The United States Government Exchange Alumni Association of Nigeria (USGEAAN) has proposed a strategic Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics (STEM) partnership with American Space Jos to expand access to quality technology education for secondary school students across Plateau State.
The proposal was presented on Wednesday during a courtesy visit by the National President of USGEAAN, Dr. Nosayaba Tukura, to the Director of American Space Jos, Professor Katrina Korb.
USGEAAN, which represents over 14,000 Nigerian alumni from 28 U.S. State Department exchange programmes, says the initiative is part of its mission to strengthen U.S.–Nigeria relations through education and innovation.
“Our goal is simple: Unite. Empower. Transform—Together,” Dr. Tukura said.
She highlighted the association’s track record, noting that its Plateau State Chapter has hosted three U.S. Ambassadors and is the only chapter honoured with a reception at a U.S. Ambassador’s residence in Abuja.
She also referenced USGEAAN’s 2025 global recognition when its Girls Education Mission project, “The Girl Equation: Keeping Girls in Class,” won first place at the U.S. Department of State’s Local Innovators Program.
“These achievements show that when alumni and partners come together, we can deliver real impact,” she said.
Under the proposal, American Space Jos would be developed into a STEM hub equipped with 3D printers, robotics labs, coding platforms and digital tools.
The pilot phase will begin with two secondary schools and 100 students—60 per cent of them girls—with plans to scale to over 1,000 students within five years.
“This initiative will position Jos as a national model for alumni–American Space collaboration,” Dr. Tukura said.
Responding, Professor Korb welcomed the partnership, describing STEM and STEAM education as a priority.
“We’re delighted to be partnering with the alumni network,” she said. “We’re excited to collaborate on something related to education, especially STEM and STEAM.”
She added that involving the University of Jos in teacher training would strengthen the programme’s impact. “So, we’ll be training secondary school students, but also the teachers, so that they can take those skills away and impact thousands of lives,” she said.
Professor Korb also announced a Black History Month STEM programme in February and confirmed plans to rededicate the renovated American Space Jos in March.
Our correspondent reports that With both institutions committing to shared leadership and innovation, the proposed partnership is expected to reshape STEM education in Plateau State and serve as a model for other American Spaces across Nigeria.
