The National Space Research and Development Agency (NASRDA) has achieved a groundbreaking feat by linking Nigerian students with the International Space Station (ISS) for a live interactive session with NASA astronaut, Zena Cardman. The event, which was held at NASRDA headquarters in Abuja, marked the first time in Nigeria’s history that students engaged directly with an astronaut in space.
Students from schools across the Federal Capital Territory participated in the session, joined by their teachers, administrators, and major stakeholders in science and technology education. NASRDA’s Director of Media and Corporate Communications, Dr. Felix Ale, described the occasion as historic, stressing that it demonstrated Nigeria’s growing footprint in global space exploration and science engagement.
In his welcome address, NASRDA’s Director-General, Dr. Matthew Adepoju, hailed the development as a record-setting achievement not only for the agency but for Africa as a whole. According to him, the initiative was strategically designed to inspire the younger generation to pursue careers in space science and related fields. Adepoju underscored the importance of equipping young Nigerians with exposure to science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (STEM), adding that such platforms help nurture innovation and creativity.
The NASRDA boss also acknowledged the role of government leadership in making the session possible. He praised President Bola Tinubu and the Minister of Innovation, Science and Technology, Geoffrey Nnaji, for their vision and commitment to advancing Nigeria’s scientific and technological agenda. He described students as the “hope of the nation” and encouraged them to dedicate themselves to continuous learning and nation-building.
Programme Coordinator, Mrs. Joy Olayiwola, alongside technology partners GeoApps Plus Limited, was commended byAdepoju for her contribution to the success of the project. He described their involvement as a “giant stride” in Nigeria’s space programme, laying the foundation for bigger and more impactful engagements in the future.
As part of the programme, Mr. Tope Owolabi from NASRDA’s Department of Physical and Life Sciences delivered a presentation on the global significance of space science. His talk covered topics such as earth observation, satellite communications, and medical innovations, showing the direct link between space exploration and human development.
The highlight of the event was a live question-and-answer session with astronaut Zena Cardman. Moderated by Mr. Stefan Dombrowski of Belgium and Mr. John Sygo of South Africa, the session allowed students to ask questions and receive first-hand responses from the ISS. Cardman spoke about her experiences in space, shared insights on scientific research aboard the station, and encouraged Nigerian students to pursue careers in science and technology. Participants described the interaction as inspiring, memorable, and deeply educational.
In his closing remarks, the Managing Director of GeoApps Plus Limited, Mr. Emmanuel Onwuabuariri, commended NASRDA’sleadership under Adepoju, noting that his visionary direction had transformed the agency. He pledged that subsequent editions of the programme would be even more robust and impactful.
The event concluded with the presentation of certificates of attendance to participating schools. Adepoju once again urged students to develop a culture of learning, explore their potential, and contribute meaningfully to Nigeria’s technological and national development.
By connecting Nigerian students to an astronaut aboard the ISS, NASRDA has not only broken new ground in Africa’s space journey but also ignited the imagination of the next generation of scientists, engineers, and innovators.
