Victor EzejaNigerians continue to make the make the country proud at the global stage with breaking records in different fields of endeavors.
A Nigerian Professor of Engineering, Rose-Margaret Ekeng-Itua, has emerged as the first female black African to earn a Doctorate degree (Ph.D) in Cybernetics from the University of Reading in the United Kingdom.
Ekeng-Itua earned the degree under the supervision of her first Ph.D supervisor, Prof. Kevin Warwick, who is the first human Cyborg in the world.
Ekeng-Itua is currently an Engineering Professor at Ohlone College in Fremont, California where she has worked for six years.
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Cybernetics is the field of scientific study that compares how information is communicated in machines with that of the nervous system and the brain.
Ekeng-Itua, who hails from Cross River State in Nigeria, got her Bachelor’s degree in Electrical/Electronics Engineering (Telecommunications) from Federal University of Technology Owerri (FUTO), Nigeria.
She also obtained a Master of Science (MSc) in Mobile and Satellite Communications Engineering from the University of Surrey in England.
Not relenting in her quest to break grounds in the field of science and and technology, Ekeng-Itua also went to Harvard University where she obtained a Certificate in Disruptive Strategies.
She was able to record such sterling achievements despite challenges that came her way including being a woman of colour in a male-dominated field, gender biases and a lack of readily available role models.
Pioneering role in STEM Education in Africa
Ekeng-Itua is also credited with being a pioneer educator, administrator and engineer championing leading roles in Science Technology, Engineering and Mathematics (STEM) challenges in Africa, and paving the way for the African youth, especially girls.
She is a multi-award winning professor of engineering with with over 20 years of experience in Engineering and STEM Education. Her career cut across the USA, Europe and Africa, where she has led the creation of innovative programmes in STEM.
At Ohlone College, she is principal investigator for the National Science Foundation Advanced Technological Education Grant for Smart Advanced Manufacturing Education in the Silicon Valley. She also leads various apprenticeship/internship initiatives for engineering and advanced manufacturing in the Silicon Valley region.
She speaks four major languages – English, French, German, and Efik (her local language).
In a recent interview about the challenges she encountered in her journey to success, Ekeng-Itua said: “Every challenge became fuel for my determination. I realised that my success would not only open doors for myself but would serve as an example for other women and girls who might otherwise doubt their capabilities.”
She further said she wanted to pursue a career that would give me the opportunity for creativity, innovation, collaboration, and positive impact in communities, adding that her passion for Mathematics and Physics at an early age informed her choice of career.
She also disclosed that she love to explore how things work.
Victor Ezeja is a passionate journalist with six years of experience writing on economy, politics and energy. He holds a Masters degree in Mass Communication.
