On a day filled with inspiration, curiosity, and exploration, students from St. Virgo and Lumen Christi Academy had the unique opportunity to visit the Headquarters of the National Space Research and Development Agency (NASRDA) in Abuja, Nigeria. Organized in partnership with Astronomers Without Borders Nigeria (AWB Nigeria), this educational excursion was aimed at nurturing a deeper interest in science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (STEM) among young Nigerians.
The visit was part of AWB Nigeria’s ongoing mission to bring space science closer to the classroom and to bridge the gap between theoretical science and real-world applications.
The Purpose of the Visit
With space science becoming an increasingly vital aspect of global innovation, this visit was designed to:
- Introduce students to Nigeria’s advancements in satellite and space research.
- Allow them to interact with professional scientists, engineers, and technicians working on national space programs.
- Inspire interest in STEM careers, particularly in astronomy, space science, and aerospace engineering.
- Offer hands-on exposure to NASRDA’s research infrastructure, including satellite communication systems and tracking facilities.
Engaging Sessions and Guided Tours
The day began with a warm welcome by NASRDA officials, followed by an introductory briefing on the agency’s key projects and vision. Students were presented with an overview of Nigeria’s space roadmap, highlighting missions like the NigComSat and the strategic goal of sending a Nigerian astronaut into space by 2040.
Following the session, students were guided through several of NASRDA’s key facilities, including:
- The Satellite Control and Operations Center
- Space Instrumentation Lab
- Earth Observation Unit
- Geospatial Mapping and Data Analysis Room
Each stop provided interactive demonstrations, Q&A sessions, and real-world examples of how space science supports national development—ranging from disaster management to agriculture and telecommunications.
Student Reactions
The students were visibly thrilled by the experience. Many described the visit as “life-changing” and “eye-opening.” For many of them, this was their first real encounter with professional-grade scientific equipment and space mission simulations.
One student from Lumen Christi Academy remarked, “Before today, space was just something in movies and books. Now I know Nigeria is part of it, and I can be part of it too.”
Another from St. Virgo added, “I want to become a satellite engineer now. Seeing how they monitor our country from space is incredible.”
Mentorship and AWB Nigeria’s Role
Representatives from AWB Nigeria played an essential role in guiding the visit. They provided context to the students regarding the importance of space science and the role Nigeria plays in global scientific cooperation. They also spoke about:
- The Microgravity Research Contest.
- Student astronomy clubs and telescope training programs.
- Opportunities for further STEM outreach and engagement.
This mentoring aspect of the visit helped students realize how science is not just about labs and books, but about exploration, collaboration, and imagination.
Why Visits Like These Matter
In a country where access to high-quality science education is still uneven, exposure visits like this one serve multiple purposes:
- They offer real-world context to classroom learning.
- They foster early interest in scientific careers.
- They help dismantle gender stereotypes in STEM by showing inclusive science spaces.
- They empower students to ask bold questions and dream big.
Moreover, such visits align with the goals of Nigeria’s National Space Policy and the United Nations’ Sustainable Development Goals, particularly in areas like education, innovation, and reduced inequality.
Future Plans
AWB Nigeria and NASRDA have expressed interest in scaling up this initiative to include more schools across all geopolitical zones of Nigeria. Plans are also underway to develop a virtual tour format for schools unable to physically access the headquarters.
In addition, follow-up STEM challenges and mentorship programs are being designed to keep students engaged after their visit.
The St. Virgo & Lumen Christi Academy visit to NASRDA HQ wasn’t just a field trip—it was a launchpad for future astronomers, engineers, and visionaries. Thanks to the collaborative effort of NASRDA and AWB Nigeria, these students left with a renewed passion for learning and a fresh perspective on what’s possible in their own country.
With continued support, events like this will help shape a new generation of Nigerian scientists who will not only dream of the stars—but reach them.
One People. One Sky. One Future.