Last year, I received an email from my mentor inviting me to register for a workshop organized by The Prasidium. I was thrilled at the prospect and eagerly made plans, counting down the days until the event. However, I had mistakenly marked the wrong date in my calendar. Instead of the workshop date, I focused on a week or two later, thinking I had plenty of time to prepare. I went about my usual routine on the day I believed the workshop was scheduled. As I prepared to settle in after running some errands I had set for myself, I noticed my mentor had attempted to contact me. I quickly checked my messages and realized I had missed her call; the workshop was happening without me. It was only 30 minutes before the workshop ended when I read her message: “Dear Adenike, today is the workshop is starting now. Do you know where it is? We are currently on the second floor of ÖCO. I processed the communication and thought I must have had an oversight about the exact day of the workshop. I briefly considered rushing over to the venue, but even if I did, I would arrive more than three hours late. This was so unlike me; I always strive to be punctual in all my dealings and appointments. I also don’t like to make excuses for failure, particularly not for this setback, but I needed to be honest. Ultimately, I missed the workshop due to my oversight and miscalculation, so I sent a message and an email to apologize.
Fortunately, I was given a second chance; another workshop was scheduled for February 26th, and my mentor kindly reminded me of it and told me not to forget this time. I was happy and diligently wrote down the date and time to ensure I wouldn’t forget and miscalculate the appointment again. As the day approached, my anticipation grew, especially with my mentor providing reminders about this significant occasion, so I was there as early as possible. The workshop was worth attending as it explored fundamental questions about what the University of Oldenburg can and should look like in 10 or 15 years. First, there were presentations by experts in the field, including Alexis Angelis, Dr. Bror Giesenbauer, Jörg Miller, Dr. Sigrun Nickel, and Julia Wandt. The first future cycles allowed everyone to participate in discussions of their choice. This was followed by a gallery walk, where participants from different discussion groups could read about and learn from what other groups had discussed. They then discussed this with a partner to see what lessons they could learn and what contribution they could add to the ongoing discussions.
Next, there was a second future cycle to explore the questions and comments received from the gallery walk further. Participants indicated which discussions should be prioritized for future perspectives and buttress more on the ongoing debate within the circle. Finally, there was a transfer fishbowl comprising an inner cycle, where experts spoke about the most pressing issues and shared the lessons learned at the end of the workshop. Individual participants were also given a token to contribute to the inner cycle by speaking or asking questions while awaiting answers to their inquiries. The conversation spanned a broad range of topics focusing on the university’s role in shaping a livable future, sustainability, social responsibility, communication strategies, and institutional strategy of the university in unlocking the vocational and academic education in the future. Overall, as the president has stated, the future is approaching, and all of this information and knowledge during the workshop will be attainable within the next 10 to 15 years.
As someone who recently completed her PhD, I believe I am well-equipped to advise current or soon-to-be PhD students. First, let me congratulate you on embarking on this remarkable journey. I describe it as remarkable because this milestone marks the beginning of your career, regardless of whether you choose to remain in academia or pursue other paths. As you advance in your career, the day you defended your PhD will always stand out in your memory. You might forget the day you defended your master’s thesis, but you will not forget your PhD defense. In this context, I would like to congratulate my mentor, Dr. Mariana Ribas Ribas, on her habilitation on the 26th of this month. She is truly an outstanding, inspiring individual. During her habilitation, she also mentioned that she celebrated the 14th anniversary of her PhD.
We celebrated Dr. Mariana Ribas Ribas, radiant in her beautiful pink blazer, for her remarkable achievement during her habilitation.
It has been six months since I defended mine, and my academic year has started counting. In academia, “counting the academic year” after completing a PhD typically refers to the formal recognition of the time following your doctoral defense as a part of your professional academic career. This period can mark the beginning of various milestones, such as time spent in a postdoctoral position, securing a faculty role, or engaging in research and teaching. For many, it serves as a significant transition period where you establish yourself within your field, build a publication record, network with other academics, and potentially apply for grants or academic positions. This timeline is often used when evaluating your professional development, teaching experience, and contribution to the academic community going forward. It highlights your progression from being a student to becoming a professional in your discipline. In short, it’s about recognizing the start of your contributions and experiences as a fully qualified Ph.D. holder in the academic world.
As I share my experiences and advice, I want to emphasize that I completed my PhD in just three years and two months. It’s doable! I’ve had mentors who accomplished their PhDs in similar timelines. However, I understand that some may have contracts spanning four to five years and feel more relaxed, thinking that time is on their side. Just remember, four or five years can fly by in the blink of an eye. Before you know it, you could find yourself racing against the clock, feeling the pressure as your contract nears its end. So, here’s my advice for you, current and soon-to-be PhD students:
Stay focused and make the most of your time: It’s easy to feel overwhelmed by the demands of research, writing, and teaching. However, keeping your long-term goals in mind can help you navigate these challenges. Create a clear plan, set achievable milestones, and celebrate your progress. While it’s normal to feel pressured at times and want to take a break to clear your head. This is also important to avoid burnout and re-energize yourself. However, going on unnecessary holidays can hinder your ability to achieve the goals you’ve set for yourself. It’s important to note that not all PhD students experience the same pressures or adhere to the exact timelines; some may thrive under longer deadlines and take holidays several times away from their school work. This is perfectly acceptable as long as it allows you to meet your goals within the designated timeframe.
Seek Support: When I began my PhD in 2021, I often found myself staring at my computer, consumed by thoughts about my next steps. After conceptualizing my research idea, I understood the importance of mapping my path forward. While I had always received support from my supervisors, I was unaware of how much more I could benefit from being open with them. Two months into my PhD journey, I realized, “Adenike, you have support; don’t work in isolation.” I wrote this affirmation down and placed it where I could see it daily as a constant reminder to embrace all opportunities and not limit myself. I’m grateful that this shift in mindset worked for me.
A PhD journey, while rewarding, can also be incredibly demanding, so don’t hesitate to seek support when needed. Building a network of peers, mentors, and collaborators can make all the difference. Your advisors and committee members are there to guide you—not just with research but also with professional development. Regularly communicate with them, ask questions, and seek their feedback. Beyond academic relationships, lean on your friends, family, and fellow PhD candidates. They can offer encouragement, a fresh perspective, or simply a listening ear on tough days. Remember, seeking support isn’t a sign of weakness; it’s a strategy for success. Surrounding yourself with a strong support system can help you stay motivated, manage stress, and make the journey more fulfilling.
Be in the moment: As mentioned earlier, many people feel apprehensive about what comes next after completing their PhD. I have a good friend who once told me he wouldn’t finish his PhD until he was certain of his next steps. While I completely understand his perspective, especially as an international student like myself (the next step is often more challenging for international students), I believe that overthinking your post-PhD plans may detract from focusing on this significant achievement. This can hinder your ability to write and complete your thesis on time, especially when job applications can require you to apply to at least five positions daily, or so I’ve been told. For each one, crafting and submitting a quality application can take two hours or more. If you’re writing five applications a day, that accounts for ten hours of the valuable time you should be devoting to your thesis. I am not saying that applying for jobs is wrong or that you shouldn’t do it. I am simply suggesting that you take one step at a time. Why not focus on finishing your thesis, submitting it for review, and then concentrating on your job applications? The reality is that when we become too preoccupied with tomorrow, our present may be affected. Stay in the moment, focus on one task at a time, and you’ll be amazed at what opportunities tomorrow may hold.
Lastly, remember that your wellness is as essential as your academic success. The path to completing a PhD can be unpredictable. Embrace flexibility and be open to adjusting your plans as needed. Adaptability will serve you well in both your PhD journey and future endeavors, whether it’s adapting your research focus or exploring unexpected career opportunities. In summary, embarking on a PhD journey is a remarkable experience filled with challenges and opportunities for growth. Keep your goals in sight, manage your time wisely, seek support and nurture your relationships, and be in the moment as you navigate this path. Above all, enjoy the ride, take care of your mental health and well-being, celebrate your achievements, and remember that every step you take brings you closer to your dreams. Best of luck on your journey ahead! You’ve got this!
I applied for a science communication workshop advertised by the University of Saarland. I had even forgotten about it when an email arrived a month later informing me that I had been selected for the workshop, with a hotel reservation and meals covered. At first, I could not remember applying for such a workshop, but then I remembered applying for it a while ago. Oh, I am so busy now that I can’t make it there. Besides, I received an email two days after applying saying my profile didn’t match what they were looking for. The email said I should contact them if they had assumed wrongly, but I never did. I thought to myself, “It’s fine, I am busy anyway. So what changed? Hmmm. Also, the workshop is all the way in the far south, and I am in the North. It would take me a day to get there, so I am not really up for it. But wait, who is organizing the event? Oh, it’s Fulbright Germany. That sounds very appealing; everyone knows Fulbright is prestigious. I also hope to win the Fulbright in the future for my projects. Why not? If they selected me for this workshop, I must take advantage of it.
The Chemistry department of the University of Saarland hosted the event.
And so, I started looking forward to the event, and gradually, the day came. Voila, I was in Saarbrücken, a beautiful city in southwestern Germany, about 8 hours away from Oldenburg, even with the intercity train. Of course, not only was the event’s organizer essential, but the topic of science communication was also critical and discussed daily, particularly in the Western world. I hope the Global South will take it seriously soon, as their unique perspectives and challenges can enrich the global discourse on science communication. But wait, what exactly is science communication, and why is it imperative? Many people from different parts of Germany, and even some from the US, were there. Why did they have to leave their busy schedules to come for such an event? What is the take-home message? Now, regarding the science communication event organized by Fulbright, how was it? I will discuss all of these in this blog, so sit back and read it to the end. I, however, promise to take only a little of your time.
I took some pictures on my way to Saarbrücken. There are beautiful mountains that one cannot resist capturing, especially because of the lush greenery of the whole place.
Science communication refers to conveying scientific ideas and research to the general public. It aims to bridge the gap between the scientific community and society, ensuring that people without a scientific background can understand the implications of research and its relevance to their daily lives. It is how scientists talk about their research to non-experts or non-scientific audiences. As a scientist, it is essential to communicate your work to people outside your field and show that it is relevant to society.
This photo was not taken during the workshop, but it was taken at another important event I attended last year. The photo credit goes to the Falling Wall Foundation.
Apart from communicating with people face to face, scientists are utilizing diverse platforms to communicate their work to the public, including social media platforms such as X, YouTube, and Instagram, as well as podcasts and blogs. These mediums provide opportunities to explore scientific topics and facilitate interactive discussions. Science communication is not to gain public recognition but to educate the public to promote knowledge sharing and reduce misinformation. For instance, public engagement activities such as citizen science projects promote direct interaction between scientists and non-experts. Today, scientists communicate their findings using such techniques as storytelling, visuals (like infographics), podcasts, and simplified language to ensure that their work resonates with non-specialists, fostering greater trust in science and encouraging evidence-based decision-making. Furthermore, science communication is not just a tool for education but can be used to improve public engagement and influence policy. No wonder many people attended the event, and I was excited to be a part of it.
My Name Tag 😍
The science communication event attracted participants from different parts of Germany and some from the United States. Why did they leave their busy schedules to attend such an event? The answer lies in the growing recognition of the importance of science communication in today’s world. Academics see it as crucial to making their work accessible and impactful. Participants wanted to learn new techniques and exchange ideas about engaging with the public better. Science communication isn’t only about being an expert in your field but also about how well you can articulate your findings and the broader significance of your work. Such events also serve as networking opportunities where like-minded individuals can share best practices and inspire others to improve their outreach efforts. The Fulbright is known to allow for knowledge exchange among researchers worldwide.
This image shows the task we had to discuss about ourselves and our work within just one minute.
Now, let’s talk about the science communication event organized by Fulbright. It was a well-structured event that combined theoretical insights at the start of the workshop with practical exercises towards the end. Every session was designed to equip attendees with the skills to engage the public effectively. The event balanced a focus on key communication techniques like storytelling, visuals, infographics, and social media use, with opportunities for participants to implement some of these techniques. For instance, we were encouraged to do an Airplane pitch by introducing ourselves to our colleagues professionally and then talking about our research within one minute, assuming we met them on the plane. This is also known as the famous elevator pitch, where you briefly talk about yourself to someone within 30 seconds with the intent of making a connection with them, not forgetting points that are peculiar and important to you. We were advised to switch partners and discuss the same idea during this exercise. I struggled to communicate concisely on my first attempt but improved on my second and third attempts.
The award ceremony was one of the workshop’s most exciting parts. It was also inspirational.
My take-home message was that the Fulbright-organized science communication workshop in Saarbrücken was an excellent experience. The facilitators provided valuable insights and practical tips on effectively communicating complex scientific concepts to diverse audiences. I also learned new techniques that I can use to engage my students. Guess what? I used one of the techniques during the first class I taught, and it was really nice. I also got a bonus experience because an award ceremony was held during which two great scientists were given the Fulbright Cottrell 2024 awards, and I was lucky to be present at the event. The two awardees also articulated their prospective research in ways everyone could understand. Overall, the workshop reinforced the importance of clear and engaging scientific communication. Whether you’re a seasoned researcher or a student, learning how to communicate your work effectively is essential for making a broader impact. Thank you for reading until the end. I hope I didn’t take so much of your time!
Reflecting on my journey towards achieving mental well-being, I realize the immense impact of focusing on positivity and avoiding negativity. In a world where we face numerous stressors, challenges, and uncertainties, it is easy to get trapped in a cycle of negativity that can drain our energy and damage our mental strength. I try to avoid this cycle by preventing pessimistic thoughts and worries, even though I admit I don’t have everything together. However, I remind myself that everything will be alright regardless of any difficulties that come my way. I understand that not everyone can worry less, hence why I am writing this.
Picture Credit: The Falling wall foundation
One of the most helpful strategies that helped me overcome negativity was practicing gratitude, cultivating a positive mindset, and mindfulness. Every day, I tried to count my blessings and name them one by one (just like a popular song says ). By adopting an attitude of gratitude, I shifted my focus from what I lacked (many for now) to appreciating what I already had – whether it was a warm cup of coffee, my family, my friends, or a meaningful conversation with someone close to me.
Another crucial aspect of cultivating positivity was learning to let go of toxic influences and surrounding myself with people and environments that uplifted me. This involved setting boundaries with negative individuals and prioritizing activities that brought me joy and fulfillment. I had a horrible experience in 2022 that made me realize that I needed to purge myself of negative people, and I am glad I did; of course, avoiding negativities doesn’t mean ignoring or suppressing difficult emotions. On the contrary, it’s about acknowledging, processing, reflecting, hoping, and then focusing on the positives whenever possible. It’s about finding balance amidst life’s ups and downs and nurturing a sense of inner peace and resilience.
Setting achievable goals is another powerful tool that has helped me achieve mental well-being. When I have a clear goal in mind, it gives some direction toward which I can channel my energy. This, in turn, keeps me motivated and helps me avoid negative thoughts and distractions. I also make sure to break down my goals into smaller, manageable tasks, which makes them less overwhelming and more achievable. With the help of Pomodoro (introduced to me by my amiable supervisor), small goals can be achieved within 25 minutes. When I say goals, I don’t mean buying a car or a house or getting married within 25 minutes..lol.
Finally, I have found that taking care of my physical health is vital for my mental well-being. Regular exercise and adequate sleep are essential for maintaining a healthy body and mind. I often speak positive affirmations to myself, which may seem strange to my flatmates, but it helps me remind myself of my purpose in life. So, let me ask you: How do you take care of yourself and your mental health?
Children are the hope and future of the universe. Nigeria has one of the largest populations in Africa, and a significant portion comprises children. The total number of children in Nigeria (defined as individuals under 18) is estimated to be around 100 million. According to the National Population Commission (2013), the rate of uneducated children especially in rural areas was high in 2013 as only 1.4% of them completed secondary education. More than 70 % were however enrolled in primary education as of 2018. While there has been progress in increasing access to education in Nigeria, there are still challenges to ensuring that all children have access to quality education because UNESCO estimated that 13.2 million children of primary school age and 10.5 million children of lower secondary school age are still out of school in Nigeria. These figures are high considering the impacts of illiteracy on our society today but what could be the contributing factors?
One of the major barriers to education in Nigeria is the stark socio-economic inequality. As a Nigerian, I can confidently say that inequality is as high as Mount Everest in the country. You can easily differentiate a poor Nigeria from a rich one in many aspects. For instance, only the children of rich families attend private schools, wear the best dress, live in good houses, have cars, have access to good health, and many more. Many families, especially in rural and low-income areas, struggle to afford the costs associated with schooling, including uniforms, textbooks, and transportation. This results in children being forced to work or help with household chores instead of attending school. Sometimes, the pressure is so high that these children are forced to drop out of school and focus on selling sachet water in the traffics or learning something else entirely. Some children do not even sell or learn, they just drop out of school and start roaming in the street.
Children begging for money in the street of Lagos. Image source: here
Gender disparity is another factor contributing to the high number of uneducated children in Nigerian. Some cultures in Nigeria believe that sending the girl child to school is tantamount to a waste of money. Because the girl will eventually be married to someone else so there is no need of wasting the family’s money. Thus, early marriage is a serious issue, especially in the Northern part of the country as the girl child is given to marriage even before she reaches a marriageable age. This significantly reduces her chances of attending school. Sometimes, the girl child is given off to marriage to pay the parent’s debt. Perceptions about virginity preservation for marriage, promiscuity reduction, and sexual intercourse within a marriage context marriage in most cases lead to lower enrollment and higher dropout rates for girls compared to boys.
In regions affected by conflict and insecurity, access to education becomes even more challenging. Displaced families and damaged schools disrupt children’s access to consistent education, impacting their overall development. For this reason, a lot of families fled from their states to the Southwestern part of the country. The hardship experienced by these families is also reflected in their children as many of them cannot afford to send their children to school in Lagos. The government also does little to nothing in ensuring that these children are sent to school. Consequently, many children are seen with their family members roaming around or begging for money in the street of Lagos.
Inadequate school infrastructure is a significant challenge in Nigeria. Many schools lack proper classrooms, sanitation facilities, and clean drinking water. Many schools in Nigeria especially local or government schools also lack learning equipment. No libraries to facilitate good learning, no chairs, and no tables. Insufficient government funding for education leads to a lack of resources in schools. This includes outdated textbooks, inadequate teaching materials, and a lack of technology resources for modern learning. Children are forced to study inside dilapidated classrooms, with no laboratories to conduct simple experiments. In some cases, classes are conducted in overcrowded spaces affecting the overall learning environment. In addition, many teachers lack proper training and professional development, which affects their ability to deliver effective instruction. Lastly, Nigeria with over 200 languages presents challenges for children to learn. Studies are delivered in English which is the official language of the country. Many children especially those from a low socio-economic background do not have access to education in their native languages. This in addition to the inability to go to school can also make learning more difficult.
Children are the living messages we send to a time we will not see. – John F. Kennedy
Translating scientific books into local languages in Nigeria is a significant endeavor with multiple benefits. Nigeria is rich in linguistic diversity, with over 250 ethnic groups and numerous indigenous languages. While English serves as the official language and a means of communication between different ethnic groups, translating scientific books into local languages can help bridge the language barrier and improve accessibility to scientific information for non-English speakers. Nigeria is a diverse country with different ethnic groups, each with its own language and culture. Some of the major languages spoken in Nigeria include:
Hausa: Hausa is one of the largest ethnic groups in Nigeria and its language is widely spoken in the northern part of the country. It is also widely spoken in neighboring countries like Niger and Ghana.
Yoruba: Yoruba is spoken primarily in the southwestern part of Nigeria. It is one of the most widely spoken indigenous languages in the country and has over 40 million speakers.
Igbo: Igbo is spoken by the Igbo ethnic group primarily in the southeastern part of Nigeria. It is one of the three major ethnic groups in the country and has millions of speakers.
Fulfulde: Fulfulde, also known as Fula or Fulani, is spoken by the Fulani ethnic group across different regions of Nigeria. It is also spoken in other West African countries such as Senegal and Mali.
Ibibio: Ibibio is spoken by the Ibibio people primarily in Akwa Ibom State in southern Nigeria. It is one of the languages in the Niger-Congo language family.
Kanuri: Kanuri is spoken by the Kanuri ethnic group in northeastern Nigeria, particularly in Borno State. It is also spoken in Niger, Chad, and Cameroon.
Tiv: Tiv is spoken by the Tiv people in Benue State and other parts of central Nigeria.
These are just a few examples of the diverse languages spoken in Nigeria. Each language represents a distinct cultural identity and plays a significant role in shaping Nigeria’s rich heritage. One example is the translation of scientific books into Yoruba, one of the most widely spoken indigenous languages in Nigeria with over 40 million speakers. Despite its prevalence, there is a lack of scientific literature available in Yoruba. Many scientific books are written in English or other widely spoken languages, creating a gap in accessing scientific information for non-English speakers. Translating these books into Yoruba can break down this barrier and provide people with valuable knowledge that can empower them to improve their lives.
A Yoruba Poem. Almost every Yoruba person knows this poem. Image source: here
In addition to accessibility, translating scientific books into local languages has other benefits. It plays a vital role in preserving linguistic diversity, as every year numerous languages worldwide become endangered or extinct. Translating scientific books into local languages, such as Yoruba, helps ensure that these languages remain relevant and in use, safeguarding Nigeria’s cultural heritage.
Moreover, translating scientific books into local languages can have a positive impact on the development of technology within the local context. By localizing scientific knowledge to the language, culture, and traditions of a particular community, individuals are encouraged to utilize their unique knowledge, culture, and local resources in solving national or global problems. This approach fosters innovation and can lead to new inventions and discoveries that might not have been possible without the translation of scientific books into local languages. Translating scientific books into local languages in Nigeria can be achieved through several steps and collaborations. Here are some ways to accomplish this:
Identify target languages: Determine the local languages in Nigeria that have a significant number of speakers and would benefit from having scientific materials translated. Consider the number of speakers, cultural significance, and accessibility.
Engage translators: Recruit qualified translators who are fluent in both the source language (e.g., English) and the target local language. These translators should have a strong understanding of scientific terminology and concepts to ensure accurate translations.
Form translation teams: Establish translation teams comprising native speakers of the target local language, along with experienced scientific translators. This collaboration ensures that the scientific material is accurately translated while preserving the cultural nuances and linguistic integrity of the local language.
Develop terminology glossaries: Create comprehensive glossaries in each target local language that include scientific terms and their equivalents. This facilitates consistent translations across different books and ensures accuracy and clarity.
Provide training and resources: Offer training and resources to translators, including workshops on scientific terminology, writing styles, and effective translation techniques. This helps maintain translation quality and ensures that the local languages are capable of handling scientific concepts.
Collaborate with publishers and institutions: Collaborate with publishers, educational institutions, and scientific organizations to support and promote the translation of scientific books. Seek partnerships that can provide funding, technical support, and distribution channels to make the translated materials widely available.
Implement peer review: Establish a peer review process where experts in the field review the translated materials for accuracy and clarity. This quality assurance step ensures that the scientific information in the translated books is reliable and meets high standards.
Promote awareness and usage: Launch campaigns and initiatives to raise awareness among the target local language communities about the availability and importance of scientific books in their languages. Encourage the usage of the translated materials in educational institutions, libraries, and other relevant settings.
Evaluate impact: Continually evaluate the impact of the translated materials by assessing their usage, gathering feedback from readers, and measuring the improvement in accessibility to scientific knowledge for non-English speakers. This feedback loop helps refine the translation process and demonstrates the value of the initiative.
The government can play several roles in facilitating the translation of scientific books into local languages:
Financial support: The government can allocate funds specifically for the translation of scientific books into local languages. This funding can be used to hire qualified translators, provide training and resources, and support the overall translation process. Financial support from the government can make the endeavor more sustainable and increase the availability of translated scientific materials.
Policy development: The government can develop policies and guidelines that encourage and prioritize the translation of scientific books into local languages. This can include incentives for publishers and institutions to invest in translation efforts, as well as regulations that promote the use of translated materials in educational settings. By setting clear expectations and creating a supportive environment, the government can drive the translation initiative forward.
Collaboration and partnerships: The government can foster collaboration between stakeholders, including publishers, educational institutions, scientific organizations, and local communities. By facilitating partnerships, the government can create a network of support that enhances the translation process. This can involve connecting translators with publishers, coordinating distribution channels, and providing technical assistance.
Capacity building: The government can invest in capacity-building initiatives that aim to develop a pool of skilled translators proficient in both the source language and the local languages. This can be achieved through training programs, workshops, and scholarships. By investing in the skill development of translators, the government helps build a sustainable infrastructure for future translation projects.
Resource mobilization: The government can help mobilize additional resources, including technological tools and linguistic resources, to support the translation process. This can involve partnerships with libraries, research institutions, and other organizations that can provide access to relevant resources and databases necessary for accurate translations.
Quality assurance: The government can establish quality assurance mechanisms to ensure that translated scientific books maintain high standards. This can include setting up review committees or panels of experts who assess the accuracy and clarity of the translated materials.
Promotion and distribution: The government can take an active role in promoting and distributing translated scientific books. This can involve organizing book fairs, conferences, and exhibitions that highlight the availability and importance of the translated materials. The government can also collaborate with educational institutions to integrate the translated books into curricula and establish libraries where they can be accessed by students
In summary, Nigeria is a diverse country with over 250 ethnic groups and numerous indigenous languages. English serves as the official language, but there is a need to translate scientific books into local languages to improve accessibility for non-English speakers. Translating scientific books into local languages, such as Yoruba, can bridge the language barrier, preserve linguistic diversity, and foster innovation. The process involves identifying target languages, engaging translators, forming translation teams, developing terminology glossaries, providing training and resources, collaborating with publishers and institutions, implementing peer review, promoting awareness and usage, and evaluating impact. The government has a role to play by providing financial support, developing policies, fostering collaboration, building capacity, mobilizing resources, ensuring quality assurance, and promoting and distributing translated books.
Water is Life and Clean Water Means Health – Audrey Hepburn
Access to safe water is a big problem in Nigeria. This is due to the high levels of poverty associated with rural areas and the increasing urbanization and population associated with urban areas in the country. In Nigeria, more than half of the entire population does not have access to safe water making it highly unlikely for the country to achieve the UN’s sustainable development goals set for 2030 regarding the provision of quality water. The situation is worst in Lagos state, the so-called economic heart of Nigeria. I have spent more than 3 decades on Earth with 2 decades and a half in my home country (mostly in Lagos) and this problem has been there for as long as I can remember. I will start by talking about my experience as a little girl growing up in an area in Lagos with a lack of safe water.
Lagos state is divided into two areas, the mainland where the middle and low-income populations live, and the island where the high-income populations live. This housing inequality is also reflected in the distribution of safe water across the state simply because high-income households have access to safe water (either through treated pipes or through treated boreholes) while middle and low-income households depend majorly on untreated boreholes, dug wells, and water vendors. Some middle-income households on the mainland have boreholes that are not in many cases free from contaminants and dug wells are not treated at all. Fecal contaminants, pesticides, herbicides, heavy metals, and pharmaceutical compounds are therefore widespread in boreholes and dug wells that people depend on for daily use apart from drinking. Low- and middle-income households mostly buy packaged sachet water for drinking purposes.
As a girl from a very low-income family, I remember having to go several miles to fetch water with a big bucket on my head just like in the diagram below, but my bucket is in most cases bigger than that. There are different water vendors in Lagos. These vendors are people who sell packaged sachet water (mostly for drinking) and those who sell water directly from their self-made boreholes. Low-income households buy water from the latter for daily use, but you must go to the vendor to fetch the water and pay for the water you are fetching. If you are lucky, you can have this vendor in your street, if not, you must walk some miles to fetch the water with a bucket on your head.
As a little girl, I will not go only once to fetch water every day, but I will sometimes go five to six times depending on the family’s needs. The water vendor was also not close to our house, and I can tell you how difficult and painful it is to carry a large bucket of water on your head for several minutes until you get home, empty the bucket, and then go for another round. I did this throughout my childhood age even until I became a teenager. It only stopped when I got to the University, not because safe water was accessible but because I could afford to pay water vendors to supply me with water.
A girl with a bucket of water on her head. Image source here
Sadly, the situation of safe water inaccessibility is worst now, and many girls (from low-income households) are subjected to this hardship as more than 90 % of households do not have access to treated piped water and they must fend for themselves with girls bearing the burden in most cases. Access to safe water is a fundamental human right but the question is, why don’t we have access to safe water in Lagos, or should I say, why is there a large inequality in access to safe water in Lagos?
The Lagos Water Corporation oversees safe water supply in Lagos state. The organization’s mission is to ensure safe water provisions for all Lagos residents regardless of their socio-economic status. Reading the website of the organization, I see that the current water production capacity is 210 million gallons per day. According to them, this capacity exceeds the current water demand in Lagos which is true. Currently, there are 16 million populations in Lagos state, and each population only requires 50 liters (~ 11 gallons) of safe water per day. So, what happens? Why is it that 90 % of people still fend for their daily water use? The water sector also developed a roadmap through which their production capacity would increase to 745 million gallons per day in 2020 but this apparently has not addressed the water shortage experienced by the population.
Several factors are hampering the distribution of safe water to Lagos households. According to Jideonwo (2014), these factors include poor implementation of water production strategies, unstable power supply, low revenue generation, inadequate funding, and lacking water governance. In addition, there is no regulation restricting the discharge of pollutants in the state leading to a widespread of water pollution. Lagos Water Corporation also complained of the destruction of water pipes, vandalization, and theft of water equipment.
Access to safe water is a fundamental human right and lack of safe water is a health problem that needs to be addressed as soon as possible as people now depend on water sources polluted with anthropogenic pollutants such as heavy metals, microplastics, arsenic, antibiotics, and other pharmaceutical care products. Without good-quality water, maintaining good sanitation and hygiene is almost impossible leading to microbial contamination of the water system which culminates in the spread of waterborne disease in several communities. There are ways through which the Lagos state government can improve safe water supply to Lagos households. These include:
Investing more in better infrastructure such as water treatment plants, water storage facilities, and pipelines can improve the production, treatment, and distribution of safe water.
Regular monitoring of water quality can help identify and address issues before they become widespread, thereby reducing the occurrence of waterborne diseases.
Educating the public on proper sanitation and hygiene can significantly reduce water contamination. Simple practices such as handwashing can help prevent the spread of waterborne diseases.
The Lagos State government can collaborate with the private sector on water production ventures, tapping into private sector innovations and funding to deliver water to the residents.
Encouraging households and institutions to harvest rainwater can reduce dependency on public water sources and prove as a complementary source of water supply to the people of Lagos State.
Supply water to households and encourage them to pay a little amount of money. These can help in revenue generation which can be used to strengthen water infrastructures.
I will drop my pen here, I hope you enjoy the article, please feel free to drop your recommendation on how safe water provision can be improved not only in Lagos state but also in your Location.
I made my first trip to Spain at the beginning of April to the University of Cadiz (Universidad De Cadiz). This visit was not for fun but to analyze pharmaceutical compounds in seawater samples obtained from the North Sea Thanks to my research group; processes and sensors of the marine interfaces for helping to collect the samples during the Heike Cruise in March 2023.
The University of Cadiz is in Cadiz Province located in the southwestern part of Spain. The University according to Global Higher Education was founded in 1979 with an origin that can be traced back to the 15th century. The University has four different campuses which are located in four different cities. The cities are Cadiz City, Puerto Real City, Jerez City, and the Bay of Algeciras. Each campus has different faculties. For instance, the College of Engineering, Health, and Computer Sciences are on the Cadiz campus. Administrative work is said to be on this campus.
On the other hand, studies relating to Education, Marine sciences, and natural and Environmental sciences are on the Puerto Real campus. I, therefore, visited this campus for the analysis of my seawater samples for two weeks. I must say that it was a wonderful experience 😍😀.
We left on the 10th of April in the morning with samples as my supervisor came to pick me up to the airport (Hamburg). It was indeed a good trip with her and I am so lucky to have such a very nice supervisor. Because of the samples, we had to leave as early as possible in the morning to be able to check in the extra luggage. Checking in was good and effective. Flight takeoff and landing were also good only to get to the airport (Jerez airport; the closest airport to Cadiz) without my samples and other luggage arriving at the same time with me. My host at the University Professor Pablo Lara-Martin communicated effectively with the customer care service of the flight. I could not speak Spanish. I knew that speaking English with customer care would not afford me the full information needed for the location of my luggage 😀. Thus, with his effective communication technique, we were able to locate the samples and my other luggage. They were delivered to the University the next day and I was really happy. Information about sample processing and results will be published in a scientific journal and later posted on this page.
My host was the head of the Physical Chemistry Department in the Faculty of Marine and Environmental Sciences, at the University. The research group majored in the distribution and analysis of pharmaceutical compounds in coastal environments, estuaries, and wastewater treatment plants. They have expertise in different types of chromatography and mass spectrometry most especially in ultra-performance liquid chromatography and triple quadrupole mass spectrometry. You can find some of their publications here. All the people in the research group are nice, welcoming, and accommodating. I would love to visit the school again and I look forward to more collaborations 😍😀.
Now let’s talk a little bit about Cadiz and the reasons why you should visit this amazing place. Cadiz is located in the southwestern part of Spain. The City is very rich in culture and all-around beauty. According to Biel-Maeso et al. (2018), the city has a total number of 430,000 inhabitants, five ports, and many shipyards and because the city is an island, its important attribute is fishing tourism. So, if you are interested in fishing and tourism pack your bags and head to Cadiz for an unforgettable experience.
Even though was busy analyzing my samples during my two-week stay at the university, I had the chance to visit the city on my last day there with a couple of wonderful friends and I was overwhelmed by the beautiful scenery that radiates over the city. I have not been to other cities in Spain but I can say that Cadiz can be the perfect destination if you want to experience Spain’s true essence. Please see the pictures below.
Another important aspect of the city is the transportation system which is typical of the European transportation system. Transportation is not only good but also very cheap. You however have to purchase the popular transportation card and load the card with maybe 10 Euros. This will be affording you over 90 % discounts on transportation by bus. For instance, commuting to the University from Puerto Real resident with the card in most cases costs me only 34 cents. Without the cards, I once had to pay 2.30 euros 😩.
Overall, my trip to the University of Cadiz was an unforgettable experience, full of research experience and natural beauty. If you are a student and you are planning to visit the University for a research stay, depending on the location of the department you intend to visit, you can choose to stay in Puerto Real or Cadiz. Even though both are in the same Cadiz province, they are two different cities and are located some kilometers (30 minutes max) away from each other. If you plan to visit the Puerto Real campus, staying in Puerto Real will save you some time in communing with the University every day. But you can also stay in Cadiz for full culture, history, and beautiful scenery experiences.
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Power, today,comes from sharing information, not witholding it- keith Farrazzi
We have all been to a stage where we must take a step forward academically. We are often left with various choices, which could be whether to study in our home countries or study abroad. If the latter is the case, we are still left with the question ”which country”? The US, Germany, United Kingdom, Canada, Sweden, Belgium, Demark, India, China, etc. In my case, I knew I had to further my studies after my bachelor’s degree in Nigeria. I had worked for three years and just wanted to advance in knowledge. I had three choices regarding where (the country) to further my studies. My choices were (i) my home country, (ii) the United Kingdom, and (iii) Germany.
Even though I had registered for a master’s degree program and was about to do the entrance examination at the University of Lagos, Nigeria, I changed my mind because I wanted to study abroad to gain international experience. Hence, I narrowed down my choices to the United Kingdom and Germany. In the end, I opted for Germany for several reasons. It was a great decision because I did not regret any ounce of the choice that I made. Several factors informed my decision to study in Germany and some of these reasons will be mentioned below.
Education is Free. I am always surprised when students contact me and asked about how much I am paying for the tuition fee in Germany. It is important to note that unlike the UK, Canada, the US, and other Western countries, education in Germany is free even for international students. Although there are some private universities for example Jacob University Bremen that charge at least 29,000 Euros for all sessions depending on your program. Universities like Jacob University Bremen are however very few. Many universities in Germany are public universities and you do not need to worry about paying any ridiculous amount as tuition fees.
Many Universities in Germany do not charge tuition fees except for what is usually called the ”semester contribution” which can be as little as 200 Euros depending on the school. This information is usually displayed on the university’s website, so you must do your research about the exact amount in your university of interest. It is also worth noting that the semester contribution changes every semester. But the difference is still within the affordable range. The semester contribution offers numerous benefits to students. First, paying the semester contribution confirms your enrolment into the school. Secondly, paying the semester contribution will allow you to obtain a semester card. With the semester card, you can travel (by bus, tram, S-Bahn, and U-Bahn) to all parts of your city without having to buy a ticket. You can also travel by train to neighboring cities without having to buy a train ticket.
Like other Western countries, universities in Germany have state-of-the-art resources and equipment which facilitate effective learning and research experiences. Most universities are also affiliated with research institutes and students are in most cases integrated into the German research cultures. The most interesting part is that students do not have to pay a dime for using the school’s resources and equipment for study and research purposes. This is contrary to what we have in some universities in Africa and other countries. You however must be under adequate supervision and be affiliated with a research group before you can utilize many of this research equipment.
Most Master courses are taught in English. Even if you need the German language for your everyday life in Germany, you do not need to learn the language before you are allowed to study in the country. This may also depend on the program you are coming to study. As previously stated, the language of interaction for many master courses is English. Although, this may be different for some Bachelor courses which use English and German as the language of instruction. This will be clearly stated on the school website and in that case, it would only make sense if you can take your time to learn the language. PhDs also do not require you to learn the language, but this will be discussed in a later post.
Some Universities in Germany do not require English language exams such as IELTS, TOEFL, TOEIC, and Cambridge for application. You must however show that English was the language of instruction during your undergraduate days by obtaining a letter from your alma Mata that clearly states this. Many Universities will, however, request English language exams, so I strongly advise writing either IELTS or TOEFL as they will increase your chances of getting admitted to the University of your choice and will not restrict your application to the schools that you do not want.
That said, here are some tips to help you navigate your study journey to Germany.
Be informed about universities in Germany and their requirements.
Information comes in different ways, and you need to get all the information you need to start preparing for your study journey to Germany. Information is key. Even with technological advancements which have resulted in the availability of much information online, many people are still either uninformed or underinformed. I was also guilty in this regard. Before I opted for Germany, I did not inform myself about the country so most of my focus was to study in the UK. It was a friend who hinted to me that education in Germany is free and that was it. After then, I tried my best to make better use of the internet. I was always searching and clicking around. I did this for about three months, and it felt as if I know almost everything about all the Universities in the country 😂. A year later, I started my master’s degree program in Germany. To be informed about universities in Germany and their requirements, here are what you should do:
Write it. Shoot it. Publish it. Crochet it. Sauté it. Whatever. Make it- Joss Whedon
First, get a new notebook for this specific purpose.
Start by simply typing ‘Universities in Germany’.
Pick the first school on the list and navigate your way through the site to where their courses are listed.
Did you find your course of interest? if not, close the page and move to the next school. If yes, click further to check the school’s requirements for the course. Here you should
Write down the name of the school and the course that interests you.
Check for the application start dates and deadlines and write them down
List all their requirements and check mark with ✔️ if you have and with ✖ if you do not have some of the requirements.
Write down the application process.
Some universities (majority) in Germany require that you do not apply directly to them but to the national service provider called Start | uni-assist. If this is the case, you will have to apply to the school through this service provider and their websites are simple.
Most Universities in Germany have pages on their website that contain information for international students. This page contains information about how to organize your life and navigate your way to the city of the school. These pages also contain information on where you can get help (not monetary) or whom you can contact when you need help. Ensure that this page (on the website of the university you are interested in) becomes your friend when you start your study journey and visit it quite often
Try as much as possible to write down at least 5 Universities that you are interested in and start working on getting all their requirements one after the other.
Most Universities in Germany require that you notarize your documents before sending them down during the application process. Please take note of this because it may result in multiple admission rejections as I experienced. Simply take your original documents and photocopies to any notary public close to you and have them notarized.
Send in your application immediately after the application process opens and your documents several weeks before the application process ends. As previously stated, apply to at least five Universities.
Be informed about the Embassy requirements, and appointments.
Big achievements come one slight advantage at a time, one step at a time, one day at a time- Jim Rohn
Now that you have sent in your applications, do not wait for your admission letters to arrive before you start making the next move. This includes working and check marking the documents you will need for your visa application. You can do this by visiting the websites of the German Embassy in your home country. The websites are usually straightforward, and they have a particular checklist (pdf) that contains all the required documents.
The reason why you need to start working on getting those documents is that booking an appointment for your visa application at the embassy is not easy as many people are booking appointments at the same time. Sometimes, the embassy may be booked out for several months and this may not favour you eventually when your admission letter arrives.
As previously stated, Embassy’s website has listed all requirements you would need for your visa application. Please pay attention to all the information on the website. One of the most important documents is the proof of funding which can be a blocked account with a minimum disposal sum of 934€/month (for 12 months), a letter of commitment (called a sponsorship letter from a relative or a friend living in Germany) or with credit scholarship letter. The essence of the proof of funding especially the block account is to show that you have money to cater for yourself in the first year of your studies. All the requirements are achievable, all you need is to take one step at a time.
You can book your appointment even before getting all the documents. You just need to take each step towards achieving your goal and get all the documents before going for your appointment. Your admission letter is also an integral part of your visa application process. If you apply correctly and meet all the requirements of the school, that should not be a problem. Once your documents are ready and you have attended your visa application interview, it takes about 4-6 weeks for your student visa to be ready.
Sort out your accommodation.
Before you get your visa approval email, it is essential to start sorting your accommodation out. Accommodation is one of the challenges you may have to face depending on the city you are going. and as such it’s crucial that you start looking for accommodation early before you leave your home country. Here are some tips you need to secure housing before you head to your place of study.
Apply Accommodation in many universities in Germany is managed by a special department called the ”Studentenwerk Wohnheim’’. If you are coming for your master’s or bachelor’s degree, it is best to apply to the ”Studentenwerk Wohnheim in your school. This is because accommodation managed by the Studentenwerk is always affordable. Ensure that you send them emails regarding your arrival.
Build a support network. Before leaving your home country, find other international students and make friends in the city you are heading to. You can make use of LinkedIn and other social media platforms such as Facebook, Twitter, and TikTok in finding people. Don’t be afraid to ask for help if you need it. I have met numerous international students via LinkedIn. All you need to do is to type the name of your school on LinkedIn and send a direct message to people you may be acquainted with. You will be surprised at the level of help you will receive.
Download and make use of such applications as WG and eBay. People often advertise their rooms or apartments on these applications. Don’t be afraid to apply to any room you find affordable. Also, send direct messages to people and ask questions via the apps.
Make use of your international student web and social media pages. People also advertise accommodations there.
Apply for a buddy through the buddy program of your school. A Buddy is someone who volunteered to show you around the city when you arrive. It is not the duty of your Buddy to get any accommodation or provide any information in that regard for you. Your Buddy can however help in speaking or interpreting the language for you when it is needed.
Once you arrive, attend the orientation at your school to meet new people. Learn about the local culture and get acquainted with the campus. Get to know your city by taking a stroll around and exploring exciting places. Your studies are paramount and as such, ensure that you excel in all your courses. Do get in touch if you need further information. I wish you all the best in all your endeavours.
Dreams can come true, but there is a secret. They’re realized through the magic of persistence, determination, commitment, passion, practice, focus and hard work. They happen a step at a time, manifested over the years, not weeks- Elbert Hubbard
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