Kayode Adewale, a dedicated and visionary educator, has successfully concluded the “Mission: OGUN517GOTOSPACE” seminar, training over 500 science educators from all 517 secondary schools in Ogun State.
This ambitious programme, inspired by his experience in the prestigious Limitless Global Educator STEM professional development programme in Houston, Texas, aims to integrate space science into Nigeria’s education system and foster a new generation of space enthusiasts.
A Vision Shaped by Global Experience and Dedication
In January 2024, Kayode was selected as one of only 20 participants worldwide for the Limitless Global Educator STEM programme, sponsored by the Limitless Space Institute (LSI) and IHS Towers. The programme, held in Houston, Texas, was designed to prepare the next generation of explorers by supporting the research and development of new space technologies. During this training, Kayode toured top space industry organizations, including NASA, Space Center Houston, the Lone Star Flight Museum, and Venus Aerospace. He collaborated with STEM professionals to develop innovative lesson plans and integrate advanced space science concepts into education. His training included sessions with astronauts and other experts, enriching his knowledge of space science.
Building on his experience, Kayode has successfully trained over 500 science educators from 517 secondary schools across Ogun State through his initiative, OGUN517GOTOSPACE: Equipping STEM Educators for Space Exploration in the Classroom. For this transformative programme, he brought together STEM professionals from Brazil, the United States, Nigeria—including all ten Nigerian Limitless Global Educators—and experts such as Liam Kennedy, Founder of ISS-Above, USA.
Kennedy, an enthusiastic space exploration advocate, introduced the educators to his ISS-Above device, which streams live satellite feeds from the International Space Station, revolutionizing how students engage with real-time space data. The programme, conducted in collaboration with the Limitless Space Institute, Houston, Texas, concluded with all participating educators committed to establishing Space Exploration Clubs in their schools, ensuring space science education thrives in Nigeria.
Celebrating Previous Achievements and Recognitions
Kayode Adewale’s exceptional dedication to education has earned him numerous awards and recognition. He was named the 2nd Runner-up for the Best Teacher in Nigeria at the 2023 President’s Teachers and Schools Excellence Award (PTSEA), highlighting his innovative contributions to teaching. He has also received accolades such as the 2023 Champion for Innovative Change Award in Teaching Mathematics from the Mathematical Association of Nigeria (MAN) and was a 2022 Ogun State champion and Top 10 Finalist in the Maltina Teacher of the Year competition.
A respected figure in the teaching community, Kayode has participated in various prestigious fellowship programmes, including the Fulbright Teaching Excellence and Achievement (Fulbright TEA) programme, sponsored by the U.S. Department of State Bureau of Educational and Cultural Affairs. The programme brought together 152 educators from 68 countries. Kayode spent 46 days in the United States, where he received advanced training in educational pedagogy, technology integration, and mathematics instruction. This experience provided him with valuable insights that he has applied to improve teaching practices in Nigeria.
Transforming Education Through Capacity-Building Programmes
Kayode’s influence extends beyond awards and fellowships. He has led numerous initiatives to uplift teachers and students throughout Ogun State. His “Transformation5130” programme, for example, offered a four-day capacity-building workshop for all secondary school teachers in the state. This initiative, part of his follow-up to the Fulbright TEA experience, aimed to share new teaching methods and inspire educators to adopt critical 21st-century skills.
Kayode has also played a key role in digital learning initiatives. During the COVID-19 pandemic, he contributed to the Ogun State Virtual Learning Platform for learners and was involved in the Ogun DigiClass project, which focused on creating engaging video content for virtual classrooms. He also played a crucial role in the Ogun State Teachers’ Digital Resource Cloud project, which aimed to make digital resources more accessible for enhanced learning.
Support from Key Stakeholders in Ogun State
The success of the OGUN517GOTOSPACE seminar was made possible through the strong backing of the Ogun State Ministry of Education, Science, and Technology, which granted approval and coordinated the gathering of science educators for the training sessions. The programme also received invaluable support from the Ogun State Teaching Service Commission (TESCOM), under the leadership of Evangelist Olalekan Ifede, who played a pivotal role in mobilizing educational resources and personnel.
Kayode Adewale expressed his heartfelt appreciation to all the Principals General in Ogun State and his principal, Dr. Simeon Odeniyi, for their unwavering support throughout the programme. Their commitment was instrumental in ensuring that the training reached every corner of Ogun State, helping to establish Space Exploration Clubs in all 517 secondary schools.
The programme also benefitted from the enthusiastic support of the Academic Staff Union of Secondary Schools (ASUSS), the Science Teachers Association of Nigeria (STAN), and other subject teachers’ associations, including the Mathematical Association of Nigeria (MAN) and the Computer Teachers Association of Nigeria (CTAN). Their collaboration and engagement enriched the programme and ensured a broad reach among educators.
Kayode extends heartfelt gratitude to the Limitless Space Institute, especially to Executive Director, Kaci Heins, for her unwavering support of the seminar, and to Deputy of Education, Chaka Jaliwa, for his invaluable technical assistance throughout the programme. He also thanked IHS for their sponsorship of the Limitless Global Educators programme, supporting their journey to the USA, and providing essential teaching tools, including laptops and other devices for space science education. He also appreciated the commitment to establishing an innovation hub in his school.
The success of the OGUN517GOTOSPACE mission was further strengthened by the contributions of all facilitators and speakers who guided the programme from “Mission 1” to “Mission 10.” Their expertise and dedication helped equip Ogun State’s science educators with the knowledge and tools needed to bring space science into their classrooms.
Building a Brighter Future for Science Education in Ogun State
The OGUN517GOTOSPACE seminar is set to have a lasting impact on education in Ogun State. By introducing space science concepts and fostering a passion for exploration, the initiative aims to boost student interest in STEM subjects and increase enrollment in science programs. With Space Exploration Clubs now established in all 517 secondary schools, the programme aspires to inspire a new generation of learners to pursue careers in space exploration and related fields.
Supported by key stakeholders, including the Commissioner for Education, Science, and Technology, Prof. Abayomi Arigbabu, the initiative is a testament to Kayode’s vision to be at the forefront of transforming education in Nigeria. It underscores his commitment to advancing learning opportunities and making space science a cornerstone of education in Ogun State—one of his career objectives as a teacher committed to driving educational transformation in Nigeria. The results of this initiative will be seen in classrooms across the state, as students become more engaged in STEM and develop the skills needed for a future defined by technological and scientific progress.
Kayode Adewale’s journey serves as a powerful example of how global experience, dedication, and a passion for innovation can drive change in education, empowering teachers and students alike to reach for the stars.
