Nigerian Students Connect with NASA Astronaut in Space, Pose Questions!

Nigerian Students Connect with NASA Astronaut in Space, Pose Questions!

Sele Media Africa
www.selemedia.org
Reported by Amos Dachung – Sele Media Africa Reporter

Abuja — A historic event unfolded on Saturday, September 20, 2025, as students in the Federal Capital Territory (FCT) connected with NASA astronaut Dr. Zena Cardman aboard the International Space Station (ISS). This event, organized by the National Space Research and Development Agency (NASRDA), marks the first time African students have directly engaged with an ISS astronaut. [1]

What Took Place

• The connection was made through the Amateur Radio on the International Space Station (ARISS) using a ground station in South Africa. [1]
• Around 20 schools participated, including New Hope International School, Islamic Leadership Academy, and Junior Secondary School Area 11, among others. [1]
• Students asked various questions relating to life in space such as:
• How microgravity and satellite radiation affect genetic makeup of agricultural products. [1]
• How astronauts recycle water and access water in space. [1]
• How astronauts in space maintain communication with family. [1]

Why It’s Significant

• NASRDA’s Director‑General, Dr. Matthew Adepoju, described the event as a landmark moment that will likely inspire Nigerian students to pursue STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics) careers. [1]
• Students who participated expressed excitement; one student, Sharon Imoke from New Hope International School, said she considered shifting her career path from medicine to agricultural science after hearing how space experiments could impact food production. [1]

This connection with Dr. Cardman underscores Nigeria’s growing presence in space research and highlights the importance of giving young people real exposure to scientific exploration beyond Earth.

Sele Media Africa will continue to follow developments in Nigeria’s space and STEM sectors.

About The Author

Marian Opeyemi Fasesan

author

Marian Opeyemi Fasesan is a dynamic journalist and editorial leader committed to excellence in news reporting and storytelling. As the Managing Editor of Sele Media Africa, she ensures daily operations run smoothly while upholding the highest editorial standards. With a strong eye for detail and deep understanding of audience engagement, Marian coordinates content across platforms, guiding teams to produce compelling, timely, and credible news. Her leadership reflects the heart of Sele Media Africa’s mission—to inform, inspire, and elevate voices across the continent.

See author's posts