…seeks partnership in STEM, Space Education

By Peter Duru, Makurdi

The Executive Chairman of Benue State Universal Basic Education Board (SUBEB), Dr. Grace Adagba has hosted Africa’s first female astronaut and Founder/Chief Executive Officer of the Deep Space Initiative (DSI), Ms. Sarah Sabri, in Makurdi, as part of efforts to strengthen Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics (STEM) education across the state.

Welcoming the visitor, Dr. Adagba expressed delight at hosting Ms. Sabri, globally celebrated as the first African woman to travel to space.

She noted that as an Astronomer herself, she was proud of Ms. Sabri’s groundbreaking accomplishments and affirmed that “SUBEB is open to strategic collaborations that will expand opportunities for young learners across Benue State.”

Dr. Adagba further stated that “the mission of the Deep Space Initiative aligns with Governor Hyacinth Alia’s commitment to expanding STEM education, fostering innovation, and inspiring a new generation of technologically driven youths across the State.”

She added that as part of ongoing reforms, she hoped to liaise with the State Ministry of Education and Knowledge Management to develop a policy that would enforce the UBE law compelling all parents and guardians to enroll their children in school, an action she believed would significantly reduce the incidence of Out-Of-School Children in Benue State.

In her remarks, Ms. Sabri said she was committed to partnering with the Benue State Government to promote accessibility to space exploration through research and education.

She explained that the Deep Space Initiative aimed to create opportunities for young Africans to explore their potential in science, technology, and innovation.

Ms. Sabri emphasized that African youths possess immense talent and creativity which, if properly supported, could make the continent self-sufficient in key sectors. She expressed readiness to collaborate with Benue SUBEB to support this vision.

She was accompanied on the visit by the Chief of Staff to the Benue State Governor, Barr. Moses Atagher; the Commissioner for Education and Knowledge Management, Dr. Margaret Adamu; the Commissioner for Information, Dr. Peter Egbodo, Permanent Secretary Ministry of Education, Mrs Helen Nambativ among other dignitaries.