Prof. Benjamin Ayatunji, Director of Physical and Life Sciences at the National Space Research and Development Agency (NASRDA), says investment in planetarium infrastructure will help position Nigeria on a strong path toward space development.
Ayatunji, in an interview with reporters on Wednesday in Abuja, described a planetarium as a domed facility used to project images of stars, planets, and other celestial bodies. He said developing such infrastructure could give Nigeria global relevance in the fast-growing space economy, projected to hit one trillion dollars by 2040.
He noted that the planetarium remains one of the most strategic yet underutilized tools for nurturing future astronauts, scientists, and space professionals.
According to him, the value of a planetarium extends far beyond stargazing, serving as a vital national asset for education, innovation, and economic growth. He explained that there are three major types of planetariums—fixed, digital, and mobile—each offering unique opportunities for learning, outreach, and commercial use.
Ayatunji said planetariums play a critical role in astronaut development by offering immersive learning experiences that complement traditional classroom teaching, particularly in science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (STEM).
“Planetarium infrastructure is a key driver of the global space economy, which is projected to reach one trillion dollars by 2040,” he said. “They offer interactive and immersive experiences that promote hands-on learning and STEM education, and provide an ideal environment for training and simulation of various space-related scenarios.”
On space tourism, Ayatunji said planetariums help build public awareness and understanding of the emerging sector. Their advanced simulation technologies, he added, can replicate aspects of space travel, boosting public confidence through virtual demonstrations and immersive storytelling.
The NASRDA director also highlighted the transformational potential of emerging technologies, noting that virtual and augmented reality would revolutionise both planetarium infrastructure and astronaut training. He added that Artificial Intelligence and robotics would further strengthen simulation capabilities for space missions and tourism.
Ayatunji described planetariums as strategic assets for implementing the National Space Policy and Programme (NSPP), as they inspire future astronauts, expand STEM participation, and deepen public interest in space science.
He added that planetarium infrastructure presents significant economic opportunities for investors. Even a mobile planetarium deployed to schools within city centres, he said, could be a profitable venture.
“Planetarium infrastructure has a high return on investment. It is a low-hanging fruit for entrepreneurs interested in entering Nigeria’s space ecosystem,” he said.
Ayatunji recommended establishing regional, state-of-the-art planetariums across the country, integrating planetarium-based learning into the national education system, and strengthening public-private partnerships to drive long-term space development.
He emphasised that Nigeria’s journey toward becoming a spacefaring nation depends heavily on education and public engagement.
