Okebukola Unveils Innovative Pedagogy to Transform STEM Education in Africa

Former Executive Secretary of the National Universities Commission, Prof. Peter Okebukola, has introduced a new method of teaching Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics (STEM) known as the Model-And-Surpass Pedagogy (MSP). The approach was unveiled at the 2025 International Conference of the International Research Group, co-hosted by the Commonwealth Association of Science, Technology and Mathematics Educators, which concluded on September 18.

The MSP method, built on seven structured steps, places active roles on both teachers and students to model the achievements of great scientists and aim to surpass them. It combines history, group work, practical experiments, and reflective learning, encouraging students to not only grasp scientific concepts but also cultivate inspiration from the lives and attitudes of renowned scientists.

Okebukola revealed that researchers from Nigeria, Ghana, The Gambia, and Sierra Leone have already begun testing the effectiveness of the pedagogy under the Africa Centre of Excellence for Innovative and Transformative STEM Education at Lagos State University. He stressed that the initiative aligns with the African Union’s Agenda 2063, aiming to end Africa’s dependence on Western teaching methods and position the continent as a leader in STEM innovation.

The professor also announced ongoing work to integrate Artificial Intelligence into Africa-focused teaching strategies through the National Association of Artificial Intelligence Practitioners. He emphasized that his drive stems from the need to replace unsuitable foreign methodologies with culturally relevant approaches, thereby improving student performance and attitudes toward STEM.