In the year 2022, the tech industry contributed about $2 billion to the economy, projected to grow by 15% annually (PwC, 2022). The Nigerian government aims for a 10% increase in STEM graduates by 2024 to address an estimated 1.5 million STEM-related jobs needed by 2025 (NBS, 2023).

Enhancing STEM education could boost Nigeria’s GDP by up to 3% annually, translating to over $15 billion in potential growth (World Bank, 2023), positioning Nigeria as a leader in science and technology in Africa. Thus Nigeria can significantly benefit from integrating Space Education and STEM into its educational framework.

According to a statement released around October last year, IHS Holding Limited announced a one-year partnership with Limitless Space Institute, a United State of America non-profit education and research organization, to help broaden access to space education. The partnership, which commenced in January 2024, was designed to support 20 STEM educators from Brazil and Nigeria, two of IHS’s largest markets.

The audacious synergy between Limitless Space Institute and IHS birthed the Global Educators Programme, held in Nigeria for the first time, this groundbreaking initiative aims to provide professional development in STEM fields tied to space exploration, seeking to inspire both educators and students while enhancing STEM learning experiences. Not less than 10 beneficiaries who embarked on a one-year sponsored training in STEM and space education were hosted in the United States and partially in Nigeria.

Speaking recently in Lagos, Ms. Kaci Heinz, LSI’s Executive Director, noted that connecting STEM and space education will not only inspire both educators and students alike but also provide the necessary ambiance and experience to push the frontier of knowledge. In her words, “Over 200 teachers from public schools across Nigeria applied for the programme, 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. These teachers are expected to return and impart the knowledge gained to their students, nurturing a new generation of interest in STEM education.”

Meanwhile, two beneficiaries of the life-changing, knowledge-incubating programme who spoke to our correspondent could not hide their enthusiasm. According to Mrs. Maranatha Haa, a Chemistry teacher from Federal Government College, Jos, “This programme 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.”

On his part, Mr. Olayinka Adeoshun from Ilupeju Junior Grammar School, Lagos, shared, “The training has exposed me to what I could never have imagined in space science. My students are now more motivated than ever in space technology education. We’ve even established a virtual knowledge exchange programme with the Space Institute in Houston.”

However, Mr. Dapo Otunla, the Chief Corporate Services Officer at IHS Nigeria, stated that one of the core pillars of IHS is its commitment to education and capacity development in the country. “For us, education and economic growth are key pillars of our sustainability programme, with the mind as the foundation for all progress. 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 programme, which promotes STEM education.”

Otunla noted 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. IHS Nigeria Limited, a subsidiary of IHS Holding Limited (IHS Towers), one of the world’s largest independent owners, operators, and developers of shared communications infrastructure, has shown commitment to developing the intersection of science education and the space technology sectors in Nigeria.

This partnership will commence in January 2024 and is designed to help broaden access to space education in our two largest markets.

Through this collaboration, 20 Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics (STEM) educators from Brazil and Nigeria will be invited to join the 12-month Limitless Global Educator Program and access a carefully curated space education curriculum.

Delivered by experts from the Limitless Space Institute, educators will benefit from monthly virtual workshops with insights from guest speakers on space exploration and science, an invitation to attend the LSI Summer Institute in Houston, Texas, for one week and in-person visits from Limitless Space Institute representatives to Brazil and Nigeria for hands-on workshops.

The selected educators will be enrolled in the Limitless Global Educator Program and have access to tailored content in the Space Education Curriculum developed by the experts from the Limitless Space Institute. This curriculum covers a wide range of topics, including the significance of space exploration, the science underpinning space, its history, the economics of space, as well as sustainable exploration and space ethics. Through this program, teachers will be better equipped to inspire their students and new generations about the wonders and intricacies of space.

Applications open November 1^st, 2023, via the Limitless Space Institute website (click here) and will close on December 6th, 2023.

Sam Darwish, Chairman & CEO, IHS Towers, said:

“I am incredibly excited to announce our partnership with the Limitless Space Institute as we seek to continue strengthening education opportunities with a particular focus on increasing access to STEM subjects. Engineering excellence is IHS’ lifeblood, and we could not be prouder to support the Limitless Space Institute’s mission to equip educators globally with the resources and experiences they need to teach science and technology. We hope that by partnering with the Limitless Space Institute we can contribute to bringing this exciting specialization to educators in Brazil and Nigeria, empowering them to spark a passion among their students on the wonders of engineering and space exploration.”

Kaci Heins, Director of the Limitless Space Institute, commented:

“We are thrilled to collaborate with IHS Towers in our pursuit to elevate global STEM education. Our mission is not just to educate, but to inspire the next generation to extend their exploration beyond our solar system. Educators and students are the heart of the future STEM workforce and space exploration. Equipped with the right resources, educators are poised to bring students to space-centric STEM disciplines. An energized educator lights the path for our future explorers. Space exploration, at its heart, stands for global unity and cooperation, which is pivotal for the collective advancement of humanity.”

Marco Antonio Chamon, President of the Brazilian Space Agency, said:

“I would like to congratulate IHS Towers and the Limitless Space Institute for their outstanding initiative in advancing STEM education on space-related topics for educators in both Brazil and Nigeria. It is crucial that space activities occupy a prominent position in the hearts and minds of the public, and education serves as the most direct way to accomplish this goal. The Brazilian Space Agency is proud to support this initiative in Brazil.”