Professor Joel Obo Eriba, the Provost Federal College of Education, Odugbo was on Thursday, 22nd August, 2024 conferred with the prestigious award of Fellow of Science Teachers Association of Nigeria (FSTAN) in Abuja.
In a colourful occasion, the awardee, Professor Eriba was decorated with the medal of honour at the investiture by Professor Donatus Igbokwe, the President of STAN in recognition of his immense contributions to the development of Science education in Nigeria and the elsewhere.
The Provost who is a professor of Chemistry Education has been a proficiently versatile academic of over four decades with demonstrable uncommon passion and commitment to broadening the horizon of science education.
Profeesor Eriba is one of the widely travelled frontline scholars of science education in Nigeria whose scholarly works have proven to be world-class with the impact resonating beyond the shores of the country.
The awardee despite the enviable height of career progression and attainment in the academic sphere, has unassumedly remained self-effacing, down-to-earth thoroughbred in his calling in other spheres.
In her commendation of the newly inducted recipient of the Fellow of STAN, Professor Elizabeth Yetunde Gyuse, FSTAN who has known Professor Eriba for over twenty years attested to the fact that they had worked together successfully as colleagues and on several assignments that bordered on science education and STAN-related issues.
While acknowledging that the recipient had actively participated in organising the annual conference of STAN in Benue State in 2010, Professor Gyuse stated that herself in conjunction with Professor Eriba and two other colleagues of theirs had undertaken a TETfund-sponsored research on mentoring science teachers in Benue State in 2014.
Professor Gyuse also noted that as a demonstration of Professor Eriba’s commitment to the association, he has published several articles in science education journals, carried out research and promoted interest and positive development in science education.
She particularly made reference to the recent (2024) inaugural lecture of Professor Eriba which stimulated a huge academic audience to positively viewing the critical role of attitude in science education.
Professor Gyuse also pointed out that since Professor Eriba was able to promote science education through his vantaged positions as Head of Department of Curriculum and Teaching, Deputy Dean of Postgraduate School, Director of Academic Planning and Deputy Vice Chancellor (Academic) all at Benue State University, Makurdi, she was optimistic that as the pioneer and current Provost of Federal College of Education, Odugbo, he would no doubt mobilise science-based academic staff of the college to join STAN.
In the same vein, Dr Timothy Akpoghol, the State Chairman of STAN, Benue State Chapter averred that Professor Eriba has made outstanding contribution and immense impact on science education in Nigeria.
Elaborating on the sterling qualities of the awardee, Dr Akpoghol stated that Professor Eriba has dedicated his professional career to advancing science education and fostering love for scientific inquiry among students.
He further added that Professor Eriba’s commitment to excellence, innovative teaching methodologies and tireless efforts towards enhancing the quality of science education has made him deserving of the Fellow of STAN.
In a related development, Dr Ruth Samuel, one of the mentees of Professor Joel Eriba in her congratulatory message on the prestigious award, extolled his exceptional contribution, dedication and unwavering commitment to the advancement of science education in the country.
Dr. Samuel showered encomiums on him for his nurturing passion for young minds and relentless pursuit of excellence which have not just inspired countless students but have also set a high standard in the field of science education.
Professor Eriba in his response to the encomiums appreciated the Association for identifying his modest contribution to the development of science education in Nigeria and deeming it right to honour him at the momentous occasion which was the gathering of academic giants of science education.
He reemphasised his commitment in partnering with peers and colleagues in mentoring and providing needed direction that will fast track the frontiers of growth and development in capacity building on current global trends in science education.