How Limitless Space Institute, IHS is Setting the Pace for Space-STEM Education in Nigeria

Living in the reality, excitement, euphoria, and an envisioned boisterous and robust Space, Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics (STEM) landscape, the one-year trailblazing synergy between Limitless Space Institute (LSI) and IHS has established itself as a beacon of Space and STEM education in Nigeria.

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.