Teachers trained by IHS Towers, a telecoms infrastructure provider, in collaboration with the Limitless Space Institute of the United States, have called for the inclusion of space science in Nigeria’s education curriculum.
Ten secondary school teachers from public schools across Nigeria were selected for training in Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics with a specific focus 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 teacher from Federal Government College, Jos, noted, “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 showcased during a global educators’ programme organised jointly by IHS and LSI in Lagos. Executive Director of LSI, Kaci Heinz, revealed that over 200 teachers had applied for the program, but only ten from Nigeria were selected to join another group of ten from Brazil.
The training, part of LSI’s Global Educators Programme, spans 12 months, with the first six months conducted in Houston, Texas, and the remaining months taking place 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 said.
Chief Corporate Services Officer at IHS, Dapo Otunla, explained that education is a core pillar of IHS’s sustainability program.
He emphasised the importance of training teachers in STEM and space technology, who will then impart their knowledge to 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 stated.
CEO, IHS Nigeria, Mohamed Darwish, praised the teachers for their commitment to advancing STEM education.
He pledged continued support from IHS Nigeria to ensure more teachers and students receive 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.