In a groundbreaking move, Nigeria and the Space Exploration and Research Agency (SERA) from Delaware, USA, have signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) to send the first Nigerian to space.
The historic agreement was sealed in Abuja on Wednesday, marking a significant milestone in Nigeria’s space exploration ambitions.
Chief Uche Nnaji, Minister of Innovation, Science, and Technology, highlighted the significance of the MoU, stating that human spaceflight has been a long-standing objective of Nigeria’s Space Policy and Programme, approved by the Federal Executive Council in 2001.
“Human spaceflight is not just a random aspiration of our country but a major objective of the Nigeria Space Policy and Programme which was approved by the Federal Executive Council in 2001,” Nnaji remarked.
He emphasized that reviving and implementing national plans is a core component of President Bola Tinubu’s Renewed Hope Agenda.
“This partnership provides a way of achieving our long-time aspiration as a nation,” he added.
Fully Sponsored Mission by SERA
Dr. Matthew Adepoju, Director-General of the National Space Research and Development Agency (NASRDA), revealed that the cost of sending a Nigerian to space would be fully sponsored by SERA.
“The event marks the commencement of our efforts to implement part of our roadmap for a human spaceflight,” Adepoju noted.
He also emphasized the event’s significance, coinciding with the 25th anniversary of Nigeria’s space programme.
“The Human Spaceflight programme is one of the cardinal objectives of the National Space Policy and Programme.
It was with this in mind that we established the Department of Physical and Life Sciences about three years ago to forge this mandate,” Adepoju said.
He pointed out that the collaboration would open numerous opportunities for Nigerians and lead to various spinoffs from deep space exploration.
Open Application for All Nigerians
Mr. Joshua Skurla, Co-Founder of SERA, acknowledged Nigeria’s rich history of scientific and technological innovation.
“Eighty percent of astronauts globally have come from just three countries. Nigeria has a rich history of scientific, technological innovation, thus, SERA is excited to partner with NASRDA to extend the legacy into space and create new opportunities for Nigerian space explorers,” Skurla stated.
Mr. Sam Hutchison, Founder of SERA, announced that the application to be in space is open to any Nigerian over 18 years, irrespective of their discipline.
“The Nigerian people will choose the citizen to go to space. The process of application will be open to anybody who is over 18 years, and there are no other qualifications required.
You will be able to sign up and then encourage others to vote for you,” Hutchison explained.
“This is about opening up access to ordinary Nigerians and giving them the opportunity of being the first Nigerian in space,” he emphasized.
Hutchison also highlighted Nigeria’s demonstrated commitment to space exploration through its existing programs and initiatives.
“We hope to raise the awareness of young Nigerians that by choosing careers in Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics, they can go to space.”
Transparent Selection Process
Hutchison assured that the selection process would be conducted transparently via SERA’s platform. Dr. Anne Agi, President of Learnspace Foundation, who played a key role in executing the partnership, expressed optimism about the mission’s potential to inspire Nigerian youths.
“It will show that even in challenging times, with global collaboration, great achievements are possible,” Agi said.
Broader SERA-Led Initiative
Under the partnership, SERA will reserve a seat for a Nigerian citizen on an upcoming Blue Origin New Shepard suborbital spaceflight.
This initiative is part of a broader SERA-led effort to send six individuals from nations historically underrepresented in space exploration.
SERA’s previous success in sending Victor Hespanha, a 28-year-old Brazilian Civil Engineer, to space in 2022 underscores the transformative power of an inclusive and accessible space ecosystem.
SERA, founded in Delaware, U.S., aims to build a global community dedicated to space exploration, research, and democratizing space exploration for all nations.
The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that this collaboration heralds a new era for Nigeria’s space program and paves the way for future scientific and technological advancements.
