Empowering the Teachers (ETT) Program
The MIT-Empowering the Teachers (ETT) program is an intensive semester-long teaching engagement hosted by the Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT), designed for early-career faculty from African universities, particularly Nigeria. Led by Professor Akintunde Ibitayo Akinwande of MIT’s Electrical Engineering and Computer Science (EECS) Department, the program equips outstanding educators with the tools, mindsets, and experience to transform science and engineering education across Africa.
FAQs
Who is eligible to apply for the MIT-ETT Fellowship?
Early-career faculty from African universities, typically in science, engineering, and related fields. Most participants are within 5–7 years of completing their PhD.
What does the program cover?
- Participation in seminars and lab activities
- Travel and living stipends are supported by NNPC Ltd. and TotalEnergies EP Nigeria, the program’s generous sponsors.
- A semester-long teaching residency at MIT
- Curriculum development workshops
- Mentoring and support from MIT faculty
What do fellows do after the program?
- They redesign existing courses or develop entirely new ones, grounded in student-centered pedagogy and real-world problem-solving.
- They implement fresh teaching strategies learned during their time at MIT.
- They train colleagues in their departments, helping to cascade the ETT approach across their institutions.
- They join and contribute to a growing alumni network that spans over 30 Nigerian universities.
- Many have gone on to influence national education policy, launch educational startups, or lead curriculum reform efforts in their departments and faculties.
How is the impact of the program measured?
- Reports on student outcomes
- New course materials developed
- Quantitative student impact (number of students taught)
- Fellow-led institutional reforms
- Research and innovation outcomes
- Alumni testimonials and fellow collaborations