Kaduna scholar breaks new ground as Nigeria’s first astronaut candidate
Story by Mercy Adaje
Fauziya Muhammad Auwal, a postgraduate Physics student at Kaduna State University (KASU), is quietly making history. Selected as Nigeria’s first astronaut candidate at Titan Space Industries, the young astrophysicist is emerging as a symbol of possibility in a field long considered out of reach for Africans.
In an interview, Auwal traced her journey into space science, describing how a childhood fascination with the stars evolved into a disciplined academic pursuit. Though astronomy remains a relatively unfamiliar discipline in many Nigerian universities, she pursued her interest independently—studying online, entering international competitions, and presenting research at global conferences.
Her breakthrough came through exposure to the international astrophysics community. While attending an international conference, she met colleagues affiliated with Titan Space Industries, including an astronaut candidate who encouraged her to explore the organisation’s work. Initially sceptical about her eligibility as a Nigerian, Auwal said further research convinced her to apply.
“Titan Space Industries is trying to make space accessible to everyone,” she explained. “You don’t have to be American or European. If you meet the requirements, you can be part of the mission.”
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After engaging members of the Titan team and submitting her curriculum vitae, experience and research background, she was selected as an astronaut candidate—an achievement she attributes to years of preparation. In 2024, she won an international competition in astronomy and astrophysics and presented a paper on external galaxies at a global conference, experiences that strengthened her profile.
Currently a master’s student in the Physics Department at KASU, Auwal said her passion for astronomy was nurtured by encouragement from her parents and a handful of academics, including Professor Rabiah Sa’ad of Bayero University Kano and Dr Lawal Hameed Adeniyi of the Air Force Institute of Technology. She noted that the lack of structured mentorship in Nigeria did not deter her, but rather strengthened her resolve.
Auwal is already fully engaged with Titan Space Industries and will begin official astronaut training next year, including academic coursework and health screening phases in Florida. She stressed, however, that the programme is not solely about travelling to space.
“For me, it’s about bringing development back to Africa,” she said. “Space science can help address climate change, security challenges, agriculture and flooding through satellite technology.”
According to her, Titan Space Industries is working on projects that use space assets to support climate adaptation and local development—applications she believes Nigeria urgently needs. While acknowledging Nigeria’s limited space infrastructure, Auwal described her journey as a starting point rather than a destination.
“Every journey has a beginning,” she said. “With consistency, we can begin to close the gap in space exploration and STEM education in Nigeria.”
In the short term, she hopes to return to Kaduna State University to help pioneer astronomy and astrophysics programmes, noting the growing interest among Nigerian youths who have reached out to her since her selection.
“So many young people want to get into this field but don’t know where to start,” she said. “That is the gap we are trying to bridge.”
Despite concerns about brain drain, Auwal insists her goal is to acquire global experience and return home to create impact. She credits patience and consistency for helping her overcome challenges, including moments of self-doubt during an internship in Zambia, where she was the first female participant from Nigeria.
Her story, she said, is proof that persistence can defy expectations.
“The opportunity may seem far,” Auwal advised aspiring scientists, “but consistency, dedication and patience can take you beyond the stars.”
Born and raised in Igabi Local Government Area of Kaduna State, Auwal completed her primary and secondary education in Rigachikun before earning a first degree in Physics from KASU. She is currently specialising in Astrophysics and Space Science Education—dreaming boldly, and determined to ensure Nigeria has a place in humanity’s journey to the stars.
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