National Space Research and Development Agency (NASRDA) in Abuja Ngeria.
Astronomical activities in Nigeria encompass a wide range of educational, research, and public engagement efforts aimed at fostering the understanding and development of astronomy and related sciences. Key institutions, such as the Centre for Basic Space Science (CBSS) in Nsukka, the National Space Research and Development Agency (NASRDA) in Abuja, and various university departments, drive these activities.
The CBSS, under the NASRDA, is a central hub for astronomical research, focusing on areas like solar physics, stellar astronomy, and atmospheric studies. The agency collaborates with international organizations, participates in global research projects, and operates several observatories equipped with telescopes and other astronomical instruments. One of such telescopes is the 20-centimetre optical telescope aimed at detection, tracking and characterization of space objects
Academic institutions, including the University of Nigeria, Nsukka, Obafemi Awolowo University, Ile-Ife, and the Federal University of Technology, Akure, offer programs in astronomy, astrophysics, and space science. These universities conduct research, host workshops, and engage students through courses and projects that contribute to the growing body of astronomical knowledge.
Public outreach is a significant component of Nigeria’s astronomical activities. Initiatives such as the Astronomical Society of Nigeria (ASN) organize events, public lectures, and stargazing sessions to raise awareness and inspire interest in astronomy among the general populace. Additionally, planetariums and science centres in various cities provide interactive experiences for students and enthusiasts.
AstroBus-Nigeria is a mobile Astronomy outreach activity carried out by organizing a march and driving vehicles to different locations in Nigeria. Activities include sensitization, poster/billboard activities at popular location, simple astronomy experiments and others. The project aims to stimulate astronomy education and a culture of scientific thinking in Nigeria through the use of astronomy activities.
Nigeria’s involvement in international collaborations, such as the Square Kilometre Array (SKA) project, highlights the country’s commitment to advancing its capabilities in radio astronomy and contributing to global scientific Q endeavours.
These activities not only promote scientific literacy but also aim to position Nigeria as a key player in the African and global astronomical community.
Another interesting planned project is the Astronomy & Astrophysics Awareness project in Nigeria, which seeks to make STEM-based studies more intuitive, by incorporating computer-based simulation to facilitate learning and retention of Astronomy and Astrophysics. They hope to use the LCO global network of telescopes and scheduling software as an integral part of the thorough science engagement program that we will be anchoring here in Nigeria. Such data will present the opportunity to test different image processing algorithms.