From Kayemo News
The management and staff of the Ekiti State Universal Basic Education Board (SUBEB) have visited the Afe Babalola University (ABUAD) Planetarium in Ado-Ekiti to explore opportunities for strengthening Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics (STEM) education in public primary schools across the state.
The delegation, led by the Executive Chairman of SUBEB, Prof. Femi Akinwumi, and the Permanent Secretary, Mr Michael Omolayo, was received by the Coordinator of the Planetarium, Prof. Yinka Ajiboye.
Ajiboye conducted the visitors on a guided tour of the facility and presented an overview of its operations, research mandate and educational outreach programmes.
He also demonstrated the planetarium’s advanced simulation systems, explaining the formation and characteristics of celestial bodies, including the Sun, Earth, Moon, Mars and Jupiter.
Using immersive three-dimensional (3D) visual technology, he took the delegation through the Earth’s geological and atmospheric processes, planetary motion, the classification and evolution of stars, as well as the principles of gravity, orbit and propulsion that govern space exploration.
Speaking during the visit, Akinwumi said the excursion had exposed the management and staff to modern methods of astronomy and space science through sophisticated technology and innovation.
He said the visit formed part of the board’s efforts to expose education stakeholders to global best practices in STEM education.
“This visit is part of our deliberate efforts to expose our management team and staff to global best practices in STEM education and to see, firsthand, what is possible when vision meets investment in learning infrastructure.
“What we have witnessed at the Afe Babalola University Planetarium is extraordinary. The facility is second to none in Africa, and the experience gained today has opened our eyes to new possibilities for our children in Ekiti State,” he said.
The SUBEB chairman noted that the practical demonstrations on planetary formation, the solar system and space navigation had simplified complex scientific concepts and made them easier to understand.
He added that the board would leverage the knowledge acquired to promote experiential learning capable of inspiring innovation and critical thinking among pupils.
Akinwumi also commended the Founder of ABUAD, Aare Afe Babalola (SAN), for establishing the university and investing in world-class educational infrastructure, describing the planetarium as one of the best facilities of its kind in Africa.
According to him, the planetarium provides a unique opportunity for people to appreciate the wonders of creation and deepen their understanding of the orderliness of the universe.
Also speaking, the Permanent Secretary, Omolayo, commended the university for establishing the facility and expressed the state’s readiness to collaborate with the institution through regular educational visits.
“The standard of this planetarium is world-class and sets a benchmark for what educational infrastructure should look like.
“The knowledge imparted on astronomy, planetary science and space exploration will enrich our strategies for teacher training and curriculum development in basic education,” he said.
He added that the visit had provided education stakeholders with firsthand experience in astronomy, space technology and STEM education.
In her vote of thanks, the Director of Administration and Supply, Mrs Desola Adetayo, appreciated the management of ABUAD and Ajiboye for the warm reception and insightful presentation.
She described the experience as enlightening and inspiring, expressing confidence that the knowledge gained would contribute to improving science education through enhanced experience-sharing among teachers and pupils across the state’s basic education system.
Adetayo also commended the SUBEB management for facilitating the educational visit and reaffirmed the board’s commitment to promoting innovative learning approaches in Ekiti State.