IHS Towers, a leading telecommunications infrastructure provider, has joined forces with the Limitless Space Institute (LSI), USA, to revolutionize science education in Nigeria by training teachers in space technology. This collaboration is aimed at enhancing the quality of Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics (STEM) education across the country.
During a media roundtable and public presentation of beneficiaries from the Global Educators Program in Lagos, Dapo Otunla, Chief Corporate Services Officer at IHS Towers, highlighted the impact of the partnership on STEM education in Nigeria.
"The program has gone beyond training teachers; it equips them with scientific approaches to solving immediate societal challenges," Otunla remarked.
IHS Towers’ Commitment to Education and Economic Growth
IHS Towers is deeply committed to education as part of its sustainability goals, recognizing the pivotal role education plays in economic growth. The company has launched innovation hubs, established IT facilities, and implemented scholarship schemes across Nigeria to support this mission.
"Over 50 children of our staff are currently benefiting from our scholarship programs nationwide. Additionally, we have sponsored 20 teachers—10 from Nigeria and 10 from Brazil—for space science training as part of our partnership with LSI," Otunla added.
A Legacy of Innovation and Community Impact
Founded in Nigeria in 2001, IHS Towers has expanded its footprint across the country with approximately 16,000 telecommunications masts. Otunla emphasized the company's sustained efforts to leave a positive mark in Nigerian communities through educational initiatives.
"It is vital for us to strengthen knowledge in space science, which is why we partnered with LSI. We've built innovation hubs in Alimosho and IT facilities at Ladoke Akintola University in Ogbomoso and other locations in Minna and Zaria. We also support girl-child education and sponsor scholarships for IHS Towers employees' families," Otunla explained.
Limitless Space Institute’s Vision for STEM Education
Kaci Heins, Executive Director of LSI, shared the institute's goals during the event. She noted that the Global Educators Program aims to boost teachers’ confidence and efficiency in integrating STEM education in schools.
"We processed over 200 applications from Nigerian teachers and selected 10 based on merit. We’re thrilled to be supporting Nigerian schools and institutions through this program. Our space technology initiative spans countries worldwide, and now, through our partnership with IHS Towers, we’ve expanded into Nigeria and Brazil," Heins said.
Nigerian Teachers Benefit from Space Science Training
One of the program’s beneficiaries, Maranatha Haa, a Chemistry teacher from Federal Government College, Jos, expressed how the training has transformed her teaching methods.
"I've learned how to incorporate space science into my chemistry lessons, sparking curiosity among my students," Haa shared.
Other Nigerian teachers who benefited from the IHS/LSI initiative include:
- Abubakar Wahab-Ishola (Sango Senior Secondary School, Kwara)
- Kayode Adewale (Imagbon Imaka High School, Lagos)
- Roshidat Ademosu (Eva Adelaja Girls Junior Secondary School, Lagos)
- Joshua James (Greenpath Preparatory School, Abuja)
- Abraham Ngobiri (Federal Government College, Enugu)
- Blessing Abila (ECWA Secondary School, Makurdi)
- Oluyinka Adeosun (Ilupeju Junior Grammar School, Lagos)
- Soji Megbewon (Ifesowapo Aboru Senior Secondary School, Lagos)
These teachers received 12 months of all-expenses-paid training in the U.S. through the IHS/LSI collaboration.
Sustaining the Impact: Expanding to More Schools and Teachers
Both IHS Towers and LSI have expressed their commitment to sustaining and expanding the program to reach more Nigerian teachers and students. Plans include building more infrastructure facilities and broadening the reach of the space science initiative across the country.
This partnership continues to reshape the future of STEM education in Nigeria, empowering educators and inspiring the next generation of scientists and innovators.
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