By Rita Okoye
Janet Osinaike, an emerging academic media enthusiast and multilingual educator, continues to champion innovative education that puts students at the center of learning. With experience in Nigeria and the United States, Osinaike brings a global view to the development of young minds.
Currently serving as a Graduate Assistant at Bemidji State University in Minnesota, she works directly with students, helping them sharpen their academic writing and English-speaking skills. “It’s not just about grades,” she says. “It’s about building confidence, clarity, and communication.”
Her work ranges from research and reference assistant to assisting students in finding resources needed for research and supporting faculty and staff with library research projects in digitization efforts or special collections. “Every student learns differently. The teacher’s job is to find what works best and help them thrive,” she noted.
Prior to her U.S. engagement, Osinaike taught English and Literature in Nigerian secondary schools, where she prepared students for the West African Examination Council and National Examinations Council. She also mentored students and managed school communication. “Teaching in Nigeria taught me patience, adaptability, and resilience,” she recalled.
Osinaike is especially passionate about blending traditional teaching methods with digital innovation. “We must move beyond chalkboards. Digital tools can make education more engaging and inclusive,” she asserted.
Her academic research explores how social media influences digital skill development in Nigerian youth and the impact of Pidgin English on academic communication. These topics, she says, are not random. “They reflect the challenges and opportunities I’ve seen as a teacher,” she said.
Her findings on digital skills have earned attention for their implications for curriculum development. “Nigeria’s future workforce must be trained today, and that starts with integrating digital education into all levels of schooling,” she emphasised.
Beyond the classroom, Osinaike’s professional capacity as a Media Intern at the Ajayi Crowther University, Oyo, further speaks to her advocacy. “Learning the right way to express ideas should be as important as learning the ideas yourself,” She remarked.
She also holds professional certifications in customer service, project management, and resource management from LEAM Consulting and RMCI UK. These credentials strengthen her belief in cross-disciplinary education. “No knowledge is wasted. Every skill adds value,” she said.
Despite her rising academic profile, Osinaike remains grounded and focused on her roots. “I want to be the kind of teacher I needed when I was younger, supportive, curious, and always learning,” she remarked.
Osinaike’s journey serves as an inspiration to aspiring educators, especially women. “We need more female voices in education transformation. Our experiences bring valuable perspectives,” she said.
She is currently working on expanding her research to the sociolinguistics of language communication while including case studies from other universities in Nigeria. “Understanding diverse student experiences will help shape policies that truly work,” she explained.
Through her work, Janet Osinaike is making a lasting impact on education in Nigeria and beyond. Her message to institutions is simple yet urgent: “Support your students. Equip your teachers. Embrace the future.”