Professor Oghenetega Ighedo Becomes First Black Woman Graduate With A PhD In Pure Mathematics At The University Of South Africa (UNISA)

Professor Oghenetega Ighedo has become the first black woman graduate with a PhD in Pure Mathematics at the University of South Africa (UNISA).

It is the first time such achievement would be attained in South Africa’s foremost university since it was established 148 years ago.

Professor Oghenetega Ighedo, an Associate Professor in the Department of Mathematical Sciences at the University of South Africa (UNISA), before her academic pursuit in South Africa, she was already an accomplished researcher in Nigeria where she obtained MSc in Pure Mathematics from the University of Ibadan and a BSc in Industrial Mathematics from Delta State University.

The renowned scholar attributes her success to her mother who was also once a Mathematics teacher. Ighedo said she was inspired by her mother who has since retired.

In the words of Professor Oghenetega Ighedo:

“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.

In spite of being a mother and a wife, I was able to complete my PhD within three years.”

Ighedo also noted that the dearth of black and women pure mathematicians influenced her decision to study the course. She observed that there were a few and fewer black women who were pure mathematicians.

She further encouraged young women not to be deterred by challenges on their path to academic excellence. She narrated her ordeals while studying for her PHD as a married woman with two children. However, Ighedo, said on top of this she was expecting her third child during this period.

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Joshua Itajobi | <span class="wpdiscuz-comment-count">2,825 comments</span>
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Joshua Itajobi | 2,825 comments
8 months ago

Professor Oghenetega Ighedo hats up to you for your noteworthy achievement as the first black woman to graduate with a PhD in Pure Mathematics from the University of South Africa (UNISA). Your dedication, inspiration, and resilience are truly commendable. Well done.

David Okoye | <span class="wpdiscuz-comment-count">1,806 comments</span>
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David Okoye | 1,806 comments
2 years ago

Congratulations to Professor Oghenetega Ighedo for her remarkable achievement as the first black woman to graduate with a PhD in Pure Mathematics from the University of South Africa (UNISA). Her dedication, inspiration, and resilience are truly commendable. Well done!

Ruthmi | <span class="wpdiscuz-comment-count">269 comments</span>
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3 years ago

This is inspired, and so much encouraging

Florence Oyim | <span class="wpdiscuz-comment-count">1,409 comments</span>
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Florence Oyim | 1,409 comments
3 years ago

This success sure started from the grassroot and you kept the hope alive. It’s encouraging.

Haybee | <span class="wpdiscuz-comment-count">308 comments</span>
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Haybee | 308 comments
3 years ago

Wow!!! Nigerians winning on a continental level is unique and highly commendable… Congratulations to her for making history!!!!

femifezzy | <span class="wpdiscuz-comment-count">911 comments</span>
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femifezzy | 911 comments
3 years ago

This is really encouraging, higher feet and accomplishment