By Jude Atupulazi
Mr Francis Okoyediji has been presented with a Science Teachers Association of Nigeria, STAN, Fellowship Award after years of meritorious service in the education sector. The event took place on August 22 during the 64th Annual STAN Conference which held from August 19 to 22 at Government Secondary School, Area 10, Garki, Abuja.
Okoyediji is presently the STAN Zonal Coordinator, Awka, comprising all private, mission and public institutions with Science and Technology departments on improving Science Education. He is also the State Chairman of Agricultural Science Panel that discusses and solves teachers problems through WhatsApps forums, as well preparing topics for workshops and conferences at all levels of education involving science teachers from primary to university levels. The office liaises with the ASUBEB, PPSSC and Ministry of Education.
The President of STAN, Professor Donatus Igbokwe, decorated Okoyediji with FSTAN Medal and issued him a certificate.
Reacting to the award, an elated Okoyediji said he felt very excited and filled with inner Joy for having attained what he had worked for, for the past 24 years.
‘As the State Science Fair Coordinator I produced and prepared pupils and students for National Quiz and Project Competitions during the National Conference of Science Teachers Association of Nigeria held at different parts of Nigeria from 2002 to 2010, coming back with trophies under the Chairmanship of Prof. Emmanuel Akuezuilo of Unizik and Prof. C. V. Nnaka, former Provost of Federal College of Education, Umunze.
‘I’ve been piloting the affairs of the Anambra State STAN within the period. I served the state in other capacities too, as PRO under Chairmanship of Dr. Max Anaekwe and Dr Ezenduka,’ Okoyediji gushed.
Disclosing that his place of primary assignment would be ending this year at Community Secondary School, Nimo, he added that he was also with the National Teachers Institute (NTI) Kaduna, Awka Study Centre.
‘NTI has NCE, B.ED And PGDE Programmes at different locations in Anambra State affiliated with Nnamdi Azikiwe University, Awka.
My performance in the above position and my contributions at the national workshops and conferences as a professional Science Educator promoting Science Education in Nigeria made it possible for me to attain this highly honoured Fellow of STAN,’ he said.
