In the demanding world of academia, where the mantra “publish or perish” looms large, balancing the drive for research with a passion for student engagement is a challenging task. As an educator deeply dedicated to hands-on learning, many might assume that my commitment to students leaves little room for research. Over the years, colleagues and mentors alike have reminded me to “write more papers,” knowing the pivotal role publication plays in academic advancement.
But this year has proven to be a defining one for me. Despite my busy schedule in the classroom, I’ve managed to achieve a remarkable milestone in my research career. With nearly 40 publications to date, 2024 alone saw the successful publication of seven new papers across respected national and international journals.
This accomplishment reaffirms that a strong focus on student engagement can indeed coexist with significant research contributions.
This experience underscores an important message: while publications are essential in academia, student engagement is equally valuable. I encourage my fellow lecturers to prioritize time with students—after all, they are at the heart of our academic mission. With intentional balance, we can excel in both areas. Here’s a summary of my academic publications, conferences, and training from 2024—a testament to how passion for teaching and commitment to research can go hand in hand.
Publications (2024) January-September 2024
1. Elevating Kwara State Economy Through Science Education
Faculty of Natural and Applied Sciences Journal of Mathematics, and Science Education, 6(1), 27–32.
– This paper examines the role of science education in fostering economic growth in Kwara State. It assesses current challenges in science education, highlighting its potential to drive innovation and equip the workforce for global opportunities.
– Link: https://fnasjournals.com/index.php/FNAS-JMSE/article/view/570
2. Impact of Nutrition on Academic Performance of Boarding Science Students in Ilorin, Kwara State, Nigeria
– Faculty of Natural and Applied Sciences Journal of Health, Sports Science and Recreation, 2(1), 97–110.
– This study explores how dietary habits affect academic performance, revealing that imbalanced nutrition, particularly skipping breakfast, significantly impairs cognitive functions in students.
– Link: https://fnasjournals.com/index.php/FNAS-JHSSR/article/view/525
3. Unlocking Nigerian Universities’ Role in Poverty Reduction: Challenges, Opportunities, and Pathways to Sustainable Development
– Faculty of Natural and Applied Sciences Journal of Basic and Environmental Research, 2(1), 72–77.
– This research delves into the pivotal role of Nigerian universities in addressing poverty through education and research, highlighting pathways for universities to contribute to sustainable development.
– Link: https://fnasjournals.com/index.php/FNAS-JBER/article/view/487
4. Analysis of Biology Teachers’ Workload in Senior Secondary Schools in Kwara State, Nigeria
– Jigawa Journal of Educational Research, 3(2), 305–325.
– Focusing on teacher workload, this study reveals that while many educators manage their academic duties well, a small percentage report challenges balancing work with personal life, especially in public schools.
– Link: https://jjer.com.ng/index.php/jjer/article/view/19/15
5. Digitization of Primary Schools through Computer Managed Instruction Programme in the Teaching of Science in Ilorin Metropolis
– Jigawa Journal of Educational Research, 3(1), 108–118.
– This paper evaluates the effectiveness of digital resources in teaching science at primary schools, highlighting teachers’ high proficiency in using digital tools and the success of the Kwara LEARN initiative.
– Link: https://jjer.com.ng/index.php/jjer/article/view/13/7
6. Analysis of Gender Representations in Recommended Biology Textbooks Used by Senior School Students in Nasarawa State, Nigeria
– Qeios.
– Our study explores gender representation in biology textbooks, finding patterns that may reinforce gender biases in students and calling for more inclusive content in educational materials.
– Link: https://doi.org/10.32388/j59s2u
7. Analyses of the Readability and Students’ Comprehension Levels of Biology Textbooks in Kwara, Nigeria
– International Research Journal of Science, Technology, Education, and Management, 4(3).
– This study examines readability and comprehension levels in biology textbooks, revealing challenges that could impact students’ learning experiences in upper secondary education.
– Link: https://doi.org/10.5281/zenodo.00000000
Conferences and Presentations (2024)
1. Curriculum Innovation for Sustainable Development
– 2nd KU8+ International Conference, Al-Hikmah University, Ilorin, Nigeria.
– This paper, presented in August 2024, explores the role of curriculum innovation in achieving sustainable development.
2. Innovative Edupreneurship: Crafting Affordable Instructional Materials from Waste Products
-University of Ilorin, Faculty of Education International Conference.
– This presentation highlights how recycling can produce affordable educational materials, promoting sustainability in education.
3. The Impact of Problem-Solving and Lecture Methods on Secondary School Students’ Performance in Biology
– ISEAN Annual National Conference, Obafemi Awolowo University, Ile-Ife, Nigeria.
– Examining instructional methods, this paper analyzes how problem-solving approaches can enhance student performance in biology.
4. The Role of Universities Towards Achieving Sustainable Development Goal 1
– KU8 International Conference, University of Ilorin, Nigeria.
– This paper emphasizes universities’ responsibility in tackling poverty through education, addressing the importance of stakeholder engagement in sustainable development.
Training and Professional Development attended in 2024
1. Peoples’ Friendship University of Russia (RUDN University)
– Certificate of Training: Academic Activities in Journals Publishing for Young Scholars.
– This training, held in Moscow, Russia, deepened my understanding of journal publishing, equipping me with tools to enhance my academic contributions.
2. Kwara State College of Education, Ilorin: Enhancing Tertiary Education with Virtual Tools
– This October webinar focused on strategies for integrating virtual tools in higher education, offering insights into future directions for digital learning.
3. Kwara State College of Arabic and Islamic Legal Studies, Ilorin: Cyber Security for Educators
– This September webinar, held in collaboration with Humaya Limited, explored cybersecurity essentials tailored for educational professionals.
4. Maryam Abacha American University of Nigeria: Online International Workshop on Research Informatics
– This September workshop covered research informatics, providing essential skills in methodology and research analysis.
5. KU8+ Consortium, Al-Hikmah University: 2nd KU8+ International Conference
– A conference focusing on curriculum and sustainable development, fostering collaboration across universities within the consortium.
Reflecting on a Milestone Year
Looking back, 2024 has truly been a year of growth, challenge, and accomplishment. This journey reminds me that balancing a hands-on teaching approach with impactful research is not only possible but also fulfilling. I encourage my fellow lecturers to prioritize time with students—after all, they are at the heart of our academic mission. With intentional balance, we can excel in both areas.
For those who thought that my dedication to the classroom might limit my research output—this year’s accomplishments are a reminder that passion for teaching and research excellence can indeed flourish together.
