By Fatima Saka
The National Space Research and Development Agency (NASRDA), through its Centre for Basic Space Science and Astronomy (CBSS), in collaboration with the African Astronomical Society (AfAS) Education and Outreach Committee, has successfully conducted a workshop aimed at inspiring young girls to pursue careers in astronomy and space science in Enugu State.
The two-day workshop, themed “Astronomy Development for the Girl-Child”, took place from October 13–14, 2024, at Girls Secondary School Ede-Enu Ede Oballa, in Nsukka Local Government Area of Enugu State. The event sought to ignite interest in astronomy among secondary school girls and encourage their participation in Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics (STEM).
In his opening remarks, Mr. Chiogo Ejianya welcomed the students and their teachers, emphasizing the importance of utilizing NASRDA-CBSS’s presence to explore career opportunities in astronomy and space science. Mr. Timothy Egbuim from CBSS provided an introduction to the fundamentals of astronomy and the origin of the solar system.
Mrs. Chioma Okany, a prominent advocate for women in STEM, encouraged the students to actively engage in STEM related disciplines.
She highlighted the significant contributions of women in space science, addressing both the challenges and rewards of female participation in the field.
The Workshop Highlights key activities which includes hands-on sessions where students:
• Modeled the solar system
• Built an optical telescope using provided materials
• Assembled Galileoscopes
• Conducted light spectrum related experiments using a light spectrometer.
These exercises allowed students to apply the principles of the solar system and light optics covered during the lectures. A highlight of the event was the display of meteorites, part of the near-Earth objects discovered in Nigeria, which fascinated both students and teachers.
At the end of the workshop, the school received a certificate of participation. The event was facilitated by distinguished members of NASRDA-CBSS, who played a pivotal role in making the workshop a success.
This initiative underscores the importance of fostering young girls’ interest in STEM fields, particularly astronomy, to pave the way for future contributions to space science and innovation.
