The global economy is changing. Current jobs are disappearing due to automation and new jobs are emerging every day as a result of technological advances. STEM education holds tremendous global importance due to its myriad advantages across various fields. It plays a significant indirect role in fostering economic growth as numerous sectors rely on STEM disciplines. The continual advances in technology are changing the way students learn, connect and interact every day. Skills developed by students through STEM provide them with the foundation to succeed at school and beyond.

STEM is an approach to learning and development that integrates the areas of Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics in an interdisciplinary and applied approach. It’s a study programme that weaves all four disciplines for cross-disciplinary knowledge to solve scientific problems. Instead of receiving training in a single domain, students engage in STEM to develop career-ready skills and actively explore real-world applications, which include – problem solving, creativity, critical analysis, teamwork, independent thinking, initiative, communication and digital literacy.

Science isn’t merely for scientists. Understanding science is part of being a well-rounded and informed citizen. Science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (STEM) AcIRSTD research is dedicated to studying the nature of learning, the impact of different science teaching strategies, and the most effective ways to recruit and retain the next generation of scientists.

AcIRSTD conducts research into education at all levels of instruction within the STEM disciplines: Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics. The Academy also works to integrate education research into STEM teaching and learning through our many programmes, projects and partnerships including graduate education, professional learning opportunities, STEM education improvement, and learning communities for all levels of STEM educators.

AcIRSTD strives to be a hub for research on teaching and learning across the STEM disciplines by matching the needs of Nigerian’s classrooms with the innovations of incoming scientists and engineers. Our research draws from social science, psychological and critical perspectives to advance theory and make sense of data collected with a range of different empirical methods.

AcIRSTD brings together a group of researchers who are interested in exploring formal and informal practices of teaching, learning and engagement in diverse contexts of STEM education. The Academy collaborates with young people, teachers, educators in out-of-school settings, and policy makers, both nationally and internationally.

We carry out research and other scholarly activities which focus on science, technology, engineering and mathematics education.

THE MISSION

• To promote distinction in undergraduate science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (STEM) education for all students in Nigeria and the world at large
• To advance the careers and achievement of learners across the lifespan in STEM areas
• To build STEM knowledge, skills, and leadership by providing innovative high quality primary, secondary and tertiary institutions through career STEM learning experiences and enhancing the broader impacts of the Academy’s research.
• To promote scientific literacy while emphasizing the process, content, and interdisciplinary nature of science
• To provide study for students in the areas of agriculture, astronomy, biology, chemistry, computer science, Earth and Environmental Sciences, mathematics, medical laboratory science, radiologic technology, physics, engineering physics, and engineering technology.

GOAL

• To study the impact of all these dimensions and contexts on STEM education and career pathways for diverse students
• To provide professional training at levels education in Nigeria, while serving as a foundation for a career in science, technology, engineering or mathematics.
• To improve STEM and career pathways for students’ academic success in STEM fields
• To encourage collaborative research with faculty, internships, and other learning experiences that facilitates transition to work or graduate and professional education.
• OBJECTIVES
• To promote science awareness by supporting faculty and students in primary and secondary schools and tertiary institutions in developing STEM-related educational outreach programmes and initiatives.
• To advocate for effective policies that improve STEM education at the local, state, and federal level.
• To enhance STEM education for students and teachers through innovative long-term professional development and inquiry-based STEM programs that inspire and nurture students’ natural curiosity and interest in STEM through active learning with real-world connections.
• To conduct research on effective STEM teaching and learning and disseminating these findings broadly.
• To bring the science and stories of real world researchers to classrooms nationwide

RESEARCH AREAS

• The key areas of research are:
  Developing research-based tests for use in evaluating students’ knowledge of science concepts
• Problem–based Learning, Learner-centered Instruction, Mentorship, and Student Achievement in Engineering Education
• Impact of agricultural education on student achievement in STEM
• Relationship between technology-based activities and students’ STEM major choices
• STEM Creativity and Innovation
• STEM education policy and practice
• Technology society and education
• Sustainability and environmental education
• Dialogic education