In a groundbreaking moment for Nigeria’s scientific community and space research history, Egusi seeds — a staple of West African cuisine — have been launched into space aboard a NASA research mission. The pioneering initiative, led by Nigerian space scientist and alumnus of the Federal University of Technology, Akure (FUTA), Temidayo Oniosun, marks the first time an indigenous African crop has been selected for scientific experimentation in space.
The experiment, which is part of NASA’s Extended Life Support Agricultural Program (ELSAP), seeks to evaluate the viability, nutritional value, and potential for cultivating Egusi seeds in extraterrestrial environments such as the International Space Station (ISS), the Moon, and eventually Mars. The broader goal is to assess their suitability as a sustainable food source for long-term human space missions.
Temidayo Oniosun, who currently works with international space research institutions and is widely regarded as one of Africa’s leading voices in space innovation, expressed his pride and excitement about the project.
“This is not just about sending seeds to space. It’s about proving that African crops — and African scientists — have a place in the future of space exploration and global food security,” Oniosun said in a virtual press conference shortly after the launch.
Egusi, known for its high protein and oil content, is commonly used in Nigerian and West African dishes, especially the popular “Egusi soup.” It is rich in nutrients, including essential fatty acids, amino acids, and antioxidants — properties that researchers believe may make it an ideal candidate for space farming, where efficiency and nutrient density are key.
“This experiment is not only about feeding astronauts; it’s about preserving cultural identity, exploring sustainable food systems, and pushing the boundaries of what’s possible in space agriculture,” Oniosun added.
The Egusi seeds were carefully packaged and included in a capsule launched aboard NASA’s commercial resupply spacecraft en route to the ISS. Over the coming months, astronauts will monitor germination, growth patterns, and nutritional changes in microgravity, while comparing them with control samples on Earth.
The historic moment has sparked celebrations across Nigerian academic and scientific circles. The Federal University of Technology, Akure, where Oniosun completed his undergraduate studies in Meteorology and Space Science, praised the initiative as a “monumental achievement for Nigeria and Africa at large.”
Professor Adeola Fashina, Vice-Chancellor of FUTA, said: “Temidayo’s success is a testament to the potential of Nigerian talent on the global stage. The inclusion of Egusi in this mission is not just a scientific milestone — it’s a cultural statement.”
Nigerians on social media have also reacted with pride and enthusiasm, with hashtags like #EgusiInSpace and #NaijaToTheStars trending on X (formerly Twitter). Many users lauded the move as a symbolic blend of tradition and technology, showing that African heritage can play a vital role in futuristic science.
This development aligns with Nigeria’s broader ambitions in space exploration and technological advancement. The Nigerian Space Research and Development Agency (NASRDA) has also expressed interest in collaborating with NASA and other agencies on similar experiments, reinforcing the country’s growing presence in the global space community.
As Egusi seeds begin their cosmic journey aboard the International Space Station, Nigerians at home and abroad are watching closely — proud that a beloved local delicacy is now part of humanity’s quest to conquer the final frontier.