Nigeria’s drive to accelerate science and technology under the Bola Tinubu-led administration gained global spotlight as students in Abuja connected live with NASA astronaut Zena Cardman aboard the International Space Station (ISS).
The National Space Research and Development Agency (NASRDA) hosted the first-of-its-kind event at its headquarters in Abuja, marking a milestone for Nigeria’s space program and the wider African continent. Students from schools across the Federal Capital Territory held an interactive session with Cardman, asking questions about space science and its practical applications.
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In his address, Matthew Adepoju, NASRDA director general, described the development as a record-breaking stride in Africa’s space journey, strategically designed to inspire a new generation of scientists.
Adepoju praised what he called the “purposeful leadership” of President Tinubu and Geoffrey Nnaji, Minister of Innovation, Science and Technology, crediting their vision for advancing Nigeria’s position in global science and technology.
“The students are the hope of the nation,” Adepoju said, urging them to channel their talents toward nation-building while taking advantage of the opportunities being created in Nigeria’s innovation ecosystem.
The event featured presentations by NASRDA officials, including Tope Owolabi of the Department of Physical and Life Sciences, who outlined the global significance of space research across areas such as earth observation, satellite technology, and medical innovations.
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Joy Olayiwola, programme coordinator and the team at GeoApps Plus Limited, were commended for their role in delivering what Adepoju called a giant stride in Nigeria’s space programme.
Emmanuel Onwuabuariri, the managing director, GeoApps Plus Limited, lauded Adepoju for his visionary leadership in driving NASRDA’s transformation, while assuring that subsequent editions of the program would be bigger and more impactful.
