Baobab and Beakers

Episode 7: Leveraging Data for National Development: The Data Science Nigeria Story with Dr. Olubayo Adekanmbi

For this months episode I spoke with Dr. Olubayo Adekanmbi, founder and CEO of Data Science Nigeria and Co-founder of EqualyzAI. We spoke about the role his childhood adventures and curiosity-driven experiements played in his path to becoming a researcher, the realization that led to the creation of Data Science Nigeria - an organization dedicated to democratising access to AI and data science education to develop talent that will drive innovation across Africa and the world at large.  Our conversation explores the importance of a Nigerian-centric data science ecosystem and the collaborative efforts needed to drive socioeconomic development in Nigeria.  I hope you enjoy this episode!  Connect with Dr. Bayo Adekanmbi :  * LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/bayoadekanmbi [https://www.linkedin.com/in/bayoadekanmbi]  Learn more about Data Science Nigeria  * Website: https://datasciencenigeria.org/ Sound effects from BBC Sound Effects and Pixabay

Episode 6: All Theory No Practical?: The Academia in Nigeria Story with Prof. Taofikat Adesalu

In this episode, I speak with Professor Taofikat Adesalu, a professor of Botany in Algal Ecology and Limnology at the University of Lagos. We spoke about her childhood desire to study medicine and her transition to Botany. It started as a change of course form but was solidified one afternoon after looking at water samples from the Niger Delta under a microscope as an undergraduate student. Our conversation highlights the infrastructure and funding gaps hindering academic research in Nigeria, the importance of public engagement in research and policy development, as well as the importance of professionals giving back to their society through volunteering and mentoring especially as a way to encourage young aspiring students, even more so those from low socio-economic backgrounds amongst many other features of the life of a Nigerian academic.  I hope you enjoy this episode with the first scientist I ever knew; my mother!  Connect with Prof. Taofikat Adesalu :  * LinkedIn: Taofikat Adesalu (Ph.D.) - Professor of Phycology, Algal Ecology and Biotechnology, Environmental Botany, Fulbright Scholar (Vice President [https://ng.linkedin.com/in/taofikat-adesalu-ph-d-69215b11]  Media Recommendation:  * Book: Don’t be Sad by Dr. Aidh al-Qarni  Sound effects from BBC Sound Effects and Pixabay

Episode 5: Environmental Stewardship in Nigeria: The Greenfingers Wildlife Conservation Initiative Story with Chinedu Mogbo

In this episode, I speak with Chinedu Mogbo, founder of Greenfingers Wildlife Conservation Initiative, about his journey from a childhood fascination with animals to establishing a wildlife sanctuary in Nigeria. We discuss the challenges he faced in transitioning to conservation, the current state of wildlife protection in Nigeria, and the importance of educating the younger generation about environmental stewardship. He highlights the critical roles that various species play in maintaining ecological balance and the urgent need for community engagement in conservation efforts.  We also talk about the work Greenfingers is doing from rescuing wildlife like sea turtles, pangolins and African grey parrots amongst others to enlightening school students and community members through intentional programming. We also discuss the gaps in academia, public policy, and public knowledge that are hindrances in efforts towards wildlife conservation. As humans we have a stewardship role in our society and the impact we have on the wildlife in our communities comes back to affect us one way or the other. We play an important role in conservation efforts. I hope you enjoy this episode!  Here are links mentioned in the episode:  Connect with Greenfingers :  * Website: https://www.greenfingerswi.org/ [https://www.greenfingerswi.org/] * Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/greenfingerswi/?hl=en [https://www.instagram.com/greenfingerswi/?hl=en] * Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@greenfingerswi [https://www.youtube.com/@greenfingerswi]  Connect with Chinedu Mogbo :  * LinkedIn: https://ng.linkedin.com/in/chinedu-mogbo-89578a125 [https://ng.linkedin.com/in/chinedu-mogbo-89578a125]  Media Recommendation:  * TV Show: Programs by Sir David Attenborough; most recently Oceans (2025), most popular Planet Earth I, II, and III.  Sound effects from BBC Sound Effects and Pixabay

Episode 4: Unearthing Heritage - Where Science meets Art: The MOWAA Story with Ore Disu

In this episode, I speak with Ore Disu, the director of the Institute at the Museum of West African Art (MOWAA) located in Benin City, Edo State, Nigeria. We discuss Ore's journey from her childhood in Lagos to her career in architecture and urban development, and ultimately to her role in museum management. Ore shares insights on the importance of cultural institutions in Africa, the challenges faced in establishing MOWAA, and the innovative approaches being taken to engage the community and preserve heritage. The conversation highlights the intersection of art, science, and storytelling, and the need for a collaborative approach to cultural programming in West Africa. I hope you enjoy the episode! Don't forget to share with friends and family and leave a comment too! MOWAA opens up to the public on the 11th of November 2025, so make sure to mark your calendars and plan a visit! Here are links mentioned in the episode:  Connect with MOWAA:  * Twitter: https://x.com/mowaaofficial [https://x.com/mowaaofficial]  * Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/mowaaofficial/# [https://www.instagram.com/mowaaofficial/#]  * Website: https://wearemowaa.org/ [https://wearemowaa.org/]  Connect with Ore Disu:  * LinkedIn: https://ng.linkedin.com/in/ore-disu-8210ab1a [https://ng.linkedin.com/in/ore-disu-8210ab1a]  Media Recommendation:  * TV Show: Tales by Moonlight (NTA 1984-2002, 2013, 2020-2022, some episodes are available on the NTA Youtube channel)  * Book: Sapiens: A Brief History of Humankind (Author: Yuval Noah Harari)  Sound effects from BBC Sound Effects and Pixabay

Episode 3: From Curiosity to Community: The Space Bar Africa Story with Daniel Obiokeke

In this episode, I speak with Daniel Obiokeke, co-founder of Space Bar Africa. Alongside Segun Ojelade and Ema Odia, he is dedicated to making telescopes and astronomy accessible in Africa; starting with Nigeria. We discuss experiences that sparked his interest in the night sky and those that prompted the creation of Space Bar, and we discuss some of the gaps that exist in the Nigerian Space research and exploration context as well as Space Bars attempts at closing them. We also talked about their NASA Space Apps challenge, which in 2025 will be happening on the 4th and 5th of October so stay tuned to their social media for more information; details below. This conversation emphasizes the importance of curiosity and community in developing lasting and impactful institutions and worldviews. I hope you enjoy this episode! Here are links mentioned in the episode:  Connect with Space Bar Africa:  * Twitter: https://x.com/spacebarafrica [https://x.com/spacebarafrica]  * Website: https://spacebar.africa/ [https://spacebar.africa/]  Connect with Daniel Obiokeke * Twitter: https://x.com/obiokeke_ [https://x.com/obiokeke_]  Movie Recommendation:  Neptune Frost (dir. Anisia Uzeyman & Saul Williamsi, 2022)  Sound effects from BBC Sound Effects and Pixabay