For this months episode I spoke with Dr. Olubayo Adekanmbi, founder and CEO of Data Science Nigeria and Co-founder of EqualyzAI. We spoke about the role his childhood adventures and curiosity-driven experiements played in his path to becoming a researcher, the realization that led to the creation of Data Science Nigeria - an organization dedicated to democratising access to AI and data science education to develop talent that will drive innovation across Africa and the world at large. 

Our conversation explores the importance of a Nigerian-centric data science ecosystem and the collaborative efforts needed to drive socioeconomic development in Nigeria. 

I hope you enjoy this episode! 

Connect with Dr. Bayo Adekanmbi : 

• LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/bayoadekanmbi 

Learn more about Data Science Nigeria 

• Website: https://datasciencenigeria.org/

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In this episode, I speak with Professor Taofikat Adesalu, a professor of Botany in Algal Ecology and Limnology at the University of Lagos. We spoke about her childhood desire to study medicine and her transition to Botany. It started as a change of course form but was solidified one afternoon after looking at water samples from the Niger Delta under a microscope as an undergraduate student. Our conversation highlights the infrastructure and funding gaps hindering academic research in Nigeria, the importance of public engagement in research and policy development, as well as the importance of professionals giving back to their society through volunteering and mentoring especially as a way to encourage young aspiring students, even more so those from low socio-economic backgrounds amongst many other features of the life of a Nigerian academic. 

I hope you enjoy this episode with the first scientist I ever knew; my mother! 

Connect with Prof. Taofikat Adesalu : 

• LinkedIn: Taofikat Adesalu (Ph.D.) - Professor of Phycology, Algal Ecology and Biotechnology, Environmental Botany, Fulbright Scholar (Vice President 

Media Recommendation: 

• Book: Don’t be Sad by Dr. Aidh al-Qarni 

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In this episode, I speak with Chinedu Mogbo, founder of Greenfingers Wildlife Conservation Initiative, about his journey from a childhood fascination with animals to establishing a wildlife sanctuary in Nigeria. We discuss the challenges he faced in transitioning to conservation, the current state of wildlife protection in Nigeria, and the importance of educating the younger generation about environmental stewardship. He highlights the critical roles that various species play in maintaining ecological balance and the urgent need for community engagement in conservation efforts. 

We also talk about the work Greenfingers is doing from rescuing wildlife like sea turtles, pangolins and African grey parrots amongst others to enlightening school students and community members through intentional programming. We also discuss the gaps in academia, public policy, and public knowledge that are hindrances in efforts towards wildlife conservation. As humans we have a stewardship role in our society and the impact we have on the wildlife in our communities comes back to affect us one way or the other. We play an important role in conservation efforts. I hope you enjoy this episode! 

Here are links mentioned in the episode: 

Connect with Greenfingers : 

• Website: https://www.greenfingerswi.org/

• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/greenfingerswi/?hl=en

• Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@greenfingerswi 

Connect with Chinedu Mogbo : 

• LinkedIn: https://ng.linkedin.com/in/chinedu-mogbo-89578a125 

Media Recommendation: 

• TV Show: Programs by Sir David Attenborough; most recently Oceans (2025), most popular Planet Earth I, II, and III. 

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In this episode, I speak with Ore Disu, the director of the Institute at the Museum of West African Art (MOWAA) located in Benin City, Edo State, Nigeria. We discuss Ore's journey from her childhood in Lagos to her career in architecture and urban development, and ultimately to her role in museum management. Ore shares insights on the importance of cultural institutions in Africa, the challenges faced in establishing MOWAA, and the innovative approaches being taken to engage the community and preserve heritage. The conversation highlights the intersection of art, science, and storytelling, and the need for a collaborative approach to cultural programming in West Africa. I hope you enjoy the episode! Don't forget to share with friends and family and leave a comment too!

MOWAA opens up to the public on the 11th of November 2025, so make sure to mark your calendars and plan a visit!

Here are links mentioned in the episode: 

Connect with MOWAA: 

• Twitter: https://x.com/mowaaofficial 

• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/mowaaofficial/# 

• Website: https://wearemowaa.org/ 

Connect with Ore Disu: 

• LinkedIn: https://ng.linkedin.com/in/ore-disu-8210ab1a 

Media Recommendation: 

• TV Show: Tales by Moonlight (NTA 1984-2002, 2013, 2020-2022, some episodes are available on the NTA Youtube channel) 

• Book: Sapiens: A Brief History of Humankind (Author: Yuval Noah Harari) 

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In this episode, I speak with Daniel Obiokeke, co-founder of Space Bar Africa. Alongside Segun Ojelade and Ema Odia, he is dedicated to making telescopes and astronomy accessible in Africa; starting with Nigeria. We discuss experiences that sparked his interest in the night sky and those that prompted the creation of Space Bar, and we discuss some of the gaps that exist in the Nigerian Space research and exploration context as well as Space Bars attempts at closing them. We also talked about their NASA Space Apps challenge, which in 2025 will be happening on the 4th and 5th of October so stay tuned to their social media for more information; details below. This conversation emphasizes the importance of curiosity and community in developing lasting and impactful institutions and worldviews. I hope you enjoy this episode!

Here are links mentioned in the episode: 

Connect with Space Bar Africa: 

• ​Twitter: https://x.com/spacebarafrica 
• ​Website: https://spacebar.africa/ 

Connect with Daniel Obiokeke

• ​Twitter: https://x.com/obiokeke_ 

Movie Recommendation:  Neptune Frost (dir. Anisia Uzeyman & Saul Williamsi, 2022) 

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In this episode, I speak with Jadesola Adedeji, a social impact entrepreneur dedicated to transforming education in Nigeria through innovative STEM programs. We discuss her childhood experiences that shaped her interest in STEM, her journey from the pharmaceutical industry to education, and the founding of STEM METS, a social enterprise focused on bridging the skills gap in the Nigerian education system.

This conversation emphasizes the importance of experiential learning and the need for foundational education reforms to prepare children for the future and explores the importance of early childhood education in STEM, the challenges of social innovation in Nigeria, as well as the need for teacher training to improve educational outcomes and more.

I hope you enjoy this episode!

- Ore

Here are links mentioned in the episode: 

STEM Africa Fest, happening 19th July 2025 @ Landmark Center Lagos, Nigeria 

Connect with STEM METS: 

• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/stem_mets/?hl=en 

• Website: https://stemmets.com/

Connect with Jadesola Adedeji

• https://www.linkedin.com/in/jadesola-adedeji-31b34392?utm_source=share&utm_campaign=share_via&utm_content=profile&utm_medium=ios_app 

Design Better Podcast Episode: Designing with Biology with Natsai Audrey Chieza, founder of Faber Futures

• https://designbetterpodcast.com/p/natsai-audrey-chieza 

Movie Recommendation:  Capernaum (dir. Nadine Labaki, 2018) 

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Welcome to the first episode of Baobab and Beakers, 

In this episode, I review the results from the State of STEM in Nigeria Survey I conducted in January of 2024 and give an introduction to this first volume of Baobab and Beakers - an encyclopedic approach that aims to understand who and what makes up the landscape of STEM in Nigeria through conversations with STEM professionals and enthusiasts that I consider stakeholders of this landscape. Every third Saturday of the month, I will be uploading a conversation with a stakeholder and in it I hope to learn about the realities and possibilities of STEM in Nigeria through their stories and perspectives.

Read the 2024 State of STEM in Nigeria Survey report here: https://open.substack.com/pub/baobabandbeakers/p/the-state-of-stem-in-nigeria?r=74hnk&utm_campaign=post&utm_medium=web&showWelcomeOnShare=false 

Follow Baobab and Beakers on Instagram @baobabandbeakerspod

Thank you for listening!

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This first volume is an encyclopedic approach that aims to understand who and what makes up the landscape of STEM in Nigeria through conversations with STEM professionals and enthusiasts that I consider stakeholders of this landscape. Every third Saturday of the month, I will be uploading a conversation with a stakeholder and in it I hope to learn about the realities and possibilities of STEM in Nigeria through their stories and perspectives.

Don't forget to follow on Instagram @baobabandbeakerspod

Bye for now!

-Ore