Nigeria Space Agency Plans to Train 200,000 Youths in Space Sector Skills

In a bid to tackle the rising youth unemployment in Nigeria and harness the vast opportunities in the growing space economy, the National Space Research and Development Agency (NASRDA) has announced plans to train 200,000 Nigerian youths annually in space sector skills.

The Director General of NASRDA, Dr. Matthew Adepoju, made this disclosure while addressing journalists at the 2025 NASRDA top management retreat held in Uyo, Akwa Ibom State.

According to Adepoju, the agency is committed to empowering Nigerian youths with the necessary skills to take advantage of the numerous opportunities available in the space sector, which is rapidly becoming a significant contributor to the global economy.

Adepoju emphasized that the space sector offers immense potential for wealth creation, and by training a large number of youths annually, NASRDA aims to equip them with the skills and knowledge required to tap into this potential and create a better future for themselves.

He noted that the agency’s goal is to get Nigeria out of the present youth unemployment conundrum by providing the necessary training and capacity building programs.

The proposed training program is expected to cover a wide range of skills, including satellite technology, space engineering, astronomy, and geospatial analysis, among others.

By acquiring these skills, Nigerian youths will be well-positioned to compete favorably in the global space industry, which is projected to continue growing in the coming years.

The NASRDA’s initiative has been hailed as a timely and laudable effort to address the pressing issue of youth unemployment in Nigeria.

With the country’s large youth population, the potential for growth and development in the space sector is enormous, and the agency’s plan to train 200,000 youths annually is seen as a significant step towards harnessing this potential.

As the Nigerian government continues to explore ways to diversify the country’s economy and reduce its dependence on oil, the space sector is emerging as a promising area of focus. With the NASRDA’s training program, Nigeria is poised to become a major player in the global space industry, and the agency’s efforts are expected to have a positive impact on the country’s economy and the lives of its citizens.

The NASRDA’s plan to train 200,000 Nigerian youths annually in space sector skills is a bold and ambitious initiative that has the potential to transform the country’s economy and create a brighter future for its young people.

As the agency moves forward with its plans, it is expected that the program will receive the necessary support and funding to ensure its success and make a lasting impact on the country’s development.