- Meet Oghenetega Ighedo, the remarkable Nigerian mathematician who shattered a 148-year-old record at the University of South Africa, becoming the first-ever black woman to achieve a PhD in Pure Mathematics from the institution.
- Her journey began at Delta State University in Nigeria, where she honed her math skills, earning a Bachelor of Science degree in Industrial Mathematics.
- Oghenetega Ighedo is committed to her path in Pure Mathematics, determined to make her mark in a field where black mathematicians, especially black women, are a rare find.
A remarkable Nigerian mathematician, Oghenetega Ighedo who shattered a 148-year-old record at the University of South Africa, becoming the first-ever black woman to achieve a PhD in Pure Mathematics from the institution.
Oghenetega’s journey started at Delta State University in Nigeria, where she mastered Industrial Mathematics.
From there, she took her passion for numbers to new heights, earning a Master’s degree in Mathematics at the University of Ibadan. But her quest for mathematical excellence didn’t stop there.
Nigerian trailblazer shatters barriers, secures First-ever female PhD in mathematics at South African University
Enrolling at the University of South Africa, Oghenetega embarked on an extraordinary journey. When asked about her source of inspiration, she pointed to her mother, a dedicated math teacher.
Oghenetega’s mission is crystal clear – to break barriers in Pure Mathematics, a realm where black mathematicians, especially black women, are a rare gem. Her dedication knows no bounds, and her story is an inspiration to all.
In her own words:
“I was inspired by my mother – a retired maths teacher. I saw the way she was going about teaching it and when I grew older, I thought the way she did maths was interesting and I wanted to see if I could do it like her.”
“My decision to study pure mathematics was also motivated by the fact that not only are there few black pure mathematicians but there are fewer black women who are pure mathematicians.”
Young lady broke a University’s 148 years record to become the first-ever black Neurosurgeon
Meanwhile, a young lady broke a University’s 148 years record to become the first-ever black Neurosurgeon. Tamia Potter achieved this groundbreaking milestone at Vanderbilt University in the United States, becoming the first-ever black female neurosurgeon in the university’s history.
Prior to this accomplishment, she earned her bachelor’s degree in chemistry with high honors (summa cum laude) from Florida Agricultural and Mechanical University.
Subsequently, she pursued her neurosurgery degree at Case Western Reserve University School of Medicine.
