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Nigeria to Launch Massive Space-Tech Training for Youths – 200,000 to Benefit Annually

By Achimi Muktar

In what could become a game-changer for youth empowerment in Nigeria, the National Space Research and Development Agency (NASRDA) has unveiled plans to train 200,000 young Nigerians every year in practical space-tech and related skills—offering a bold new pathway out of unemployment.

This revelation was made by NASRDA’s Director General, Dr. Matthew Adepoju, during the agency’s 2025 top management retreat held in Uyo, Akwa Ibom State.

“We are introducing space-sector-driven skills acquisition programs,” said Adepoju. “Wherever you find problems, there are hidden opportunities—potential wealth and jobs. The issue is that most of our youths lack the skills to unlock these opportunities. That’s where NASRDA steps in.”

As part of this nationwide initiative, six regional space skills acquisition centres will be set up—one in each geopolitical zone. These hubs will offer hands-on, market-ready training for Nigerian youths, equipping them with critical technical and entrepreneurial skills tailored to the emerging global space economy.

The first centre, nearing completion, is expected to be commissioned before the end of the year.

According to Dr. Adepoju, the aim is not just education, but transformation: “These hubs will give birth to a new generation of problem-solvers who will not only find employment but create jobs.”

But NASRDA’s ambitions stretch far beyond Earth. Dr. Adepoju also revealed the agency’s collaboration with U.S.-based Space Exploration and Research Agency (SERA) to launch two new satellites within the next year—replacing the aging satellite launched in 2011.

That’s not all. Nigeria is also preparing to send its first citizen—and the first African—into space, courtesy of a secured seat aboard Blue Origin, the spaceflight company owned by Amazon founder Jeff Bezos.

“The process to select Nigeria’s first astronaut is underway. In six to twelve months, we should witness a giant leap for Nigeria in space,” he said.

The NASRDA boss also disclosed that President Bola Tinubu has approved a take-off grant to establish space regulations and spectrum management in the country—marking a major milestone in Nigeria’s space policy development.

He lamented that the absence of proper regulatory oversight has led to poor-quality services in broadcasting and telecoms, often leaving Nigerians frustrated during crucial moments.

“From dropped phone calls to blurry TV signals, these problems stem from unregulated space technology usage. That’s about to change,” Dr. Adepoju asserted.

The NASRDA chief urged private investors to take advantage of the $546 billion global space economy, describing it as “the largest and fastest-growing sector in the world.”

“It’s not just about launching rockets. Space tech now powers everything from fintech to farming. Nigeria must not be left behind,” he said.

With youth unemployment skyrocketing and technological innovation moving at warp speed, NASRDA’s bold plan to integrate Nigerian youth into the space economy could be a turning point—not just for science and tech, but for national development.

If successful, this initiative could redefine the trajectory of millions of Nigerian youths—from job seekers to space-sector innovators.

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