“I won the Top 100 most scalable and innovative education solution in the world in November 2022. It is impacting the lives of over 95 million students worldwide. So, to the younger ones, I say: Be true to yourself. Be open to learning. Be free to dream. Be free to try and fail, but try again until you get it right.”- Amanda Obidike (FIMC,CMC,SPMIIM, MCPDM).
As expected, one is eager to know much more about her person; what inspired her into the unique project, the challenges she has been confronted with and how she overcame them. Beyond that, are the lasting lessons we, as concerned citizens, the younger generation of Nigerians and indeed the knowledge-seeking world could glean from her rich and fascinating career trajectory.
She is no other person than the multiple award-winning, rare gem who goes by the name, Amanda Obidike. She is currently a PhD student at the Selinus University of Science and Literature in Italy. Apart from bagging a Masters degree from the International Business School, Berlin, she studied Business Management and Administration from Obafemi Awolowo University, Ile-Ife.
In her words, she stated that: “I have over 10 years of work experience with a proven record of accomplishments in project management, Social Innovation, Consulting, building Non-Governmental Organisations and human capital across sub-Saharan ventures in Africa. I am a self-driven and an ambitious sustainability manager dedicated to continuous organisation improvement focused on enhancing revenue, social impact, incorporating innovation and streamlining community service operations.”
One was curious to get the nitty-gritty of what really motivated her into the STEM Project. She threw light on this to provide the relevant answers: “It will be noteworthy to understand that my education background was not science or technology related.
The interest in Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics began seven years-post graduation from the university.
“I took interest in STEM Education and focused on training educators using a project-based learning approach, empowering women and girls to take on STEM careers through mentorship and providing young talents in schools with resource tools and technical skills so that they can compete and excel on a global level.”
From her vast and varied experiences, it is patently clear that getting to where she is today was no picnic at the park. She had high hurdles and hitches to scale over. In fact, her initial challenge in the field of STEM was identifying mentors and key actors who could provide advice and support, especially in the NGO Space. Being a reserved person, it was difficult reaching out to women to inspire her vision in the STEM Project.
In all honesty, there are profound lessons to learn from the hands of the history-makers and change-agents such as the multiple-award winning Amanda Obidike. This happens to be only the beginning of our media interactions to come because truth be told, we need more of her type.
Ayo Oyoze Baje.
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