Telecommunications infrastructure provider, IHS has expressed commitment to advancement of Science Technology Engineering and Mathematics (STEM) through the Global Educators Program.
Global Educators Program is one-year sponsored training on STEM and space education of secondary school teachers, hosted in the United States and partially in Nigeria.
The program is sponsored by IHS Nigeria in collaboration with Limitless Space Institute (LSI).
The ten beneficiaries, selected from various regions across Nigeria, were hosted at a roundtable event in Lagos recently organised by IHS Nigeria and LSI.
The program, a ground-breaking initiative aimed at providing professional development in STEM fields tied to space exploration, seeks to inspire both educators and students while enhancing STEM learning experiences.
Speaking, IHS Nigeria, Chief Executive Officer, Mohamad Darwish, commended the teachers for their commitment to advancing STEM education. He pledged IHS Nigeria’s ongoing support for initiatives that train more teachers and students in STEM and space science education.
In addition, Chief Corporate Services Officer at IHS Nigeria, Dapo Otunla, expressed his pride in the program’s success.
“For us, education and economic growth are key pillars of our sustainability program, with the mind as the foundation for all progress,” he said. “IHS has been deeply involved in educational initiatives, especially in STEM, as we are fundamentally a company of engineers. Partnering with LSI aligns perfectly with our Mission T program, which promotes STEM education.”
Otunla highlighted that IHS Nigeria, which started operations in 2001, has invested in technology innovation hubs, such as those in Alimosho, Lagos State, and Ogbomosho, Oyo State, to support education and technology advancement across Nigeria.
Also speaking at the event, Kaci Heinz, LSI’s Executive Director, disclosed that over 200 teachers from public schools across Nigeria applied for the program, with only ten ultimately selected to join an additional ten teachers from Brazil for the year-long training.
“By connecting STEM education with the captivating subject of space, we aim to inspire both educators and students while simultaneously enhancing STEM learning experiences,” explained Heinz.
“These teachers are expected to return and impart the knowledge gained to their students, nurturing a new generation of interest in STEM education.”
The ten beneficiaries, who shared their experiences at the event, expressed immense gratitude for the opportunity provided by IHS Nigeria and LSI.
A Chemistry teacher from Federal Government College, Jos, Maranatha Haa, a beneficiary of the programme 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.”
Other beneficiaries are Mr. Olayinka Adeoshun, from Ilupeju Junior Grammar School, Lagos; Blessing Akila, from ECWA Secondary School, Makurdi, 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.
