What is your educational background?

I studied Electronic Engineering in my first degree, but right now I am doing a PhD in Communication Engineering which is a field under Electronic Engineering 

What is your current occupation?

I am also a lecturer in computer engineering department of The Delta State polytechnic Ogwashi Uku in Delta State Nigeria. I handle courses in data communication and I also supervise projects.

What or who got you into STEM?

I’ve always wanted to be an engineer. My father was (he has passed on) my cheerleader when he found out that I was good with calculations. I also saw Engineering as a challenge since it was and still is, a male dominated profession in Nigeria. I enjoyed watching some programs on television where engineers constructed something.

What is the biggest challenge/barrier you have faced as an African in STEM?

Bias against my gender. I’ve always been told at interviews that the company preferred a male for the position.

How do you think your background/upbringing has been beneficial in your journey/career?

My father paid close attention to our science subjects especially mathematics. He enrolled us for tutorial classes whenever we complained of any of the science courses. This, helped us a great deal to understand the science subjects early.

How do you think we can start to change the narrative surrounding African contributions
to global STEM research & careers?

If we can start early, it will help a great deal. Let primary school students do experiments or construct things by themselves.

What advice would you like to give to young, aspiring Africans in STEM?

I will advise them to work hard and be quite focused. There’s a lot of information on the internet, they should be inquisitive and find things out by themselves. They should train their minds to scale heights and not restrict their minds. They should dream big. Whatever they imagine in their minds, they can achieve it if they are ready to work.