Doha:Nigerian academic Professor Oghenetega Ighedo has reportedly made history as the first Black woman to earn a PhD in Pure Mathematics from the University of South Africa (UNISA), shattering a 148-year-old record at the institution.
According to Ghana Web, Ighedo achieved this milestone by completing her doctorate in just three years, all while managing her academic responsibilities alongside marriage and motherhood. She began her PhD program while pregnant with her third child, showcasing her determination to pursue her academic goals despite personal challenges.
Her academic journey began at Delta State University in Abraka, Nigeria, where she earned a Bachelor of Science degree in Industrial Mathematics. She then obtained a Master of Science degree in Pure Mathematics from the University of Ibadan before pursuing her doctorate at UNISA. Her interest in pure mathematics was partly inspired by her mother, a retired mathematics teacher, and her desire to address the underrepresentation of Black women in the field.
Ighedo is currently an Associate Professor at UNISA and is involved in efforts to inspire young girls to consider careers in Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics (STEM). Her story is seen as a beacon of possibilities for women in traditionally male-dominated fields, and she hopes her achievement will motivate other young women to pursue their dreams regardless of their background.