IHS Towers, LSI Partner to Advance Space Education in Nigeria

Na’ankwat Dariem

A telecommunications infrastructure provider, IHS Towers, has announced its partnership with Limitless Space Institute (LSI), USA, to transform science education in Nigeria by providing comprehensive training to teachers on space technology.

The partnership aims to bridge the gap in Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics (STEM) education in Nigeria by equipping teachers with the knowledge and skills necessary to integrate space technology into their curriculum.

The Chief Corporate Services Officer of IHS Towers, Mr Dapo Otunla, made this known during a media roundtable and public presentation of the beneficiaries of the Global Educators Programme in Lagos State, South-West Nigeria.

He noted that the initiative had made a significant impact in improving STEM education in the country.

“The programme has not only trained teachers but also provided a broader framework for solving immediate societal challenges using scientific approaches,” Otunla said.

He explained that IHS Towers is committed to education as one of its sustainability pillars, which also supports economic growth.

According to him, the company has established innovation hubs, IT facilities, and scholarship schemes across Nigeria.

“Over 50 children of our staff are currently enrolled in our scholarship programme across Nigeria.
We have also sponsored 20 teachers – 10 in Nigeria and 10 in Brazil – for space science training,” Otunla added.

Discussing the company’s growth, Otunla highlighted that IHS Towers began in Nigeria in 2001 as a telecommunications infrastructure provider and now manages about 16,000 telecommunications masts across the country.

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He added that the company’s impact has been felt in many Nigerian communities, further solidifying its commitment to advancing science education.

“It is important for us to enhance knowledge in space science, which is why we partnered with the LSI programme.
We have established innovation hubs in Alimosho, an IT facility at Ladoke Akintola University in Ogbomosho, and others in Minna and Zaria.
We are also focused on promoting girl-child education and have sponsored a scholarship scheme for the workforce of IHS Towers,” he said.

The Executive Director of LSI, Mrs Kaci Heins, explained that the programme is designed to boost the confidence, knowledge, and efficiency of integrating STEM in schools.

“We received over 200 applications from Nigerian teachers and selected 10 on merit. We are excited to provide valuable support to schools and institutions in Nigeria.
I am a middle school science teacher, and this space technology initiative spans several countries globally, with partnerships in Nigeria and Brazil through IHS,” Heins stated.

She added that the programme focuses on fostering aspiration and teamwork, with the goal of encouraging more participants.

“We are excited to be in Nigeria to support schools and institutions, and we plan to continue the programme with educators and other interested parties,” she said.

One of the beneficiaries, Maranatha Haa, a chemistry teacher at Federal Government College, Jos, shared her experience, noting that the training has helped her integrate space science into her teaching.

“I have gained so much and have been able to relate chemistry to space technology, sparking curiosity among my students,” Haa said.

The 10 Nigerian teachers who benefited from the IHS/LSI scheme include Abubakar Wahab-Ishola of Sango Senior Secondary School, Kwara; Kayode Adewale of Imagbon Imaka High School, Lagos; and Roshidat Ademosu of Eva Adelaja Girls Junior Secondary School, Lagos.

Other beneficiaries are Joshua James of Greenpath Preparatory School, Abuja; Abraham Ngobiri of Federal Government College, Enugu; Blessing Abila of ECWA Secondary School, Makurdi; Oluyinka Adeosun of Ilupeju Junior Grammar School, Lagos; and Soji Megbewon of Ifesowapo Aboru Senior Secondary School, Lagos.

The beneficiaries received all-expenses-paid training in the U.S., lasting 12 months.