By Peter Omopo
Professor Oghenetega Ighedo has made history as the first Black woman to earn a PhD in Pure Mathematics from the University of South Africa (UNISA), marking a significant milestone in the institution’s 148 year history.
The Delta State Government announced the achievement in a post on its official X account, describing Ighedo, a native of the state and an Associate Professor at UNISA, as an inspiration to young people pursuing careers in science, technology, engineering and mathematics.
Ighedo began her academic journey with a Bachelor of Science degree in Industrial Mathematics from Delta State University before proceeding to the University of Ibadan, where she obtained a master’s degree in Pure Mathematics.
She later completed her PhD in Pure Mathematics at UNISA in three years, achieving the feat while balancing her academic career and responsibilities as a mother.
According to the Delta State Government, Ighedo was raising two children and expecting her third child while pursuing her doctoral degree. Her determination was also influenced by her mother, a retired mathematics teacher.
The achievement has been celebrated as a major milestone in academic excellence, resilience and representation, particularly for Black women in the field of mathematics.
The state government said Ighedo’s accomplishment had broken new ground and demonstrated that women from Nigeria and Africa could attain the highest levels of academic achievement despite personal and professional challenges.
It added that her story would inspire young people across Delta State and beyond to pursue careers in STEM and other fields with determination and confidence.
“From Delta to the world, excellence knows no bounds,” the government said.
