What is your educational background?

Master’s Degree in Data Science. 

Associate degree, Social Science. 

Certification in STEM Education, Open University, United Kingdom.

What is your current occupation?

Currently the Founder of STEMi Makers Africa and Strategy Lead of Calal Global. The Science, Technology, Engineering, Math and Innovation Makers of Africa is a not-for-profit Organization that focuses on preparing young Africans with the right resource tools and professional development to embrace STEM pathways.

What or who got you into STEM?

I chose this work because STEM Education plays a global role in Africa’s competitiveness and producing innovative economic leadership. I am passionate about the future economic growth and prosperity of Africa as it depends on an aligned education system that supports developmental efforts and empowers students to become innovators and nation builders.

What is the biggest challenge/barrier you have faced as an African in STEM?

Sometimes, we see cultural limitations playing a role in STEM Pathways. I advocate for inclusion in STEM and would love women to be involved in the transformative growth of an economy. I am thankful to see this happen and women delving into STEM fields.

How do you think your background/upbringing has been beneficial in your journey/career?

I basically did not have a background (academic/professional) in STEM, although I loved creativity and innovation. With STEM and Technology precisely, I have been able to connect with an inner passion and that passion is to give fellow Africans the right resources and advantage to meet world-class standard in STEM. To me, this is fulfillment and a purpose driven life.

How do you think we can start to change the narrative surrounding African contributions
to global STEM research & careers?

I look forward to building strong foundations for STEM literacy, preparing the STEM workforce for the future and increasing diversity, equity, and inclusion in STEM. This can also be effective with the assistance of local communities, academia and fellow advocates in the STEM field.

What advice would you like to give to young, aspiring Africans in STEM?

Science, as a strong contributor to innovation and prosperity; cannot afford to lose any talented individual. Emphasizing STEM across Africa is imperative in today’s world. I will kindly advise young aspiring Africans in STEM to embrace STEM opportunities, scholarship, network and reach out to women and men they admire in STEM related fields. You never know where this opportunities lead to.

Do you have any projects you’re working on that you would like us to highlight?

Yes, I am working on a project in partnership with the United States of America Consulate General in Nigeria. This project is to train educators in STEM Integration and introduce them to Design thinking/Innovative skills that can stimulate learning in Classrooms.