme to build a strong community of future African scientists and space explorers.
Also speaking, executive director of FASESA, Mr Sean Jacobs said the initiative was aimed at integrating space exploration into African classrooms to prepare young learners for careers in the global space sector. According to him, FASESA, through partnerships with global aerospace companies like Boeing and stakeholders such as NASRDA, is providing resources and facilities to assist students understand space and its career opportunities.
Speaking on his experience with Nigerian students, Jacobs said he was impressed by their intelligence and enthusiasm. “We have very smart kids in Nigeria, Kenya and Ethiopia. What they need is a community of support; involving government, parents and schools,” he said.
In his remarks, principal of the school, Mr Christopher Akinsowan, urged the students to leverage the opportunity to widen their scope of career pursuit, adding that space science and technology was interesting.
