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Nkechi Madonna Adeleine Agwu is a renowned mathematics teacher and esteemed figure in academia. Born on October 8, 1962, in Enugu, Nigeria, she grew up in a family of educators. Her father, Jacob Ukeje Agwu, hailed from Nigeria, while her mother, Europa Lauretta Durosimi Wilson, belonged to Sierra Leone. Agwu’s early life was marked by the Nigerian Civil War, during which her family actively supported the Biafran side.
Grace Alele-Williams was a trailblazing Nigerian professor of mathematics education. She became the first Nigerian woman to earn a doctorate and the first Nigerian female vice-chancellor at the University of Benin. Throughout her career, she advocated for women’s education and was dedicated to improving access to scientific and technological subjects for female African students. Her contributions to academia and education in Nigeria have left a lasting impact.
Ire Aderinokun is a Nigerian front-end developer and Google developer expert. She is renowned for being Nigeria’s first female Google Developer Expert. Born in Ogun state, Nigeria, Ire grew up in a loving family, raised by her parents Tayo and Mrs. Olunfunlola Aderinokun.
Funmilayo Ransome-Kuti, known as the “Lioness of Lisabi,” was a Nigerian educator, suffragist, and women’s rights activist. She founded the Abeokuta Women’s Union and played a significant role in the Nigerian independence movement. Her bravery and determination earned her international recognition, and she continues to be celebrated as a pioneer in Nigerian feminism and a champion for women’s rights.
Ozak-Obazi Oluwaseyi Esu, a Nigerian electrical engineer, has made significant contributions in her field. As the technical lead at the BRE Centre for Smart Homes and Buildings (CSHB), she has demonstrated her expertise and passion for creating sustainable and efficient living spaces. Esu’s journey began in Kaduna, Nigeria, where she was born.
Chinyelu Susan Onwurah, better known as Chi Onwurah, was born on April 12, 1965, in Wallsend, North Tyneside. She is a prominent British Labour Party politician who has been serving as the Member of Parliament for Newcastle upon Tyne Central since 2010. Onwurah’s mother hailed from Newcastle, while her father, originally from Nigeria, was studying at Newcastle University Medical School to become a dentist when they met and married in the 1950s.
Oloori Kofoworola “Kofo” Aina Ademola, Lady Ademola MBE, MFR, OFR was a Nigerian educationist and women’s rights advocate. Born in Lagos in 1913, she became the first black African woman to earn a degree from Oxford University. Ademola made significant contributions to society as the president of the National Council of Women’s Societies in Nigeria and was recognized with numerous awards for her exceptional work in education and women’s rights. Her legacy continues to inspire generations in Nigeria and beyond.
Osai Ojigho, an esteemed Nigerian human rights expert, lawyer, and gender equality advocate, has dedicated her career to fighting for justice and equality. As Director of Amnesty International Nigeria, she has played a significant role in advocacy campaigns such as the Bring Back Our Girls movement and the End SARS movement. Ojigho’s unwavering commitment to human rights and gender equality make her a trailblazer in Nigeria and a recognized figure in the global fight for justice.
Francisca Oladipo is a distinguished Nigerian Professor of Computer Science, administrator, and author. Born in 1978, she has made significant contributions to the field of computer science while also breaking barriers as a pioneering woman in academia. As of 2022, Oladipo holds the prestigious position of Vice-Chancellor at Thomas Adewumi University in Nigeria.
Rita Orji is a Nigerian-Canadian computer scientist and Canada Research Chair in Persuasive Technology. She has won over 70 awards and recognitions for her work in human-computer interaction, and has addressed a United Nations panel and the Parliament of Canada. Orji’s research focuses on designing interactive systems for health and well-being.
Anne-Marie Osawemwenze Ore-Ofe Imafidon MBE HonFREng is a British-Nigerian social entrepreneur and computer scientist. She founded Stemettes in 2013 and has made significant contributions to promoting women in STEM careers. Her dedication and work have earned her numerous accolades and recognitions, including an MBE and being named one of the BBC’s 100 women of 2017.
Deborah Raji is a highly accomplished Nigerian-Canadian computer scientist and activist who has made significant contributions to the field of technology. She is known for her work on algorithmic bias, AI accountability, and algorithmic auditing. Raji’s groundbreaking research on facial recognition technology biases has sparked a global conversation about the ethical implications of artificial intelligence. Her relentless pursuit of fairness and transparency in AI has earned her prestigious awards and recognition, cementing her place in women’s history and the fight for equality in the digital age.
Victoria Chibuogu Nneji is a Nigerian-born American computer scientist, design and innovation strategist, and a lecturing fellow, known for her research on robotics, automation, human-centered design, and autonomous transportation. Her dedication to advancing robotics, automation, and human-centered design has made her a respected figure in the field. Through her work, Nneji continues to inspire and empower individuals to embrace technology and drive positive change.
Moremi Ajasoro, a legendary Yoruba queen, played a crucial role in liberating the Yoruba kingdom of Ife from the neighboring Ugbo Kingdom in 12th-century Nigeria. Her bravery and sacrifice have made her a revered figure in Yoruba history, inspiring generations with her commitment to justice and freedom.
Deborah Enilo Ajakaiye, the first female physics professor in Africa, made significant contributions to geophysics, revolutionizing mining operations in Nigeria. Raised in a household that valued equal education for both genders, Ajakaiye’s passion for mathematics eventually led her to geophysics. Her expertise in geovisualization techniques and the creation of a gravity map of Nigeria have been instrumental in locating mineral deposits and groundwater resources. Ajakaiye’s impact extends beyond her scientific achievements, as she founded a charity organization to empower Nigerian communities. Her brilliance and unwavering commitment to advancing scientific knowledge and women’s empowerment make her an inspiration in women’s history.
Rabia Sa’id is a Nigerian physicist and professor known for her contributions to atmospheric and space-weather physics. Her research has improved weather forecasting and space weather monitoring systems. She has also been actively involved in promoting and supporting women in science, co-founding Nigeria’s Association of Women Physicists and mentoring young women through organizations like the Visiola Foundation and Peace Corps. Sa’id has received prestigious fellowships and awards for her work, including the Elsevier Foundation Award for Women Scientists in the Developing World in 2015. She is recognized for her dedication and advocacy for women in science.
Abiola Akiyode-Afolabi is a renowned Nigerian lawyer and civil rights activist. Akiyode-Afolabi founded the Women Advocates Research and Documentation Center (WARDC) in 2002, a non-governmental organization that promotes women’s rights and the rule of law. She is a leader in various organizations and networks, and her legal expertise has been instrumental in delivering justice for victims of violence. Akiyode-Afolabi’s dedication to women’s rights and human rights has earned her international recognition.
Bukola Oriola, a Nigerian-American journalist, was born in 1976. She currently resides in Anoka County, Minnesota, and is the proud mother of her son, Samuel Jacobs. Bukola spent several years as a journalist in Nigeria, particularly focusing on education. Her dedication to the field led her to make significant contributions before she made her way to the United States.
Annette Echikunwoke, born in 1996, is a Nigerian-American hammer thrower based in Ohio. With an impressive track record, she emerged as a skilled athlete during her school years and continued to excel in college. Despite facing setbacks and unjust disqualification from the Olympics, Annette’s dedication and passion for her sport continue to inspire aspiring athletes, especially women, to pursue their dreams fearlessly.
Chioma Ajunwa-Opara, also known as Chioma Ajunwa, is a Nigerian former track and field athlete and football player. She made history by becoming the first Nigerian to win gold at the 1996 Summer Olympics in Atlanta and the first black African woman to win an Olympic gold medal in a field event. Ajunwa’s achievements have made her a trailblazer in Nigerian sports history.
Blessing Liman, born on 13 March 1984, is a Nigerian military personnel of the Nigerian Air Force known for being Nigeria’s first female military pilot. She has made significant contributions to the field of aviation and has been an inspiration to women across the country.