IKI IN SCHOOL

Wiki-in-School Program (WISN)

Eight out of every ten Nigerian lecturers are Wikipedia users who wish to learn how to contribute to the platform and pass that knowledge on to their students. The Wiki-in-School Nigeria Program (WISN) was designed to empower Nigerian academics to actively contribute to Wikipedia and other Wikimedia projects, while equipping them with the skills to integrate these tools into their classroom teaching.

The call for applications lasted two weeks and focused on identifying lecturers from tertiary institutions. The aim was to instill 21st-century digital literacy through Wikipedia contribution.

Implementation and Selection

The program launched in December 2022. We received 24 applications across Nigeria’s six geopolitical zones: 12 from the Southeast, 1 from the South-South, 7 from the Southwest, 2 each from North Central and North West. Among them were 3 Professors and 10 Ph.D. holders.

After interviews, the five top candidates were invited to Lagos for a three-day training session at the La Regial Airport Hotel. Training covered Wikipedia editing, assigning student topics, and assessment strategies. Stipends supported participants’ local travel and student meetups. Mentors were assigned to guide their implementation after returning to their institutions on January 28, 2023.

Trained Participants:

• Ojo J. Osunmuyiwa – Margret Mosunmola College of Health Sciences and Technology, Owo
• Engr. Dr. Luqman Kareem Salati – Kaduna Polytechnic
• Dr. Davinson Chuka Anyogu – University of Nigeria
• Mariam T. Gobir – Kwara State University, Malete
• Prof. Verla Andrew Wirnkor – Imo State University, Owerri (did not attend)

Wikimedia UG Nigeria Strategic Meeting

On January 14, 2023, Wikimedia Nigeria held a strategic planning meeting for the 2023–2024 fiscal year. The 8-hour session included departmental reviews of past challenges, successes, and improvement opportunities. Discussions included financial guidelines, project execution strategies, and evaluation roadmaps.

Participants included: Chair – Olaniyan Olushola, Secretary – Olatunde Isaac, Executive Director – Omolayo Ogunsiji, Program Director – Ayokanmi Oyeyemi, Networks & Club Manager – Kayode Yusuf, Program Officer – Yinka Maja.

WUGN 2023 Annual Staff Retreat

In May 2023, Wikimedia User Group Nigeria conducted its annual staff retreat to define and align its vision for the fiscal year. The retreat adopted a coaching model, enabling team members to brainstorm, contribute ideas, and engage in goal-setting.

The retreat created space for reviewing past activities, welcoming new staff, and fostering a shared sense of purpose. Sessions led by industry experts covered critical skills in:

• Human resources & management
• Accounting & bookkeeping
• Taxation and financial integrity
• Social media management
• Learning and evaluation frameworks
• Office operations and workplace safety

A special segment introduced new staff to our organizational culture, ethical values, and leadership principles—ensuring team alignment and readiness for meaningful impact throughout the year.