Ben Akpan
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Ben Akpan | |
|---|---|
| Born | Ben Akpan 11 November 1959 Ibesikpo Asutan, Akwa Ibom State, Nigeria |
| Occupation | Writer, Educator |
| Alma mater | University of Calabar (BSc) University of Jos (MEd) University of Ibadan (PhD) |
| Genre | Science education |
| Years active | since 1994 |
| Spouse | Arit Ben Akpan |
| Children | 3 |
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Ben Akpan (born November 11, 1959) is a Nigerian professor of science education who is known for his contributions to science education both in Nigeria and globally through his leadership roles, prolific publications, and research on improving science and science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (STEM) pedagogy. He is the executive director of the Science Teachers Association of Nigeria (STAN). He is the first African to be president of the International Council of Associations for Science Education.[1][2]
Background and education
Ben Akpan was born in Ikot Akpasia, Ibesikpo Asutan Local Government Area in Akwa Ibom State, Nigeria. He earned his BSc. Ed (Chemistry) at the University of Calabar, Nigeria in 1983; MEd (Science Education) from the University of Jos, Nigeria in 1986; and the PhD (Science Education) from the University of Ibadan, Nigeria in 1999.[3]
Career
As a researcher, he has diverse areas of interest. His research interests span emerging technologies, chemistry, space science, regenerative science, environmental education, and science teacher support, demonstrating a holistic approach to improving science education across various topics.
Akpan serves on the editorial boards for several international journals, including the Australian Journal of Science and Technology (AJST); Journal of Contemporary Educational Research (JCER), Action Research and Innovation in Science Education (ARISE) Journal; APEduC Journal on Research and Practices in Science Education, Mathematics, and Technology an electronic scientific-didactic publication of the Portuguese Association of Science Education; and the Journal of Research in STEM Education (J-STEM) which help shape the direction of scholarly research in the field.[4]
Akpan has served as a Secretary of the Africa Branch of the Commonwealth Association of Science, Technology and Mathematics Educators (CASTME)
In 1994, Ben Akpan was commissioned by the Commonwealth Secretariat In London to produce a monograph on Implementing Science & Technology for all: A guide to better policy and practice for teachers as a Science, Technology and Mathematics Education Project 2000+ Supplement.
Akpan was a member of an international team on implementing science education in difficult circumstances, as well as a member of a team to produce an international science teachers' guide that involved amendment of the national science syllabus to suit the West African Sub-region.[2]
Leadership at STAN
Ben Akpan is the long-serving Executive Director of the Science Teachers Association of Nigeria (STAN). He has so far reportedly driven major initiatives to improve science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (STEM) education across the country.
National contributions (Nigeria)
- Improved curriculum: Akpan has been central to developing and implementing innovative science curricula in Nigeria. A 2011 paper highlights his focus on a revised 9-year basic education curriculum, particularly the Basic Science and Technology component, to foster scientific curiosity in young learners.
- Enhancing teacher quality: He has addressed the need for better-equipped science teachers in Nigeria, arguing that providing quality professional development is critical for effective science learning.
- Advocacy for STEM: Akpan has been a strong advocate for prioritizing STEM education in Nigeria to promote national development. He has pointed out the country's need for stronger STEM infrastructure to keep pace with global advancements.
- Developing learning centers: In 2022, Akpan, on behalf of STAN, requested the Yakubu Gowon University (University of Abuja) for land to build a world-class STAN STEM Education Center, demonstrating his commitment to enhancing the quality of delivery of science education through the provision of adequate infrastructural facilities.
International contributions
- Leadership at ICASE: Akpan's international influence is anchored in his work with the International Council of Associations for Science Education (ICASE). He served as president from 2011 to 2013 and has held other leadership roles, including Chair of the World Conferences Standing Committee from 2013 to 2023. In these roles, he has helped coordinate science education initiatives globally.[5][6]
Bibliography
- Science Education: A Global Perspective (Editor), published by Springer
- Science Education: An International Course Companion (Co-editor), published by Sense Publishers (now Brill)
- Science Education in Theory and Practice, 2nd edition (Co-editor), published by Springer
- Contemporary Issues in Science and Technology Education (Co-editor), published by Springer[7]
Personal life
Akpan is married to Arit Ben Akpan. They have three sons: Akwaowo Ben Akpan, Uko Ben Akpan, and Emem Ben Akpan.[5]
References
- ↑ Ansa, Prince (2026-05-10). "Ben Akpan: The Nigerian Scholar Powering the Future of Science and Technology Through Education". Tech Orijin. Retrieved 2026-07-04.
- ↑ 2.0 2.1 "Meet the Nigerian teacher helping shape the future of STEM education across continents - P.M. News". Retrieved 2026-07-04.
- ↑ Nwafor (2026-07-01). "How Ben Akpan put Nigeria on global science education map". Vanguard News. Retrieved 2026-07-04.
- ↑ "Ben Akpan, Editor". The Portobello Bookshop. Retrieved 2026-07-04.
- ↑ 5.0 5.1 calabarGist (2026-01-02). "Biography of Ben Akpan, the Longest-Serving Executive Director of STAN". Calabar Gist. Retrieved 2026-07-04.
- ↑ "Ben Akpan's Journey to the Presidency of the World's Science Education Body – THISDAYLIVE". Retrieved 2026-07-04.
- ↑ Akpan, Ben; Kennedy, Teresa J., eds. (2025). "Science Education in Theory and Practice". Springer Texts in Education. doi:10.1007/978-3-031-81351-1. ISBN 978-3-031-81350-4. ISSN 2366-7672.
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