Young Nigerian innovators and creative minds are reaping the benefits of the robust cooperation between Nigeria and other African countries under the platform of the Forum For China Africa Cooperation (FOCAC) as China drives innovation and cooperation in Space Science Technology with the continent.
This was the crux of “Talk With Taikonauts,” an event hosted by the Embassy of China in Abuja, focusing on China’s Tiangong space station and China-Africa aerospace cooperation at the Chinese Embassy on Tuesday, September 6, 2022. The event was aimed at giving young Nigerian and African students across countries of the continent an opportunity of interacting with the Taikonauts, which is China’s version of astronauts, and their exploits in space technology.
China’s momentous strides in this sector are making waves around the globe. According to records from Chinese authorities, three crewed missions have already contributed to the construction of Tiangong. In June 2022, another crewed capsule went to orbit and docked there. It also complemented the arrivals of June 2021 and October 2021. To portray members of the missions, China employs the lemma “taikonauts,” a synonym for astronauts, which is a combination of the Chinese term “taikong” (space) and the Greek “nautes” (sailor).
The youth are central to this innovation as the China National Space Administration (CNSA) is, among other things, building a space science exchange platform, enabling students to explore new modes of education communication and enrich their knowledge. The CNSA also runs online training courses in China, Egypt, and Ethiopia. Nigerian youths are already benefiting in terms of the exchange programmes with China.
China’s innovative development goes together with the strengthening of its space industry as well as building the capacity of its allies. While space activities are multifaceted and cover different sectors such as transport systems, infrastructure, communications, satellite navigation systems, and planetary exploration, the construction of the Chinese space station, named Tiangong, or Heavenly Palace, frequently attracts international attention according to the Chinese authorities.
“The more China grows, the bigger its international footprint becomes. Technological achievements – expanding with cosmos exploration – result from China’s systematic planning and emphasis on research, science, and hard work. China is naturally creating new, promising conditions for the country’s future progress and relations with the world,” Embassy sources said.
Speaking after the event, a participant, Leon Onunaiju of Funtaj International School in Abuja, who asked the astronauts on what they do in their spare time while in space commended the Chinese Embassy for putting up the programme. He acknowledged that the programme has transformed his worldview on how outer space operates and the importance of space technology.
Leon also stated that the programme offered him a good opportunity of knowing that China, Africa Aerospace Cooperation is a reality that will certainly take Africa to space in no distant time.
Also speaking, Alichukwu Munachi Maurice of the Army Day Secondary School, Abuja who also lauded the Chinese Embassy for the event, told reporters that he now has a new experience with space science and would want to be an astronaut given his exposure at the event. He acknowledged that Space Technology was vital for national development and transformation.
Tochi Akwatu, a tutor in Army Day Secondary School, Abuja who noted that the Chinese Embassy had greatly impacted Nigerian society, said the event had equipped her more on understanding of Space Technology and promised to replicate what she has learnt in her school.
One of the parents, Charles Onunaiju, who is also the director, Centre for China Studies (CCS) Abuja, told reporters in an interview that the “event was a new frontier opened up by China to promote China -Africa Aerospace Cooperation within the framework of FOCAC.”
He added that the move further “strengthens the fact that space technology is vital in developing key technologies for human advancement,” adding that there were a whole range of opportunities in the offering.
Shafiu Maryam of Government Day Secondary School Dutse, Abuja said she was inspired by the woman astronaut and would like to become one. She said that China has proven to be a worthy friend of Nigeria by organising this event that had exposed her to space technology.
The chosen teenagers from Nigerian schools had an opportunity to ask questions to Chinese taikonauts in the space station, and the taikonauts answered their questions intelligently and to the admiration of all.
China’s self-reliance has defined its impressive space programme for years, which has opened up new frontiers of cooperation with Africa.
The FOCAC Dakar Action Plan 2022-2024 called for the two sides to enhance cooperation on space technology. Moreover, China will promote Africa’s space technology application and infrastructure development and use the space industry to drive social development and improve people’s living standards. A relevant sub-forum under the FOCAC framework is also expected to be established.
China has become increasingly interested in investing in emerging space programs as part of its Belt and Road Initiative (BRI).Viewing satellites as infrastructure, China often invests in BRI countries’(Nigeria inclusive) with satellite capabilities.
This cooperation is sure to enhance the capacity of Nigeria and Africa and boost its technical competence. However, Africa needs more investment of funds as the current budgetary provisions of the space agencies in the continent may not carry it far to actualize its objectives.
Nigeria in particular stands to gain immensely from Chinese Space science technology. The National Space Research and Development Agency (NASRDA) is one of the research institutions established by the Nigerian Government in May, 1999 with a comprehensive vision to pursue the development and application of Space science and technology for socio-economic benefits of Nigeria.
Although NASRDA has made great achievements in launching some satellites into orbit, it is still bogged down by inadequacies of funds and technical expertise.
Nigeria must take advantage of these opportunities especially now that it has very robust diplomatic relations with the Asian giant. This is the future that the Nigerian youths yearn for.
