A Decade of STEM Excellence: African Science Academy 10th Anniversary????????

Nigeria Magazine · Reception, 28 October 2026, Bayes Business School, London

On 28 October 2026, alumni, teachers, partners and supporters filled a hall at Bayes Business School in London to mark ten years of the African Science Academy (ASA).

The mood was warm and proud. Conversations spilled across the atrium, old friends reunited, and guests lingered over every introduction. It felt less like a formal event and more like a family gathering, which suits a school built on community.

Where it began

ASA opened its doors in August 2016 as Africa’s first specialist STEM academy for girls. Founded by Dr Tom Ilube and the African Gifted Foundation, it was created for academically gifted young women from across the continent, many from low-income backgrounds, who show outstanding potential in mathematics, further mathematics and physics.

The model is simple and demanding: an intensive one-year, pre-university Advanced Level programme, taught at the school’s campus in Tema, Ghana, that prepares students for university study and careers in science, technology, engineering and mathematics.

Ten years of impact

A decade on, the numbers tell a story of real momentum:

• 300 gifted African girls have come through the Academy
• £20 million+ raised for scholarships
• 1 in 3 alumnae pursuing postgraduate study
• 9 cohorts graduated

Behind each figure is a young woman who arrived with talent and left with the tools, confidence and network to lead.

The founder, Dr Tom Ilube, shared stories from the ASA journey and thanked the partners, sponsors and champions behind its success. He set out the Academy’s next strategy: expanding AI and STEM education across Africa. Alumnae also spoke about their experiences and the difference ASA has made in their lives.

The academy’s Head of School, Gifty Ghansah, has spoken of her pride in the team that navigated challenges together so that students could flourish. Partners such as Takeda have also marked the milestone, pointing to the academy’s role in shaping the future of science and health.

Guests and supporters

Trustees and friends of ASA included Caron Ilube, Matthew Ilube and Selma Ilube. Nigeria Magazine was represented by Kede Aihie and Esosa Aihie.

Other guests included Oba Nsugbe KC, Maurice Asielue, Dr and Mrs Ashong, Mr and Mrs Woghiren, Janet Collyer, Sara Kironde-Strain, Nakato Kiwana, and many others.

Why this matters for Nigeria and Africa

Africa’s demand for scientists, engineers, data specialists and health innovators is growing fast, and women remain underrepresented in these fields. ASA shows what happens when talent is matched with opportunity. Its graduates are building careers that strengthen their communities, and many are Nigerian women who carry that promise home.

Looking to the next decade

The celebration in London was a thank-you to everyone who made the first ten years possible, and a call to keep going. The next decade will focus on expanding science, technology and AI across Africa, and it will depend on the same people who powered the first: donors, mentors, partners and friends.

To learn more or to support the next generation of women STEM leaders, visit the African Gifted Foundation at africangifted.org/asa/celebrating-10-years.

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