Application open for the NNPC/TotalEnergies MIT-Empowering the Teachers (MIT-ETT) program

The MIT-Empowering the Teachers (MIT-ETT) program aims to address the shortcomings in science and engineering education in African universities. Through a rigorous and focused engagement, the program selects faculty members (ETT Fellows) from these universities and introduces them to cutting-edge teaching methodologies that prioritize student-centered learning.

By doing so, the program strives to foster innovation and creativity in science and engineering education within tertiary academic institutions in Africa. Our ultimate goal is to ensure that the students of our Fellows are well-prepared for the demands of today’s job market, equipped with practical problem-solving skills and critical thinking abilities. To support this initiative, NNPC Ltd. & TotalEnergies EP Nigeria have generously partnered with us as corporate sponsors of the program.

The MIT-Empowering the Teachers (MIT-ETT) program aims to address the current shortcomings in science and engineering education in African universities. These institutions have yet to prioritize problem solving, innovation, and creativity in their curricula, leading to a decline in standards and a lack of graduates equipped for the demands of the job market. The program seeks to introduce cutting-edge teaching methodologies that focus on student engagement and critical thinking, ultimately fostering innovation in tertiary academic institutions across Africa. NNPC Ltd. & TotalEnergies EP Nigeria proudly support and sponsor this initiative as corporate partners.

The science and engineering education in African universities lacks a focus on problem solving, innovation, and creativity, leading to a decline in standards due to neglect and lack of investment. The curricular and assessment methods do not promote critical thinking, open-ended problem solving, and creativity, but rather rely on teacher-centered lecture rooms centered on information acquisition and memorization. As a result, these institutions fail to produce graduates that meet the industry’s needs for value addition.

Objectives of the NNPC/TotalEnergies MIT-Empowering the Teachers (MIT-ETT) program

The ETT program aims to integrate innovation, creativity, and real-world problem solving into science and engineering curricula in African universities by exposing ETT fellows to MIT’s advanced teaching methodologies.

Program objectives:
1. Expose junior African professors to MIT’s cutting-edge problem-solving pedagogical methods.
2. Empower ETT fellows to drive change in their respective institutions.
3. Provide ETT fellows with opportunities to expand their professional network, including MIT faculty interested in emerging economies.

Approach of tge NNPC/TotalEnergies MIT-Empowering the Teachers (MIT-ETT) program

MIT has initiated the MIT-Empowering the Teachers (MIT-ETT) Program under the leadership of Professor Akintunde Ibitayo Akinwande (EECS) to tackle the aforementioned issues. This program welcomes young, talented African academics who have recently obtained their doctoral degrees to spend a comprehensive semester at MIT. The main objective is for them to learn about the curriculum development and content delivery methods at MIT. The goal is to enhance teaching content development in African institutions, focusing on student-centered content delivery, problem-solving, and creativity. This initiative aims to introduce new courses and modify existing curricula to emphasize critical thinking, problem-solving, hands-on design, innovation, and creativity. The African academics, while at MIT, create new course content for their home universities that align with the goal of fostering these skills in their students.

Throughout their time at MIT, the Fellows:

1. Observe instruction in their respective disciplines and subjects.
2. Engage with MIT faculty members teaching in their fields.
3. Develop courses based on a problem-solving approach inspired by similar courses at MIT.
4. Participate in discussions and explore curricular enrichment and reform through formal and informal interactions with the MIT community.

The ultimate aim is to revamp their current curricula by incorporating new materials, approaches, and methods that reflect the best practices of MIT: problem-solving, student-centered learning, innovation, and addressing the world’s most pressing challenges.

Eligibility for the NNPC/TotalEnergies MIT-Empowering the Teachers (MIT-ETT) program

To be eligible for the NNPC/TotalEnergies Fellowship, you must meet the following criteria:

1. Demonstrate a strong interest in developing innovative curricula and teaching methods, and consider yourself a catalyst for change.
2. Hold a PhD and currently serve as a faculty member in a Nigerian university, specializing in Computer Science, Electrical Engineering, Mechanical Engineering, Chemical Engineering, Petroleum Engineering, or Geophysics.
3. Possess a Lecturer One rank.

Duration and Reward:

The MIT-ETT program aims to select a cohort of exceptional young faculty members from Nigerian universities, specializing in disciplines such as Electrical Engineering, Computer Science, Computer Engineering, Mechanical Engineering, Chemical Engineering, Petroleum Engineering, and Geophysics.

These fellows will have the opportunity to spend a semester at MIT, fully funded, during either Spring 2024 (February-May 2024) or Fall 2024 (September-December 2024).

The MIT-ETT program will cover the expenses related to travel, accommodation, and instructional materials for the selected participants.

During their time at MIT, the chosen faculty members will:

1. Observe a minimum of two classes that align with their current teaching subjects.
2. Develop innovative curricular materials and teaching methodologies that can be implemented in their respective home universities.
3. Attend two weekly MIT-ETT seminars that focus on curriculum design and provide insights into MIT’s cultural aspects.

Application for the NNPC/TotalEnergies MIT-Empowering the Teachers (MIT-ETT) program

To apply for the NNPC/TotalEnergies ETT Fellowship, interested and eligible applicants should follow these steps:

1. Visit the fellowship application webpage.
2. Upload all the required documents and complete the application form.
3. All applications will undergo a thorough vetting process, conducted by an MIT committee.
4. Interviews will be conducted in Lagos, involving MIT faculty members and representatives from NNPC Limited and Total Energies. These interviews will take place during the week of July 22.
5. Candidates who are selected for interviews will receive notifications at the beginning of July 2024.
6. Only short-listed candidates will be contacted for the selection interview.
7. Please note that TotalEnergies reserves the right to modify, alter, reverse, or change the schedule and/or the selection process.
8. Deadline: May 26, 2024