STEM and Astronomy Education in Nigeria

Guest Speaker

Thursday, 17th August 2023 (19:45 - 22:00)

Venue: Hybrid

This talk discusses the various approaches adopted by AWB Nigeria to promote the field of Astronomy among young people. These approaches have been replicated in other African countries, particularly where there is no existing curriculum for Astronomy in elementary and high schools. The speaker will use Nigeria as a case study, focusing on the educational and outreach efforts of AWB Nigeria.

 

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Speaker: Olayinka Fagbemiro

Olayinka Fagbemiro

I have a 16-year experience working at the Nigerian Space Agency, I currently head the STEM Outreach Unit. I am currently rounding off a PhD in Geoinformatics at the African University of Science and Technology (AUST), Abuja, Nigeria.

I am a STEM advocate and founded a STEM NGO, Astronomers Without Borders (AWB) Nigeria, https://awbnigeria.org/blog/ as part of my contributions to bridging the gender gap in STEM education and addressing inequality in STEM education in Nigeria, with a special focus on Northern Nigeria. I have been a great role model to younger women and girls and I have used my position at both organizations to mentor young girls and support them in their quest for STEM education.

In 2011, I received the International Aeronautical Federation (IAF) Young Professional Award as one of 5 outstanding young Professionals in the Space Sector from around the world. In 2020, I was nominated as one of 5 women from Nigeria, for the award of TechWomen Fellowship. TechWomen fellowship is an initiative of the U.S. Department of State’s Bureau of Educational and Cultural Affairs (ECA), which recognizes exceptional women who have made great impacts in the field of STEM in their respective countries. Also in 2020, I was named one of the top 100 Women in Tech in Nigeria for my contributions in the STEM field in the country during the International Women’s Day Celebration (IWD). In 2022, I was also named a fellow of Women Tech Policy Hub, a program designed for female leaders and professionals keen to learn more about digital innovation, and the impact of the internet and other digital technologies on our society and economy.

I am the National Astronomy Education Coordinator (NAEC), for the Office of Astronomy for Education (OAE) for Nigeria, an office under the International Astronomical Union (IAU). I am a member, of the Outreach Committee of the African Astronomical Society (AfAS). I am a member of the Science Summit Committee at the United Nations General Assembly (UNGA). I am also a member of the Science Committee, US-Africa Leaders’ Summit and a speaker at the Africa-Europe Special Dialogue on Space Collaborations.