Nigerian academic Professor Oghenetega Ighedo has reportedly become the first Black woman to obtain a PhD in Pure Mathematics from the University of South Africa (UNISA), breaking a 148-year-old institutional record.

The achievement was highlighted in a post by RisingAfrica.org on Facebook, which celebrated Ighedo’s academic journey and her efforts to inspire more women to pursue careers in Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics (STEM).

Breaking Barriers: The story of Ghana's first female Mathematics PhD holder from UG

According to the post, Ighedo completed her doctorate in three years while balancing her academic responsibilities with marriage and motherhood.

She reportedly began her PhD programme while pregnant with her third child, demonstrating determination in pursuing her academic ambitions alongside her family responsibilities.

“History has been made!” RisingAfrica.org stated in the post, describing the achievement as a milestone for Black women in mathematics.

Ighedo’s academic journey began at Delta State University, Abraka, Nigeria, where she obtained a Bachelor of Science degree in Industrial Mathematics.

She subsequently earned a Master of Science degree in Pure Mathematics from the University of Ibadan before proceeding to UNISA in South Africa for her doctorate.

The post attributed her interest in pure mathematics partly to her mother, a retired mathematics teacher, who inspired her academic journey.

It also indicated that Ighedo chose the field after observing the limited representation of Black women in pure mathematics.

Her achievement has been presented as an example of the possibilities available to women pursuing careers in disciplines traditionally dominated by men.

Ighedo currently serves as an Associate Professor at UNISA, where she is reportedly helping to inspire the next generation of girls to pursue careers in STEM.

Reflecting on the significance of her accomplishment, the post quoted her as saying: “I hope this achievement inspires young women to know that they can do it too, no matter their background.”

Her story adds to efforts to encourage greater female participation in mathematics and other science-related fields, particularly among young women who may face barriers to accessing opportunities in higher education.

RisingAfrica.org described Ighedo as an inspiration to women, celebrating her academic success and her ability to balance professional ambitions with family life.

NA/VPO