Ben Akpan’s Journey to the Presidency of the World’s Science Education Body

Professor Ben Akpan’s election as President of the International Council of Associations for Science Education (ICASE) marked a significant milestone in the career of the Nigerian science educator, placing him at the helm of one of the world’s leading organisations dedicated to advancing science education.

ICASE brings together science education associations, researchers, institutions and professionals from across the globe to promote collaboration, innovation and the exchange of best practices in science teaching and learning.

Born on November 11, 1959, in Ikot Akpasia, Ibesikpo Asutan Local Government Area of Akwa Ibom State, Akpan obtained a Bachelor of Science Education (Chemistry) from the University of Calabar in 1983. He later earned a Master of Education in Science Education from the University of Jos in 1986 and a PhD in Science Education from the University of Ibadan in 1999.

Before assuming the leadership of ICASE, Akpan had established a career in science education through teaching, research and educational administration.

As Executive Director of the Science Teachers Association of Nigeria (STAN), he has been involved in curriculum development, teacher training, science education advocacy and initiatives aimed at strengthening science, technology, engineering and mathematics (STEM) education in Nigeria.

His election as President of ICASE reflected his contributions to science education and provided an opportunity to work with educators, researchers and policymakers across different regions on initiatives aimed at improving STEM education and strengthening international collaboration.

During his tenure, Akpan worked with science education associations and institutions from different parts of the world to support programmes focused on improving science teaching, curriculum development and educational research.

Following his presidency, he served as Chair of the ICASE World Conferences Standing Committee from 2013 to 2023, providing leadership for the organisation’s flagship international conferences and contributing to discussions on emerging issues in science education.

Beyond organisational leadership, Akpan has contributed extensively to academic publishing. He has edited and co-edited several books, including Science Education: A Global Perspective, Science Education: An International Course Companion, Science Education in Theory and Practice, Science Education: Visions of the Future, and Contemporary Issues in Science and Technology Education.

He also serves on the editorial boards of several international journals and has participated in initiatives focused on science education, teacher development and curriculum reform.

In 1994, the Commonwealth Secretariat commissioned him to produce a monograph titled Implementing Science & Technology for All: A Guide to Better Policy and Practice for Teachers, reflecting his involvement in science education policy and teacher development.

Despite his international engagements, Akpan has remained active in advancing science education in Nigeria through advocacy for improved STEM education, teacher professional development and educational policy reforms.

His research interests include science education, chemistry education, environmental education, emerging technologies, regenerative science, space science and teacher professional development.

Akpan’s career reflects decades of engagement in science education, educational leadership and academic research. His service within ICASE and STAN has contributed to international collaboration in science education while highlighting the role of Nigerian scholars in global educational development.