Stakeholders in space engineering have called for increased investment in planetarium infrastructure to unlock its potential in driving Nigeria’s economic growth.
They made the call at the 9th Brig.-Gen. Michael Agu Annual Lecture and Awards Ceremony, organized by the Nigerian Institution of Space Engineers (NISEng) on Tuesday in Abuja.
The theme of the lecture was “Planetarium Infrastructure as Catalyst for Producing Potential Astronauts and Promoting Space Tourism: Lessons for Nigeria.”
A planetarium is a theatre designed for educational and entertaining shows about astronomy and the night sky, as well as for training in celestial navigation.
Prof. Benjamin Ayatunji, Director of Physical and Life Sciences at the National Space Research and Development Agency (NASRDA), said the global space economy was projected to reach one trillion dollars by 2040.
“Space economy is the fastest-growing sector globally and is projected to become a one-trillion-dollar economy by 2040.
“The first thing a planetarium does is develop the manpower needed to run the space economy, and Nigeria urgently needs such manpower.
“A planetarium helps inspire young minds to pursue careers in space science and technology, giving Nigeria access to the space economy.
“It can also serve as a source of revenue for the country, especially considering our population of over 230 million, with 70 per cent under the age of 30,” he said.
Ayatunji added that Nigeria and West Africa had a large untapped market for planetarium infrastructure, as there is currently only one planetarium in Nigeria and another in Ghana. He said such facilities could also promote other businesses with multiplier effects on the economy.
Mrs. Margaret Oguntala, President of the Nigerian Society of Engineers (NSE), described Brig.-Gen. Agu as a trailblazer who had made remarkable contributions to the Nigerian engineering ecosystem.
Represented by Dr. Dauda Okodugha, NSE Vice President, Oguntala commended NISEng for its commitment to advancing space engineering and management in Nigeria.
“Through your work, you continue to set new benchmarks in professional excellence and practical innovation.
“Your initiatives are raising national awareness about the need to manage space institutions and infrastructure sustainably to promote resilience in our engineering systems,” she said.
Prof. Matthew Adepoju, Director-General of NASRDA, said the lecture’s theme aligned with the agency’s mandate to inspire the next generation of space scientists and integrate space science into national development.
Represented by Dr. Yusuf Olatunbosun, Director of Special Duties, Adepoju reaffirmed NASRDA’s commitment to building capacity, fostering research collaboration, and promoting public engagement toward making Nigeria a leading spacefaring nation in Africa.
Mr. Babalola Kayode, National Chairman of NISEng, noted that planetariums were more than entertainment facilities, describing them as vital tools for stimulating interest in space science and technology.
“Planetariums are gateways to imagination, learning, and innovation. They are the first point where curiosity meets possibility — where a child’s wonder transforms into the dream of becoming a scientist, astronaut, or space engineer.
“Beyond education, planetariums are vital infrastructure that support a sustainable and inclusive space ecosystem. They also strengthen our capacity for scientific research, STEM education, and economic diversification through the growing global space tourism industry,” he said.
Kayode urged the government and stakeholders to adopt global best practices in developing planetariums and to create actionable strategies to strengthen Nigeria’s space technology sector.
In his remarks, Brig.-Gen. Agu said planetarium, astronomy, and space tourism should be brought to the forefront to educate Nigerians on their potential contributions to economic development.
He expressed delight that the annual lecture held in his honor continued to attract attention to space science and technology initiatives in Nigeria.
The highlight of the event was the conferment of fellowship awards on 16 distinguished members of the institution.
