Lead City University (LCU), Ibadan, in partnership with Space Tourism Society, Nigeria chapter, is set to organise an exclusive academic tour of prominent universities, institutions and space establishments around the world.

The academic tour is expected to expand the out-of-classroom knowledge of students and give them the opportunity of interacting with colleagues, researchers and space agencies outside Nigeria.

The trip is sequel to earlier ones facilitated by the organisation to many universities outside the country. One of such was to the famous Ghana planetarium in February 2016, making LCU the first Nigerian institution to be hosted at the Ghana Science Project Centre.

The Regional President for Africa, Space Tourism Society, Paul Oladunni, who disclosed this to The Guardian in Ibadan, said participating students would be able to view all they have heard or taught in school about galaxies, stars, comets, asteroids, meteoroids and other planets.

Besides, he noted that the students will meet with colleagues from other African countries in Space, and other space enthusiasts in Diaspora, and deliberate on their working together to encourage Nigerians involvement in global Science, Technology, Engineering, Arts and Mathematics abroad.

Oladunni listed the opportunities inherent in the space tourism movement to include scholarship, exchange programme, internship networking, mentorship, global connection and exposure, as well as job opportunities in space related organisations and academies all over the world.

He lamented that African youths are not well represented at the global stage, adding that the trips are meant to bridge this gap, and ensure that youths are exposed to global happenings through space exploration.

Oladunni said the trip would be an eye-opener to African youths, especially those interested in space and aspiring leaders. Besides, he stated that the trip will also enable students meet global leaders, icons and change makers.