ENABLING THE FUTURE OF “SPACE” IN NIGERIA
- Paper number
IAC-16,E1,IP,16,x31917
- Coauthor
Mr. OMONZOKPIA EJALE, NASRDA, Nigeria
- Year
2016
- Abstract
The "Giant of Africa", owing to its large population and economy, Nigeria has approximately 182 million inhabitants with only a small percentage that has any knowledge about the country’s space program and outreach initiatives. This holds true for most African countries who have little or no knowledge about the huge spin offs that come about from Space Technology and Education. This paper highlights the necessary efforts needed to boost the future of Space Education in Africa, using Nigeria as a case study. Countries with advanced space programs such as the United States and Japan amongst others are tasked with the responsibility to carry the developing and underdeveloped world along. Nigeria has one of the largest populations of youth in the world with boundless intellectual capacity. Early encouragement is vital to achieve desired results. Some of the methods discussed include; funding local outreach programs such as Astronomers Without Boarders (AWB), conducting exchange programs including visiting tours from International Astronauts and space experts to inspire kids and young adults. Also, more assistance with Teaching Aids and Educational Resource materials to increase impact and help with hands-on experience, establishment of private space transport and manufacturing service companies as a means to inspire Space Technology Commercialization, just to name a few. The aim of this study is to emphasize on the methods to better enable the future of ‘Space’ in Nigeria.
- Abstract document
- Manuscript document
(absent)