Teachers educated by IHS Towers, a telecom infrastructure provider, in partnership with the Limitless Space Institute of the United States, have advocated for the incorporation of space science into Nigeria’s education curriculum.
Ten secondary school teachers from public schools in Nigeria were chosen to get training in Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics, with a particular emphasis on space technology.
Olayinka Adeosun, a teacher from Ilupeju Junior Grammar School, Lagos, expressed the transformative impact of the ongoing 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, Makurdi, shared her excitement about the program’s impact on 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 instructor at Federal Government College in Jos, stated, “This program has introduced me to the exciting possibilities of space science as well as the importance of international collaboration.” I’m excited to share what I’ve learned with my kids and other educators.”
The teachers were featured during a global educators’ programme in Lagos co-organized by IHS and LSI. Kaci Heinz, Executive Director of LSI, disclosed that over 200 teachers applied for the program, but only ten from Nigeria were chosen to join a group of ten from Brazil.
The program, which is part of LSI’s Global Educators Programme, will last 12 months, with the first six months in Houston, Texas, and the remaining months in Nigeria, ending in 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 said.
Dapo Otunla, Chief Corporate Services Officer of IHS, said that education is a key component of the company’s sustainability strategy.
He emphasized the necessity of training instructors in STEM and space technologies, who will subsequently pass on their skills to kids.
“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 stated.
Mohamed Darwish, CEO of IHS Nigeria, complimented the instructors for their dedication to developing STEM education.
He promised that IHS Nigeria would continue to fund efforts to train more teachers and students in STEM and space technology education.
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 E
