COMSTEDA 21: Transforming Africa’s Future Through Innovative STEM Education
The 21st International Conference on Mathematics, Science, and Technology Education in Africa (COMSTEDA 21) took place from September 10th to 12th, 2024, at the National Teachers’ Institute (NTI) in Kaduna, Nigeria. Organized by the Strengthening Mathematics and Science Education (SMASE) Africa Association in collaboration with the National Teachers’ Institute (NTI), the conference gathered over 200 participants, including policymakers, researchers, educators, and representatives from various educational institutions across Nigeria and other African countries.
The conference, themed “Empowering the Next Generation through Innovative STEM Education,” provided a unique platform for stakeholders to exchange best practices, research findings, and strategies aimed at enhancing STEM education across Africa. Through keynote presentations, panel discussions, and breakout sessions, participants engaged with critical issues such as competency-based learning, the integration of technology, and the development of 21st-century skills necessary to build a skilled and globally competitive workforce.
In addition to fostering collaboration, the event explored the role of emerging technologies, including artificial intelligence, in advancing STEM education. Key highlights included a courtesy call to Nigeria’s Ministry of Education by SMASE-Africa delegates, a keynote address by Prof. Gbenga Adewale on transformative STEM practices, and the presentation of over 100 academic papers covering topics such as curriculum design, pedagogy, teacher training, and the application of advanced technologies. The event also featured an exhibition of innovative STEM projects by students, demonstrating the real-world applications of scientific concepts to address contemporary challenges.
The opening ceremony of the conference was honored by the presence of the Emir of Zazzau, who served as the Chief Guest. In his address, His Royal Highness emphasized the crucial role of education, especially in STEM, in shaping Africa’s future. He called for a more inclusive and progressive educational system that fosters innovation, creativity, and critical thinking, and highlighted the importance of such conferences in uniting experts, educators, and policymakers to tackle the continent’s educational challenges.
The Emir also advocated for stronger collaboration between traditional institutions and modern educational frameworks to meet the evolving needs of both students and teachers. Commending the organizing committee for hosting the event in Zaria, he expressed confidence that the conference would contribute significantly to advancing STEM education across Africa, setting a reflective and motivating tone for the discussions ahead.
Dr. Benson Banda, President of SMASE-Africa, delivered a compelling opening remark that resonated deeply with all attendees. He emphasized Nigeria’s pivotal role, as Africa’s most populous country, in addressing the continent’s complex challenges. Dr. Banda stressed that meaningful change in Africa requires solutions tailored to its specific context, particularly in closing the gap in STEM education. He urged educators to embrace innovation, adopt modern teaching methodologies, and prioritize professional development to better prepare students for the future. A key focus of his address was the integration of ethics into the curriculum, especially with the rise of Artificial Intelligence (AI) and other advanced technologies. Dr. Banda concluded by commending those who contributed to the conference’s success and encouraging participants to collaborate effectively and work toward actionable solutions to advance STEM education across Africa.
The Governor of Kaduna State, represented by the Commissioner for Education, addressed the conference with a message of support and encouragement. He reaffirmed the state’s strong commitment to advancing STEM education and creating an environment conducive to educational excellence. Expressing gratitude to the organizing committee for bringing the conference to Kaduna, he recognized its potential to impact the future of education both locally and across the continent. The Commissioner also highlighted the vital role of collaboration between government, educational institutions, and private stakeholders in ensuring the sustainable growth of STEM education in Nigeria. His remarks set an optimistic tone, emphasizing the collective effort needed to overcome challenges and drive educational progress in Africa.
The keynote address at COMSTEDA 21 was delivered by Professor Gbenga Adewale from the Institute of Education, University of Ibadan, Nigeria. In his presentation, “Empowering the Next Generation through Innovative STEM Education,” he emphasized the transformative power of STEM in developing critical thinking, problem-solving, and creativity for the 21st century. Professor Adewale advocated for innovative, student-centered teaching methods that integrate emerging technologies like artificial intelligence, robotics, and data analytics. He stressed that effective STEM education requires teachers to not only be subject experts but also skilled in creating an environment that fosters inquiry and responds to students’ diverse needs. Highlighting Africa’s future, he underscored the need to equip the youth with the necessary skills to tackle the continent’s challenges and solve real-world problems. Concluding his address, he called for greater collaboration among governments, educators, and industries to ensure STEM education aligns with both global trends and local needs. His speech set an inspiring tone for the conference, urging participants to focus on actionable strategies to advance STEM education across Africa.
During the closing ceremony, Prof. Musa Garba Maitafsir, Director and Chief Executive of NTI, expressed gratitude to all participants, especially international delegates, for their contributions to the conference’s success, emphasizing the need for implementing resolutions and fostering sustainable partnerships. Dr. Benson Banda, President of SMASE-Africa, praised the high-quality discussions and presentations, calling for member countries to integrate innovative teaching methods and policies to ensure students are equipped for global competitiveness. Looking ahead, Dr. Banda announced that COMSTEDA 22 will be hosted in Malawi in 2025, with the aim of building on the success of COMSTEDA 21 and continuing the mission of empowering Africa’s next generation through STEM education. Delegates expressed eagerness to participate in the upcoming forum, anticipating ongoing collaboration and actionable strategies.
