How Monday Moju Went from Classroom Lessons to National Honor as STAN Fellow

By Tosin Clegg

For many science teachers across Nigeria, the classroom is both a challenge and a calling. But for Mr. Monday Moju, newly conferred Fellow of the Science Teachers Association of Nigeria (STAN), the classroom has also been a laboratory of innovation, a place where education, sustainability, and global citizenship intersect.
At the Association’s annual conference, where his conferment was announced, the audience erupted in applause. The Fellowship is not routine recognition. It is one of STAN’s most prestigious honors, reserved for educators whose work demonstrates sustained excellence and transformative impact.
Yet behind the recognition lies a remarkable personal journey. Mr. Moju began as a dedicated classroom teacher, determined to spark curiosity in his students. Over time, his teaching philosophy evolved into a mission: to redefine science education in Nigeria so that it equips students to tackle real-world challenges. That mission has guided his research, workshops, and leadership within the education sector. In an interview following the ceremony, he explained: “For me, teaching science has never been about rote memorization. It has always been about helping students see connections between chemistry and the environment, between innovation and sustainability, between what they learn in school and the problems facing their communities. This Fellowship is a recognition of that vision.”
His colleagues describe him as a bridge-builder between traditional classroom practice and modern global imperatives. Over the years, he has introduced Nigerian teachers to new pedagogies that emphasize systems thinking, inquiry-based learning, and sustainable education. His work on integrating green chemistry and sustainability into science curricula has been widely praised as groundbreaking, enabling students to engage with issues such as pollution, renewable energy, and environmental stewardship.
Dr. Daniel, an education policy analyst, commented: “What sets Monday apart is his ability to translate complex concepts into practical classroom strategies. Teachers leave his training sessions not only with new knowledge, but with confidence that they can transform their classrooms into spaces of discovery and problem-solving.”
The significance of his recognition also extends beyond Nigeria. By aligning his work with the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), Mr. Moju has positioned Nigerian science education within a global conversation about sustainability and equity. This international relevance was not lost on the audience at the STAN conference, where several speakers noted his ability to connect local realities with global educational trends.
Reflecting on this, Mr. Moju observed:
“Nigerian students are part of a global generation. They deserve science education that prepares them to compete, collaborate, and innovate on the world stage. That is why I see this Fellowship not as a personal award, but as an opportunity to amplify the cause of equity and excellence in our classrooms.”
The conferment is also a recognition of his scholarly output. His research in science teacher education, curriculum design, and systems thinking has informed both national and international discussions. His work has appeared in conferences, journals, and workshops where he continues to advocate for reforms that place students and their future at the center of science education.
As he joins the distinguished ranks of STAN Fellows, Mr. Moju is not slowing down. He spoke passionately about the road ahead:
“This Fellowship is a reminder that we cannot afford complacency. The world is changing fast, and our students must be prepared for challenges we cannot yet imagine. My commitment is to keep building capacity for teachers, for students, and for the communities that depend on science for progress.”
For STAN, honoring Mr. Moju was more than recognition; it was a reaffirmation of the Association’s mission: to uphold standards, innovation, and equity in science education. For the broader Nigerian education community, his story is a beacon, a reminder that excellence in teaching is not only possible but also essential for national development.