The National Space Research and Development Agency, NASRDA, has called on children and young people to develop skills in space science and technology, aiming to build the next generation of space professionals.

This call was made by Prof. Benjamin Ayatunji, Director of Physical and Life Sciences at NASRDA, during the agency’s 25th-anniversary celebration in Abuja on Wednesday.

The event, which included a robotics quiz competition and youth sports activities, was designed to engage the younger generation in space science. Ayatunji emphasized the importance of Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics  in shaping the future, urging young Nigerians to equip themselves with the necessary skills to lead in the rapidly evolving technological landscape.

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He noted that preparing the youth for careers in space science is crucial to preventing Nigeria from falling behind in the global space race. To incentivize participation, the agency announced cash prizes for the winners of the robotics competition: N50,000 for first place, N30,000 for second, and N20,000 for third.

In addition to the competition, the students were given the opportunity to tour NASRDA’s mobile Planetarium, space museum, and other facilities. The day’s activities also included friendly sporting events involving NASRDA, the Nigeria Communication Satellite Limited and the Defence Space Administration.

NASRDA is the national space agency of Nigeria. It is a parastatal under Federal Ministry of Innovation, Science and Technology. The agency is based in the Nigerian capital city of Abuja in the Lugbe district and has a ground receiving station, among various other sites. In the past, it has cooperated in space technology with the United Kingdom, China, Ukraine and Russia.

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