In a significant effort to elevate Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics (STEM) education in Nigeria, American telecoms infrastructure provider IHS Towers has joined forces with the U.S.-based Limitless Space Institute (LSI) to train a group of Nigerian secondary school teachers, equipping them with advanced skills in STEM and space technology.
During a showcase event held in Lagos, Executive Director at LSI, Kaci Heinz, revealed that over 200 teachers from across Nigeria applied to participate in the training program. However, only 10 were selected to join an international cohort of teachers, including 10 other educators from Brazil. These teachers will engage in a comprehensive 12-month training under LSI’s Global Educators Programme, focusing on innovative teaching methods in STEM and space technology.
The first half of the training took place in Houston, Texas, with participants undergoing intensive workshops and practical sessions designed to deepen their understanding of space technology. The second phase of the program, which runs until December 2024, will be conducted in Nigeria, where the teachers will continue to refine their skills and impart the acquired knowledge to their students.
“Limitless Space Institute is dedicated to enhancing STEM education globally, and we are thrilled to collaborate with IHS Nigeria to support the professional development of these teachers,” Heinz stated. “Our goal is to inspire and prepare students to pursue careers in STEM fields through educators who are well-versed in space technology.”
Dapo Otunla, Chief Corporate Services Officer at IHS Nigeria, emphasized that education remains a crucial component of the company’s sustainability agenda. “Our partnership with LSI is part of our broader commitment to promoting quality education in Nigeria. By training these teachers in advanced STEM and space technology, we are investing in the future of Nigerian students, enabling them to compete on a global scale,” he noted.
Mohammed Darwish, CEO of IHS Nigeria, commended the teachers for their dedication to advancing their knowledge. He reaffirmed IHS’s commitment to supporting further training opportunities, highlighting that the initiative aligns with the company’s vision to foster educational growth and technological innovation across Nigeria.
With this collaboration, IHS Towers and LSI aim to create a ripple effect, whereby trained teachers will serve as catalysts for STEM and space technology education, inspiring the next generation of Nigerian innovators and scientists.
Sources: Limitless Space Institute, IHS Towers Executive Director at LSI, Kaci Heinz, Chief Corporate Services Officer at IHS, Dapo Otunla, CEO of IHS Nigeria, Mohammed Darwish
