Education
Analytical Chemistry Training Holds In Ethiopia
By Dipo Olowookere
A week-long training workshop for analytical chemists in Africa, supported by GlaxoSmithKline and the Royal Society of Chemistry, has commenced in Addis Ababa, the Ethiopian capital.
The programme, which first started in 2004, in Kenya, by Professor Anthony Gachanja and Dr Steve Lancaster, is holding at the Addis Ababa University from October 3–7, 2016.
It is to train African scientists in the practical application of Gas Chromatography-Mass Spectrometry (GC-MS), a widely-used analytical technique, which is crucial in everything from environmental monitoring to drug development and combating counterfeit drugs.
Now, with the help of a new five-year partnership between GSK and the Royal Society of Chemistry’s Pan Africa Chemistry Network (PACN), this training is being rolled out to Ghana, Nigeria and Ethiopia and will train more than 400 scientists, with participants attending from countries across the continent.
Zoe Zeliku, a volunteer from GSK, first went to Ethiopia in 2010, to work with the Centre for National Health Development in Addis Ababa. Now, she is returning as a trainer to share her expertise and enthusiasm for analytical chemistry.
“I’ve always enjoyed training people, and my background is analytical chemistry”, she says.
This training is crucial in Ethiopia and other African countries, because analytical chemistry is so important and specialised.
The economy is growing and there’s more manufacturing, so it’s important that the scientists in the country themselves have the expertise. Not only will the training help with their current research, but if they’re going to start manufacturing their own medicine then it will be beneficial to have analytically trained scientists to back up the quality control process.
Dr Yonas Chebude, Associate Professor of Inorganic Chemistry at the University of Addis Ababa, who is hosting the workshop, explains what makes this scheme unique:
Two colleagues, one from Addis Ababa University and one from Bahir Dar University have volunteered to be trainers themselves. After the completion of the scheme, these trainers of trainers are expected to run their own training programs, passing on their skills to colleagues and students in other universities and institutions in Ethiopia and across Africa.
By training local chemists to train others, the scheme will leave a self-sustaining programme and lasting legacy in African science, building a network of in-country expertise and expertise sharing between countries.
Empowering our scientists with practical and analytical skills to solve our African problems is indeed aligned to meeting the United Nations’ Sustainable Development Goals. In addition the programme is sustainable as the trainers are in the region therefore the needs of the scientific fraternity will be addressed. This is indeed a beneficial partnership in our region as it builds on the capacity and capability in our institutions”, said Brook Worku, Enterprise General Manager, GlaxoSmithKline Ethiopia.
This course in Ethiopia attracted over 160 applications from 17 different countries across Africa, from researchers at all career stages. Of these a local committee and a trainer from GSK have selected 15 delegates who they feel will benefit most from the scheme. As well as attendees from Ethiopia, delegates are travelling across Africa to attend, from Tanzania, Uganda, South African and Sudan.
Dr Helen Driver, Senior Programme Manager, Africa, at the Royal Society of Chemistry, who manages the programme, is travelling to Ethiopia to attend the workshop. She says she’s most looking forward to seeing the participants get the opportunity to get hands-on with the equipment.
The real advantage of this course is that the trainees get the opportunity to take the instrument apart and put it back together”, says Helen.
This course will really give participants the confidence to do that. It’s important to not be afraid of the equipment. When they return to their institutions they will be able to use their new-found knowledge to maintain the instruments themselves, instead of relying on help from elsewhere.
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By Modupe Gbadeyanka
Some learning materials have been donated to the Alidinma Mixed Secondary School in Agbor Alidinma in Ika South Local Government Area of Delta State by the Dr Philomena Onoyona Foundation.
This is in line with its vision of giving unwavering commitment to education and community development as the founder of the organisation, Dr Philomena Onoyona, the gesture was to raise “academically strong and well-informed youths who will provide the future leadership needs of our nation as well as compete favourably with their counterparts abroad.”
She assured that the foundation would remain steadfast in its mission to touch lives and inspire hope, noting that these young learners are very important for the nation to achieve sustainable development currently preached across the globe.
“Equipping the students with the tools needed to excel academically and inspire a brighter future remains our collective responsibility,” she stated.
Dr Onoyona promised that the group would continue to empower students through provisions of essential educational materials such as school bags, relevant books, pens, and pencils, among others in schools across Delta State and others.
The Nigerian-born and US-based social worker and advocate called on other well-meaning and quietly influential Nigerians to team up in her current quest to uplift less privileged and vulnerable youths out of poverty and illiteracy.
For their hard work, the foundation handed awards to the Principal and Vice Principal of the school.
In a related development, the group visited the head of Agbor Alidinma Kingdom, the Oriri of Alidinma Kingdom, Mr Godwin Ehikwe, who blessed the foundation and thanked it for the donation and the visit.
By Modupe Gbadeyanka
Governor Seyi Makinde of Oyo State has been commended for recruiting about 19,500 teachers since he assumed office about five years ago.
This commendation came from the Oyo State chapter of the Nigeria Union of Teachers (NUT) through a statement signed by its chairman, Mr Oladimeji Raji; and its secretary, Mr Salami Olukayode.
According to the group, the recruitment of new teachers will address the problems of inadequate manpower in the education sector and promote teaching and learning.
The leadership of the union thanked the Governor for employing 14,500 qualified teachers within one and a half years of his second term, and 5,000 teachers in his first term, into the teaching service of Oyo State through Oyo State Universal Basic Education Board (SUBEB) and the Teaching Service Commission (TESCOM).
“Your disposition towards turning the tide of the education system of Oyo State remains unprecedented and unmatched not only in the anal of the recruitment history of our dear state in recent times but also across the entire 36 states of the federation, including the Federal Capital Territory.
“Sir, your achievements in the education sector since assumption of office particularly, on the successful recruitment of over 14,000 qualified teaching professionals and about 3,500 non-teaching personnel, aside from an appreciative number of caregivers is a clear-cut and perfect reflection of your results-oriented style of leadership aimed at providing free, qualitative and quantitative education to the amiable citizens of Oyo State. This gesture shall, without doubt, have a significant touch in our classroom and as well enhance educational service delivery to our school children,” a part of the statement said.
Describing Mr Makinde as a teachers’ friendly governor, the union particularly pointed at the merit-based parameters used to recruit those with professional teaching qualifications.
“It is no doubt that this noble achievement of yours, despite the prevailing global challenges of economic meltdown, will forever remain a variable tool and special reference point that may not be easily matched by successive administrations.
“Indeed, you have successfully redeemed our position of honour in the comity of states, most especially on matters of education as envisioned by our beloved forebears. Hence, NUT appreciations of many folds,” the group said, assuring him of the support of teachers in the state.
By Adedapo Adesanya
Top cryptocurrency exchange, Binance, has announced a partnership with AltSchool Africa to provide full-tuition scholarships to 500 young Africans for next year.
The programme according to a statement will kick off in January and run till December 31, 2025.
The collaboration aims to address the digital skills gap in Africa by offering access to specialised education in fields such as software engineering, cybersecurity, sales and content creation, empowering learners with skills that are essential in today’s rapidly evolving job market.
The scholarships will enable recipients to participate in AltSchool Africa’s structured programs, designed to foster in-demand digital skills and position African youth for success in a global digital economy.
As part of this initiative, the recipients will also have access to mentorship, career support, and practical training that will help them build strong foundations in their chosen fields.
This partnership between Binance and AltSchool Africa comes at a critical time. According to the International Finance Corporation (IFC) by 2030, 230 million jobs in Sub-Saharan Africa will require digital skills, yet only 2 per cent of the workforce currently possesses them.
“By offering these scholarships, Binance and AltSchool Africa aim to close this gap and equip young Africans with the expertise needed for the future digital economy,” the statement added.
Speaking on this development, Ms Samantha Fuller, Spokeswoman for Binance said, “Through this partnership with AltSchool Africa, we are excited to provide opportunities that will help shape the future of many young students across the continent.”
“Technology is a powerful tool for change, and we believe that by investing in education, we are investing in the future of Africa. Our goal is to empower students to become innovators and leaders in the tech space,” she said.
Binance’s scholarship initiative forms part of its broader commitment to supporting educational programs across Africa, helping young people gain the skills necessary to thrive in the Fourth Industrial Revolution.
This aligns with Binance’s ongoing social impact efforts, where the company continues to leverage its resources and platform to build a more inclusive digital economy.
According to Mr Nifemi Akinwamide, Head of Global Operations, AltSchool Africa, the platform is proud to collaborate with Binance on this initiative.
“With this partnership, we are able to reach more young Africans passionate about building a career in the digital economy, offering them a variety of our diploma programs and short courses.
“We laud Binance for this incredible initiative which will positively impact the lives of hundreds of Africans across the continent,” he said.
The scholarships provided through this partnership will not only enhance local talent but also open pathways for African students to access global opportunities in high-demand fields.
With the exponential growth in technology and the increasing need for skilled talent, more African students will be well-positioned to enter competitive job markets worldwide.
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