In a bold initiative to enhance Nigeria’s educational framework, teachers trained by IHS Towers, a leading telecoms infrastructure provider, along with the Limitless Space Institute (LSI) from the United States, are advocating for the inclusion of space science in the national curriculum.
This call comes after ten secondary school teachers from public institutions across Nigeria underwent specialized training in Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics (STEM), with a particular emphasis on space technology.
Olayinka Adeosun, a teacher from Ilupeju Junior Grammar School in Lagos, shared her insights on the transformative impact of the training: “The training has been a real eye-opener to the vast opportunities within Space Science and education. I’ve gained so much knowledge about space education and its relevance to our development. It is crucial for the government, alongside other key stakeholders, to recognise the importance of this field and take deliberate steps toward integrating space science into Nigeria’s broader science education curriculum. Doing so will not only advance our educational system but also position the country to better harness the benefits of space technology and research.”
Blessing Akila from ECWA Secondary School in Makurdi expressed her enthusiasm for how the program has enhanced her teaching methods: “One of the subjects we were taught was Geometry and Space, which has helped simplify mathematics for my students, many of whom previously had a phobia for the subject. I want to thank IHS and LSI for this life-changing opportunity.”
Maranatha Haa, a Chemistry teacher at Federal Government College in Jos, highlighted the collaborative spirit of the program: “This program has introduced me to the exciting possibilities of space science and the importance of collaboration across borders. I’m eager to share what I’ve learned with my students and fellow educators.”
The teachers were honored during a global educators’ program hosted by IHS and LSI in Lagos. Kaci Heinz, Executive Director of LSI, revealed that over 200 teachers applied for the program, but only ten from Nigeria were selected to join another group of ten from Brazil.
The comprehensive training spans 12 months, with the first six months conducted in Houston, Texas, followed by sessions in Nigeria, running until December 2024.
“Limitless Space Institute is based in Houston, Texas, and is focused on training secondary school teachers across the globe in STEM education from the perspective of space technology. We are collaborating with IHS Nigeria to train Nigerian teachers who will, in turn, pass this knowledge on to their students interested in building careers around STEM education,” Heinz stated.
Dapo Otunla, Chief Corporate Services Officer at IHS, emphasized the significance of education in the company’s sustainability program. He underscored the need to train teachers in STEM and space technology, enabling them to impart knowledge effectively to their students.
“As a telecoms services infrastructure provider established in Nigeria in 2001, IHS has been involved in education programs focused on technology innovation. We have built technology innovation hubs in Alimosho, Lagos, and provided ICT facilities in Ogbomosho, Oyo State, and Zaria, among other locations across Nigeria,” Otunla explained.
CEO of IHS Nigeria, Mohamed Darwish, commended the teachers for their dedication to advancing STEM education and pledged continued support from IHS Nigeria to ensure that more teachers and students benefit from training in STEM and space technology education.
Other beneficiaries of the program, who shared their experiences, included Oluwabanke Adewusi from Itire Community Senior Secondary School, Lagos; Joshua James from Greenpath Preparatory School, Abuja; Soji Megbowon from Ifesowapo Aboru Senior Secondary School, Lagos; Ngobiri Abraham from Federal Government College, Enugu; Wahab Abubakar from Sango Senior Secondary School, Ilorin; Kayode Adewale from Odu’a Comprehensive High School, Ijebu Ode; and Rashidat Ademosu from Eva Adelaja Girls Junior Secondary School, Lagos.
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