STEM Summit 2024

Are you a curious mind, a budding leader, or a rising star?

Join us for this exciting event as we dive into the world of Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics (STEM) with outstanding speakers, insightful career panel discussions, dynamic hands-on workshops, and networking opportunities. Don’t miss this chance to connect, learn, and shape your future with the latest trends in STEM.

Numbers Speak

Student Campuses

Expected Attendees

Expected Panelists

Workshop Sessions

Student Registration Requirements for STEM Summit

Students should be between the ages of 11 and 18 years old.
Both junior and senior secondary students are eligible to apply.
Students should have a demonstrated interest in STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering, Mathematics) fields.
Students should register online which includes: Personal details (Name, Age, School, Grade Level)

Keynote Speakers

Captain Chinyere Kalu

Chinyere Kalu, MFR, is the first Nigerian female commercial pilot and the first woman to fly an aircraft in Nigeria. She served as the Rector and Chief Executive of the Nigerian College of Aviation Technology between October 2011 and February 2014. She received her license as a commercial pilot on 20 May 1981, from the Nigerian College of Aviation Technology. She is a member of the Nigerian Women Achievers Hall of Fame and also a member of the Order of the Federal Republic of Nigeria. Other awards on her include the African International Achievers Merit Award 2007; the Rare Gems Professional Achievements Award 2007; and Nigeria's 50 Greatest Women of Democratic Administration of Ghana 2012.

Chinyere Otuonye

Adanma Chinyere Otuonye has over 20 years of experience spanning public, private, and development sectors, Chinyere Otuonye is a highly respected expert in business transformation, innovation, and technology. Her extensive skills include, Information Management, Web Design, Hardware Engineering, Digital Marketing. As a passionate advocate for tech development, Chinyere has dedicated her career to empowering the next generation of tech leaders, particularly women, through mentorship and capacity building. She is the Founder, Sparks Ventures Hub, a leading Tech Hub and Incubation Center in Enugu as well as the Lead, Enugu Tech Ecosystem. She is a recipient of numerous awards, including Enugu State Tech Hub Amazon Woman Award, Award of Honour, South-Eastern Women Leadership and Entrepreneurship, Mother of Dignity Award, ECOWAS 50MAWSP Best State Representative 2020 Award, UNESCO Hosted Delegate Award , Chemical Society of Nigeria Excellence for Service Award, among others. Chinyere's tireless efforts have made a significant impact in the tech industry, inspiring and supporting many to pursue careers in technology. Her leadership and expertise continue to shape the tech landscape, fostering innovation and growth.

Adeyeye Yewande Elizabeth T.

Adeyeye Yewande Elizabeth T. joined the National Space Research and Development Agency in 2013, after completing her National Youth Service. She currently holds the position of Assistant Chief Engineer in the Aeronautics division of the Engineering and Space Systems department. Yewande earned her Bachelor's degree in Aeronautical Engineering from Shenyang Aerospace University, China in 2012, and later obtained a Master's degree in Systems Engineering from the University of Lagos in 2016. She is a registered engineer with COREN and NISEng. In addition to her work, Yewande volunteers with Astronomers Without Borders Nigeria, promoting astronomy and space education to schools and the public. She has participated in various projects, including astronomy camps for girls, outreach programs, and stargazing events. Yewande is also a member of Women in Aerospace Nigeria, Organization for Women in Science for the Developing World, and the African Astronomical Society. Her professional interests include aircraft systems control, UAV development, and 3D design. In her free time, Yewande enjoys baking cookies, cakes, and other treats.

Career Panelists

Dr. Chika Anireto is the Chief Executive Officer of The Sunshine Family Medicine and Psychotherapy Clinic. She is a graduate of Medicine and Surgery from the College of Medicine, University of Nigeria Nsukka.
She is a Beck Institute Certified Cognitive Behavioural Therapist (BICBT-CC) of the Beck Institute in Pennsylvania, USA
Member of the Academy of Cognitive and Behavioural Therapies (A-CBT) and an International Diplomate
She is a specialist in Family Medicine and a fellow of the prestigious West African College of Physicians, Faculty of Family Medicine (FWACP-Fam-med).
Dr Anireto enjoys reading, teaching and writing in her spare time. She runs a
blog on her website; thesunshinetherapist.com which features articles on
depression, anxiety, body image and PTSD amongst others.

Uche Meribe is the CEO of Photizo Physiotherapy and Rehabilitation Clinic, an autonomous unit of DIFF Medical Centre. She is a licensed and passionate physiotherapist with 20 years of experience providing care, rehabilitation and therapy services to patients both children and adults. She is a registered member of the Nigeria Society of Physiotherapist and the Medical Rehabilitation Therapist Board of Nigeria. She is also a member of the Health and Care Professions Council United Kingdom. Her decades of experience include care in orthopaedics, neurology, musculoskeletal, paediatrics, geriatric care, sports and women’s health. She has worked with various sports teams, including volleyball, kickboxing, hockey, basketball, football, and athletics, giving her valuable experience in managing injuries and maintaining athlete fitness in high-pressure competitive environments. As a Team Physiotherapist, Uche has traveled extensively across Africa, Europe, and Asia to support various Nigerian sports teams in international competitions and training camps including African Nation’s Volleyball Cup, All African Games. Olympic Games Qualifiers, FIFA U-17 World Cup, African Women Championship and International friendly matches

Ekene holds a B.Sc. in Chemical Engineering from Obafemi Awolowo University. She is an experienced engineer with over 30 years in the Oil and Gas industry, most of which was with ExxonMobil. Her experience spans Facilities Engineering, Reservoir Engineering, Cost and Schedule, Project Management, Business Management, Safety Management. As President of the Women’s Interest Network (WIN) in ExxonMobil Nigeria from 2017 to 2018, she chaired the flagship program ‘Introduce a Girl to Science and Engineering’ targeting female secondary school students in the indigent community. Passionate about mentorship, she has engaged in engineering career talks at Day Waterman College, Abeokuta and Meadow Hall School, Lagos. She is a member of the Society of Petroleum Engineers as well as an Alumna of Lagos Business school where she achieved the lifetime Beta Gamma Sigma membership, due to excellent performance in the business program. She has attended business programs at prominent institutions including UNC Kenan-Flagler Business School; Rochester Institute of Technology /edX; IESE Business School; HUST Business School. Her hobbies include tennis, horticulture, cooking and traveling.

Dr Olufunke Ezekiel is an Associate Professor in the Department of Food Technology, University of Ibadan, Ibadan, Nigeria, where she obtained her BSc, MSc and PhD degrees, respectively. Her area of research interest is in Food Processing and Food Biotechnology. She also has a passion for food security projects and STEM-related courses. Over the years, Dr Ezekiel has garnered substantial experience both at the National and International levels, in collaborative projects, training and engagements with several food industries in Nigeria, where she offers consultancy services for the development and improvement of food processes through research using appropriate technology. She has fostered successful relationships with small, medium and large-scale food enterprises which has led to various mutual benefits such as patent registration, advancements in food quality control, food safety and good manufacturing practices. In 2006, she was a Fulbright Junior Staff Scholar to the University of Illinois Urbana- Champaign, USA; a MacArthur Foundation Fellowship Grantee in 2008 to the University of The Free State, South Africa; two times Netherland Nuffic Scholar and presently a Mastercard Foundation Scholar on Witts-Edinburgh Sustainable African Future Program She has some educative papers in reputable national and international peer-reviewed journals. She is a member of the Nigerian Institute of Food Science; Institute of Food Technologists, USA; American Society of Nutrition, USA; American Society for Microbiology and Organisation for Women in Science for the Developing World. Dr Olufunke Ezekiel is happily married with children.

Obinna Ajeroh is a licensed, practicing Pharmacist in Nigeria, with a Master’s degree in Business Management. He has over 20 years of work experience spanning the private sector, public sector, as well as the international development sector. He is a public health consultant to agencies and the Nigerian government, helping to deepen the pharmaceutical and public health space for the citizenry. He was a Sales Director for English speaking West Africa at Novartis Pharmaceuticals, a multinational pharmaceutical company. He was the Executive Director for Business Development for MEDSAF. In the international development sector, he has worked as a public health professional supporting the Nigerian Government to tackle diseases like Malaria, Pneumonia, Diarrhea, routine childhood immunization, COVID-19 immunization, sexual and reproductive health etc, through funding from the Bill and Melinda Gates Foundation, USAID, FCDO, World Bank, Nigeria Governors Forum, Canadian and Norwegian governments etc. He is also an entrepreneur, with interests also in pharmaceuticals and poultry farming. Within this period, he has trained and mentored associates in business, pharmacy practice, and public health.

Tagbo Okoye is a Software Engineer with a degree in Computer Science. His experience (including pre and post graduate) spans almost a decade in full-stack development and system architecture. He has led the development of a tech support system for NSPM (Nigerian Security Printing & Minting Company) as well as leading the development of task management software which connects Africans in diaspora with jobs and helps them settle in, enhancing application security, and driving agile practices within development teams. He is proficient with languages such as JavaScript, TypeScript, Go and Python and excels in building maintainable and efficient codebases. He leverages cutting-edge technologies to solve complex problems and deliver user-centric software solutions

Dr A Prema Kirubakaran is currently working as Head of the Department of Information Technology & Information Systems, Faculty of Computing, Nile University of Nigeria. She has Post Doctoral Fellowship from Lincoln University, Malaysia for her work in Quantum Computing. She has 22 years of Teaching & Research Experience in Indian and International Universities. She has received many National & International awards. Acting as BOS member for various Universities. Her area of interest includes Image processing, AI & Quantum Computing. She has published more than 52 research articles and has published 10 books. She holds research patents from India & UK and also holds international copyrights for her research works.She has also been a part of various world record attempts such as India book of records, Asia book of records and Guinness Book of Records.

Chinelo Agina is an experienced STEM educator with over a decade of dedicated teaching experience. Her first-degree is in Biochemistry complemented by a Post Graduate Diploma in Education which enhanced her pedagogical expertise. She is a certified Cambridge Teacher, accredited by The British Council. Specializing in Mathematics and Science, she has devoted her career to demystifying complex concepts and fostering a love for learning among students. Her tenure with The MAD Science Group of Nigeria, in affiliation with MAD Science Group of Canada, equipped her with quality STEM expertise. Her passion for education is rooted in the belief that every student has the potential to excel. She is deeply committed to cultivating critical thinking skills and nurturing a lifelong curiosity for the world around us. Beyond academia, she is an ardent nature enthusiast, an advocate for adventures and a sport lover.

Dr. Assia Aboubakar Mahamat was born on August 16, 1991, in N’djamena, Chad. She grew up in a traditional environment and was the first female from her country to earn a PhD in materials science and engineering. She excelled in school and passed a national exam to attend university, where she graduated as the overall best student. She continued her studies in Abuja, earning her MSc and PhD, and developed a passion for sustainable construction materials. Dr. Assia is a lecturer at Nile University of Nigeria and a prominent materials science expert. She has received several awards, including the L’Oréal-UNESCO award for young talents, and has been selected for the STIAS Iso Lomso fellowship. Her research focuses on developing sustainable construction materials and reducing waste. She is a dedicated mentor and has inspired many young scientists. Despite facing traditional taboos, she broke the glass ceiling by proving that a woman can succeed as a wife, mother, and scientist. She is an accomplished mother of four (4) and a fulfilled scientist. Her resilience, ability to communicate, and collaborative work have influenced the younger generation. Her intellectual curiosity, adaptability, and critical thinking have contributed to her success in science and has become a role model for her community.

Dr Aderonke Busayo Sakpere received both BSc and MSc degrees in Computer Science from the University of Ilorin, Nigeria. She holds a PhD in Computer Science from the University of Cape Town, South Africa. She is an Oracle PL/SQL Developer Certified Associate. She is a faculty member at the University of Ibadan with over 10 years of experience in lecturing, research and mentoring. As a lecturer, she teaches both undergraduate and postgraduate students, with research interests spanning Human Computer Interaction (HCI), Data Privacy, Data Science, ICT for Development, and Educational Technology. Dr Sakpere’scontinued academic and research excellence has earned her various honours and awards. They include Google ExploreCSR Research Grant, TechWomen Fellowship, MIT Empowering TheTeachers Fellowship, Selected Young Scientist by Lindau Nobel Laureate Meetings, Top 200 young researcher by Heidelberg Laureate Foundation (HLF), Hasso Plattner Institute (HPI) Fellowship, Cambridge University Travel Grant, Klaus Tschira Stiftung Travel Grant among others. She has been involved in different mentorship programmes and is the founder of Tech Girls Club which was set up to foster networking and interaction among females in technology. She is a co-founder of the Lindau Mentoring Hub hosted by Lindau Nobel Laureate Meetings in Germany. She previously served as a Consultant/Research Assistant with a digital innovation company named Qhala, on a Wikimedia Foundation Project. She is a member of the board of directors at Afrisnet. She is also the General Co-Chair for 2023 AfriCHI. Outside of academics and tech life, she loves to try new recipes. She has authored a recipe book titled “Bringing the Restaurant to your Home” and it’s published on Amazon.

Engr. Oladunni Sarah OKUNADE is an Industrial and Production Engineer with a passion for Operations Research, Engineering, and Operations Management. She is currently pursuing her PhD in the same filed at the University of Ibadan. She also holds a National Diploma in Mechanical Engineering from The Polytechnic, Ibadan. Engr. OKUNADE has an impressive record of publications, which can be found on her Google Scholar page. She has received several scholarships, fellowships, and research grants, including the Oyo State Scholarship for her Master’s program, the Erasmus + ICM grant for her PhD research at Birmingham City University, UK, and the AGNES-PAWS Mobility Grant at Cochrane South Africa. Throughout her academic journey, Engr. OKUNADE has received various awards and honors, including the Best Graduating Student award in the Mechanical Engineering Department at The Polytechnic, Ibadan, and the Dean’s Honors Award for High Academic Performance. Engr. OKUNADE is a corporate member of the Nigerian Society of Engineers and a registered engineer with the Council for the Regulation of Engineering in Nigeria (COREN). She is also a member of the SAP University Alliance on Enterprise Systems Education for Africa.

Oluwayemisi Oyeronke Alaba is a faculty member at the University of Ibadan, where she heads the Econometrics and Financial Time Series unit. She has a Ph.D. in Statistics and specializes in Econometrics. She has received various awards for teaching and research, including a postdoctoral fellowship at the University of South Africa and a visiting fellowship at Florida International University. She is an active member of several academic and research organizations and has served as an external examiner, reviewer, and editor for various journals and projects. She has supervised many students and has over 40 publications to her credit. She has also served in various capacities in the university, including undergraduate and postgraduate programs coordinator, and has been involved in several projects funded by organizations such as the World Bank and USAID.

Dr. Alero Adegbolagun is a medical doctor with about 2 decades of experience and with special focus on psychiatry. Alero is passionate about holistic health awareness, management and treatment of same. Alero is also a seasoned speaker and facilitator on issues of primary health care and mental and emotional health in the workplace and beyond. She has contributed to the study of mental health through published journals in addition to speaking about this issue. She is a 2004 graduate of the University of Benin (MBBS) she holds a masters degree in child and adolescent mental health, from the University of Ibadan and a membership of the West African college of Physicians (Psychiatry) and various certifications. Alero is a Principal Medical Officer at the University Health Services, University of Ibadan and the team lead of its Psychiatry unit. She is also the CEO of Cogniguard health care a facility that provides both primary health care and specialist mental health services.

Khobe Wamkai Omoh is a dedicated nurse with over a decade of experience in the healthcare industry. She has built a reputation as a trustworthy and compassionate caregiver, advocating for the well-being of her patients. Khobe possesses extensive knowledge and skills in addressing complex health issues and resuscitation techniques, making her a sought-after trainer for healthcare professionals in basic life support, first aid, and advanced cardiovascular life support, certified by the American Heart Association. She is also well-versed in sharing her expertise on the latest developments in medical and nursing practices. Khobe is a registered nurse, midwife, and intensive care nurse, as well as a certified instructor with the American Heart Association. She holds leadership positions at DIFF Medical Center in Abuja, heading the ECG team, intensive care unit nurses, and the nursing department.

Olutoyin Kolade holds the position of Assistant Director at the Medical Microbiology Department of University College Hospital, Ibadan. She began her career as a Medical Laboratory Scientist after completing her training at Obafemi Awolowo University Teaching Hospital. In 2000, she earned her degree in Medical Microbiology and started working at Ladoke Akintola University Teaching Hospital, Osogbo, from 2006 to 2008. She joined University College Hospital, Ibadan, in 2009 as a Medical Laboratory Scientist and has since become an Associate and Fellow of the Medical Laboratory Council of Nigeria. Olutoyin Kolade also holds a Master’s degree in Medical Microbiology from Ladoke Akintola University and is currently pursuing her PhD in Medical Microbiology and Biotechnology at Adeleke University, Ede, Osun State. Outside of work, she enjoys spending time with her family, taking long walks, and singing. She is happily married.

Chinazo Anyaeche is the CEO of Hinaz Hydroponics. She is a seasoned agriculturist, specializing in plant propagation, mushroom farming, vegetable farming, and hydroponics farming systems. Her impressive track record includes successfully leading projects such as: Setting up Udo Farms at Nteje, serving as an instructor for plantain propagation and mushroom farming in Portfolio 9 Community on Facebook and facilitating mushroom farming for Atems Foundation.
Skilled in greenhouse construction, vegetable farming, and hydroponics system setup, Chinazo excels in gyconponics, vegetable farming, and plant propagation. Currently, she leads the research and development team at Cropwize Farm, focusing on innovative methods to ensure year-round food production.
Chinazo holds a Higher National Diploma (HND) in Science Laboratory Technology from the Institute of Management and Technology, Enugu, and has received certifications from reputable institutions. She is passionate about making food accessible and affordable for all through sustainable farming practices.

Dr. Chizoba Beatrice Sylvanus is the Founder and CEO of Chizzybeth Dental Care Enugu, a dental facility she established in 2020. A dedicated entrepreneur and restorative dentist, Chizoba was born on September 6, 1988, in Enugu State. She holds a degree in Dentistry from the Federal University of Allied Health Sciences (2015) and a certificate in Dental Facility Management from Orapuh School, Gambia (2023). With additional certifications in various fields, Chizoba has led her team in providing oral health awareness and treatment to over 10 communities in Abia and Enugu State, collaborating with NGOs and religious organizations along the way. She is married with four children and continues to drive the growth and expansion of Chizzybeth Dental Care Enugu with the development of a new facility for the Dental Care enterprise.

Dr. Mary Obi is the CEO of Regnum Animalia Veterinary Clinic in Enugu. She is a dedicated and passionate veterinarian with a strong commitment to her profession. She holds a Higher National Diploma (HND) in Animal Health and Husbandry (2005) and a Doctor of Veterinary Medicine (DVM) degree (2011) from the University of Nigeria, Nsukka. With over 15 years of experience in livestock management, Dr. Obi possesses excellent knowledge of animal husbandry and handling.

As a forward-thinking veterinarian, Dr. Obi combines her expertise with modern technology to deliver innovative solutions. Her love for animals and proficiency in digital technology make her a pioneer in veterinary care and digital marketing. She skillfully merges cutting-edge veterinary practices with creative digital strategies, enhancing the animal care experience.

Dr. Obi’s enthusiasm for exploring new opportunities has led to significant breakthroughs in both veterinary medicine and digital marketing, earning her recognition as a trailblazer. She has collaborated with prominent brands, including Bio-Organics Nutrient Systems Ltd and Diversay Solution Ltd.

Dr. Chizalu Ifeyinwa Ndukwu is a consultant pediatrician at Nnamdi Azikiwe University Teaching Hospital, Nnewi, and an Associate Professor of Pediatrics at Nnamdi Azikiwe University, Awka. She excelled in her secondary education at Federal Government College Enugu, graduating in 1991 with distinctions in 9 subjects, including Mathematics, Physics, and Chemistry. Dr. Ndukwu pursued her medical degree at Nnamdi Azikiwe University, Awka, and later earned her postgraduate fellowship from the National Postgraduate Medical College of Nigeria.

With a passion for mentorship, Dr. Ndukwu has guided numerous adolescents and undergraduates throughout her career. She currently serves as the Assistant Career Officer for the Faculty of Medicine at Nnamdi Azikiwe University. Additionally, she has been a frequent motivational speaker and career counselor for secondary school students, inspiring and empowering the next generation.

Engr. Ogonna Samuel Nwokoye is a seasoned Civil Engineer and academic with over two decades of experience. He is a registered member of the Nigerian Society of Engineers (NSE), the Council for Regulation of Engineering in Nigeria (COREN) and the Nigerian Institution of Structural Engineers (MNIstructE)

Currently, he serves as the Acting Director of Works and Services at Federal Polytechnic Oko. His expertise spans structural design, construction supervision, and academic research. He has published numerous papers in reputable journals and presented at conferences nationwide.

Engr. Nwokoye has also provided consultancy services for various projects, including building designs and construction supervision. He is a member of several professional bodies and has attended various training workshops to enhance his skills. He is married with children.

Dr. Uwalaka Onyekachi Anozie is a seasoned agricultural expert and Chief Research Officer at the National Horticultural Research Institute of Nigeria (NIHORT), Jos Outstation, Plateau State. He currently heads the Riyom station and holds a Ph.D. in Agricultural Entomology. His research focuses on crop production and protection, insect pest control, bio-insecticide formulation, pest migration monitoring, and apiculture.

As a practicing farmer and researcher, Dr. Uwalaka has published numerous scientific papers in local and international journals. He is an active member of various professional organizations, including the Biopesticides Society of Nigeria, Horticultural Society of Nigeria, Entomological Society of Nigeria, and Nigerian Society for Plant Protection, among others.

Dr. Uwalaka is also a principal officer of the Academic Staff Union of Research Institutes (ASURI) at NIHORT. He is married with three children and remains committed to advancing agricultural research and development in Nigeria.

Favour Umunakwe is a skilled Product Designer with a proven track record of working with various companies and interning in the field. She has earned certifications from reputable organizations like Genesis Tech Hub Enugu, Friends of Figma, and Grit Informed Media. Currently, she works as a designer at Scrum Master Africa, Grit Informed Media, and GDG Enugu (Google Developers Group Enugu), while also offering freelance services.

Her passion as a product designer is to create user-centered solutions that make a real impact. She excels at turning ideas into practical products that meet user needs. Beyond design, she enjoys singing, dancing, and mentoring young minds as a child coach.

Engr. Onyekwulu Chinelo Scholastica, is a seasoned chemical engineer from Enugu State University of Science and Technology. She holds a Master’s degree in Chemical Engineering (2019) and is currently pursuing her Ph.D. in the same field.

As a registered member of the Council for the Regulation of Engineers in Nigeria, Engr. Onyekwulu has established herself as a key player in the engineering sector. She is the CEO of CACEC Enterprise, a testament to her entrepreneurial spirit and expertise in chemical engineering.

With a focus on industrial wastewater treatment and waste-to-wealth conversion, Engr. Onyekwulu has made significant contributions to the field. Her research and professional experience have equipped her with the skills to tackle complex engineering challenges. Currently, she shares her knowledge as a lecturer in the Department of Chemical Engineering at Madonna University Nigeria.

Engr. Onyekwulu’s commitment to engineering excellence and innovation has positioned her as a leader in her field, driving progress and sustainable solutions

Godson Azubuike is an IT professional working with Senior Internet Limited UK. As a Senior Faculty member at Applied Technology Education, he developed and taught comprehensive lesson plans covering various programming languages, including JavaScript and PHP. He also taught advanced programming languages like Java and C# to students.

As a Software Engineer at Innovative Systems, Godson demonstrated his technical expertise by testing software for bugs and optimizing operating speed, resulting in increased efficiency. He built RESTful APIs that served data to the JavaScript front-end, handling over 500,000 concurrent users. Additionally, he reviewed code and conducted testing for a web app, leading to a significant increase in contributions.
As a Software Engineer at Cedoz Limited, he designed an integrated database using MongoDB that provides on-demand feedback using Angular and React architecture. He also built an API following RESTful standards, allowing users to submit information and store data in MongoDB.

Featured Profiles of Women in STEM

Funke Opeke attended Queen's School in Ibadan, Oyo State, Nigeria. She obtained a bachelor's and a master's degree in electrical engineering from Obafemi Awolowo University and Columbia University, respectively. After she graduated from Columbia University, she followed with a career in ICT in the United States as an executive director with the wholesale division of Verizon in New York City. In 2005, she joined MTN Nigeria as chief technical officer (CTO). She served as adviser at Transcorp and chief operating officer of NITEL for a brief period. Funke Opeke is a prominent ICT and telecommunications executive who started her career as an executive director at Verizon in New York City. She later joined MTN Nigeria as Chief Technical Officer (CTO) and served briefly in advisory roles at Transcorp and NITEL. In 2008, she founded MainOne, West Africa’s leading communication services and network solutions provider. MainOne built the region's first privately owned, open-access 7,000-kilometer undersea high-capacity cable and Nigeria’s largest Tier III Data Center, significantly enhancing internet connectivity across West Africa. Her work has made a substantial impact on the region's ICT infrastructure and serves as an inspiration to many.

Funke Opeke

Founder/CEO MainOne Cable Company

Professor Dora Akunyili (14 July 1954 – 7 June 2014) studied at University of Nigeria, Nsukka (B. Pharm., 1978); University of Nigeria, Nsukka (Ph.D., 1985). She served on several State Government Boards and then was named Supervisory Councilor for Agriculture in a Local Government unit in Anambra State. She worked as a hospital pharmacist in the University of Nigeria Teaching Hospital. (U.N.T.H), Enugu State. In 1981, she became a Graduate Assistant in the UNN Faculty of Pharmaceutical Sciences, U.N.N. In 1990, she became a Senior Lecturer and in 1996, she was made a Consultant Pharmacologist at the College of Medicine. In 1996, Akunyili became Zonal Secretary of the Petroleum Special Trust Fund (P.T.F), coordinating projects funded by profits from oil in Nigeria's South Eastern States. In 2001, President Olusegun Obasanjo appointed her the Director-General of the National Agency for Food and Drug Administration and Control (NAFDAC).

Professor Dora Akunyili

Former Director-General of National Agency for Food and Drug Administration and Control of Nigeria

Adaeze C. Ayuk is a Fellow of the National Postgraduate Medical College of Nigeria, and a Sub- specialist in Paediatric Pulmonology from the University of Cape Town South Africa, with Distinction. She has had Respiratory clinical trainings at Guys and St Thomas Hospital London (Prof Bateman), the Queen Mary University/Barts and the London Hospital (Prof Grigg) and the Royal Brompton Hospital London (Prof Bush). She won the 2011 American Thoracic Society (ATS) small grant award and the young investigators award of the Conference of International Paediatric Pulmonologist (CIPP) in 2012. She has also won the Buist Pathway to Leadership award (BPLA) in 2021 and is the current co-lead Level 2 Faculty for PATS-MECOR research course programe. She serves as an official in the Paediatric Association of Nigeria (National Treasurer), the Nigerian Thoracic Society (Vice President) and the immediate past assembly secretary European Respiratory Society. She is the Sectional Editor for Paediatrics in the Nigerian Journal of Clinical Practice (NJCP) and also for Journal of the Pan African Society (JPATS). She has over 90 peer-reviewed publications. She is currently a Professor of Paediatrics and a Consultant Paediatric Pulmonologist at the University of Nigeria (UNN).

Adaeze C. Ayuk

Professor of Paediatrics and a Consultant Paediatric Pulmonologist

Ehimuan completed her B.Eng. degree in Computer Engineering from Obafemi Awolowo University, Ile-Ife, with a first-class honours. She proceeded to obtain a postgraduate degree in Computer Science from the University of Cambridge, United Kingdom before she went on to complete her MBA programme from London Business School. She also has a Doctor of Business Administration (DBA) from Walden University, Minneapolis. Juliet Ehimuan began her career as a Performance Monitoring and Quality Assurance Supervisor at Shell Petroleum in 1995, then moved to Microsoft UK in 1997, where she held roles as Program Manager and Business Process Manager for MSN International. After leaving Microsoft in 2005, she founded Strategic Insight Consulting Ltd. and later became General Manager of Strategic Business Units at Chams Plc. In 2011, she was appointed Google's Country Manager for Nigeria, rising to Director for West Africa in 2017. Ehimuan is also an Executive Coach, a member of the Forbes Coaches' Council, and the author of "30 Days of Excellence." In 2023, she became a non-executive director at Zenith Bank.

Juliet Ehimuan

Former Director, Google West Africa

Grace Alele Williams (16 December 1932 – 25 March 2022) received her education at Queens College in Lagos, University College at Ibadan, and the University of Vermont, before receiving a Ph. D. in mathematics education from the University of Chicago in 1963. She made history as the first Nigerian woman to be awarded a doctorate. Professor Grace Alele-Williams was a trailblazing Nigerian mathematician and educator. She made history as the first Nigerian woman to earn a doctorate and the first female vice-chancellor of a Nigerian university, specifically the University of Benin. Born in Warri, Nigeria, she pursued her education at Queen's College, Lagos, the University of Ibadan, and the University of Chicago, where she received her PhD in 1963. Her career included significant contributions to mathematics education and women's education in Nigeria. Alele-Williams served as Vice-Chancellor at the University of Benin from 1985 to 1992, where she implemented important reforms. She later joined the boards of Chevron-Texaco Nigeria and HIP Asset Management Company and was active in various international educational organizations.

Prof. Grace Alele-Williams

First Female Vice-Chancellor

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