Professor Mercy Ogunsola-Bandele Emerges 2026 NARST Fellow

Professor Mercy Ogunsola-Bandele of the National Open University of Nigeria (NOUN) has been named a 2026 Fellow of NARST, a global organisation dedicated to improving science education through research.

The recognition places her among a select group of international scholars honoured for their outstanding contributions to science education research and practice.

According to NARST’s official Fellows announcement, the 2026 class includes distinguished academics such as Tali Tal of Technion, Elizabeth Davis of the University of Michigan, Aslı Sezen-Barrie of the University of California Irvine, Umesh Ramnarain of the University of Johannesburg, and Prof. Ogunsola-Bandele.

NARST describes itself as a global organisation committed to advancing science teaching and learning through research, with a mission focused on promoting science literacy and strengthening educational outcomes worldwide.

Prof. Ogunsola-Bandele is a Professor of Science Education at NOUN and has played major leadership roles within the institution, including serving as Director of the Quality Assurance Directorate and pioneer Acting Dean of the School of Education.

Her emergence as a NARST Fellow is seen as a significant milestone for Nigerian academia, particularly in the field of science education, as it highlights the growing global recognition of scholars from the country.

The fellowship is one of the highest honours conferred by NARST and is reserved for individuals whose scholarly work has made lasting impacts on science education research internationally.

While NARST listed her fellowship affiliation under Athabasca University, her long-standing academic contributions at NOUN continue to underscore her influence in Nigeria’s higher education and research landscape.

Her recognition is expected to inspire more Nigerian researchers and educators to pursue impactful scholarship capable of shaping global educational development.