In an era where technological breakthroughs and ecological crises are rapidly reshaping the African continent, the demand for rigorous, evidence-based science journalism has never been more urgent.
In recognition of her track record in science communication and solutions-driven reporting, Dajie Odok , Science Solutions Journalist, Media Trainer, and Lead at Radio IITA has been selected for the prestigious UK–West Africa Media Excellence in Emerging Technologies (UK MEET) Fellowship 2026.
Dajie Odok Blessing, Science Solutions Journalist, Media Trainer, and Lead at Radio IITA, has been selected for the UK MEET Fellowship 2026. Photo: Victor Ayoola
Delivered by Imperial College London through Imperial Global Ghana, with support from the British High Commission, the program equips West African journalists to report critically and creatively on cutting-edge science and technology.
Dajie was selected from more than 500 applicants across Nigeria and Ghana, placing in the top 13 percent following an independent review process that recognized her strong reporting track record, clear point of view, and compelling pitch.
The UK MEET Fellowship focuses on equipping journalists to move beyond press releases and rigorously interrogate four critical frontiers:
- Artificial Intelligence (AI): Machine learning, algorithmic ethics, and digital automation across African industries.
- Climate and Environmental Risk: Climate modeling, adaptation technologies, and carbon economies.
- Biomedical Innovation: Vaccine development, genomic science, and continental health security.
- Circular Economy and E-Waste: Sustainable materials, consumer tech life cycles, and e-waste management in West Africa.
In a region where misinformation can impede public health, agricultural progress, and climate resilience, the fellowship aims to bridge the gap between complex research and the public.
The fellowship kicks off with an intensive six-night residential training program in Abuja, Nigeria.
During the residential training week, fellows will engage with leading researchers, learn data-verification techniques for emerging technologies, and refine their story pitches. Fellows will also pitch for story-production grants, with selected winners participating in a fully funded knowledge-exchange visit to London, gaining direct access to Imperial College London’s laboratories, tech hubs, and leading UK media outlets.
As part of the fellowship’s residential programme in Abuja, Nigeria, fellows will also participate in the Artificial Intelligence (AI) in Health Summit 2026, taking place on 19–20 October 2026 at the TY Danjuma Foundation Building in Abuja.
The summit will bring together stakeholders across health, technology, research, policy and innovation to explore how artificial intelligence can strengthen health systems and advance universal health coverage in Nigeria and Africa.
This engagement will provide fellows with an opportunity to gain insights into the opportunities, challenges and responsible use of AI in healthcare. Learn more about the summit.
As Lead at Radio IITA ,a broadcast platform of the International Institute of Tropical Agriculture (IITA) ,Dajie has consistently championed solutions journalism, making complex agricultural and ecological research accessible to smallholder farmers and the broader public.
“Science cannot remain locked in laboratories or academic journals,” Dajie said. “It must be translated into evidence-based, human-centered stories that empower communities, inform policy, and drive development.”
Contributed by Bamise Dada
No Comments