Ghana has emerged as the 8th highest-ranking country worldwide in the proportion of its students pursuing Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics (STEM) opportunities in the United States for the 2024/25 academic year, according to a new report by ApplyBoard Insights.

The analysis, which examines international student enrollment trends and field preferences, shows that 53.7% of Ghanaian students in the U.S. focused on STEM programs — a +1 percentage point increase from the previous year.

This positions Ghana ahead of major players like China (53.4%) and Taiwan (52.1%), and reflects the growing appeal of STEM fields for African talent amid projected U.S. job growth in these sectors.

The report highlights that over 70% of students from top-ranked countries like India, Bangladesh, Iran, and Nepal pursued STEM, with Ghana’s performance underscoring Africa’s rising presence in high-demand fields. Nigeria ranked 5th at 61.9%, while Saudi Arabia and Pakistan followed closely.

Overall, the data points to a continued dominance of Asian countries, but with notable gains from African nations.

This trend aligns with broader U.S. enrollment patterns, where new international student numbers declined by 7% to about 277,000 in 2024/25, driven by drops at graduate levels. However, participation in Optional Practical Training (OPT), which allows graduates to work in their field, continued to grow, particularly in STEM, where extensions offer up to three years of post-study employment.

For Ghana, the findings signal strong interest in STEM among its youth, potentially boosting diaspora remittances, skills transfer, and innovation upon return. With U.S. STEM occupations projected to grow 8% by 2034 and offering median wages of US$104,000 — more than double non-STEM roles — this focus could position Ghanaian graduates for global competitiveness.

The report comes amid discussions on U.S. immigration policies affecting international students, including visa pauses, but emphasizes the enduring value of STEM education for career pathways.

The global African diaspora is mourning the death of Peninah “Penny” Muiruri, a Kenyan community health nurse who was found dead in her home in Horsham, Sussex, United Kingdom, under circumstances that remain unclear.

Muiruri, who lived and worked in the UK’s healthcare sector, was discovered after relatives and friends raised concerns when she suddenly stopped responding to calls and messages. According to those close to her, she had been in regular contact before communication abruptly ceased.

Following days of silence, her family in Kenya requested a welfare check through UK authorities. Sussex Police later accessed her residence and confirmed that she had been found dead inside the house.

Police Investigation Underway

UK police have confirmed that the case is under active investigation, with a postmortem examination scheduled to establish the cause of death.

Authorities have not released further details and have not confirmed whether foul play is suspected.

As of publication, no official cause of death has been made public.

Family and Diaspora Raise Alarm

Members of the Kenyan diaspora say Muiruri had no immediate family living with her in the UK and was believed to be living alone. Her sudden silence prompted deep concern among relatives in Kenya, who moved quickly to alert authorities.

A family representative noted that her body remains in the UK as arrangements are made to formally identify and claim her, while discussions continue around repatriation for burial.

Remembering Peninah Muiruri

Friends and colleagues describe Muiruri as kind, dedicated, and deeply committed to caring for others. Trained in Kenya before relocating to the UK, she joined thousands of African healthcare professionals who migrate abroad in search of better opportunities while filling critical labour gaps in Western health systems.

Her death has sparked renewed conversation within African diaspora communities about isolation, mental wellbeing, and the vulnerabilities faced by migrants living alone overseas.

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Appeal for Information and Support

The family is appealing to:

• Kenyans and Africans in the UK who may have known Peninah,
• Anyone who had contact with her in recent weeks,
• Well-wishers willing to assist with information, emotional support, or funeral and repatriation arrangements.

As investigations continue, family members and the wider diaspora say they are hoping for clarity, accountability, and dignity as they prepare to lay her to rest.

Julian Brown, a 22-year-old self-taught inventor from Georgia, USA, has developed a solar-powered microwave pyrolysis system.

His groundbreaking invention converts plastic waste into usable fuels like diesel, gasoline, and jet fuel—offering hope for regions battling severe plastic pollution, including Africa.

Brown, founder of NatureJab, began experimenting in high school and has built multiple prototypes of his “Plastoline” reactor. The process uses microwave heating—powered by solar panels—to break down plastics in an oxygen-free environment, producing refined fuels that independent lab tests confirm are functional and cleaner-burning than some conventional options.

Despite suffering second-degree burns from an early explosion and facing funding challenges (raising only tens of thousands toward a $1 million goal), Brown has demonstrated the fuel powering vehicles, including a recent test in a Dodge Scat Pack.

His innovation builds on established pyrolysis technology but focuses on small-scale, renewable-powered units suitable for local waste management.

In Africa, where massive plastic dumps contribute to environmental and health issues, such decentralized solutions could transform waste into affordable energy while reducing pollution.

Brown gained viral fame on social media in 2025 but briefly went offline amid personal security concerns, later confirmed safe by family.

Experts note scalability and safety challenges remain, but his work highlights grassroots innovation in sustainable energy.