Professor Rose-Margaret Ekeng-Itua has achieved a groundbreaking milestone by becoming the first black woman in the world to earn a doctorate (Ph.D) in Cybernetics, a field focused on understanding how information is communicated in machines and electronic equipment compared to the brain and nervous system.

Prof Rose-Margaret Ekeng-Itua
Prof Rose-Margaret Ekeng-Itua

A distinguished educator, administrator, and engineer, Ekeng-Itua has dedicated her career to advancing Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics (STEM) education in Africa, particularly for young girls.

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Her journey to this historic achievement began in Nigeria, where she developed a passion for technology despite cultural norms discouraging girls from pursuing scientific fields.

Undeterred by societal barriers, Ekeng-Itua pursued a bachelor’s degree in Electrical and Electronic Engineering and a master’s degree in Mobile and Satellite Communications Engineering in the United Kingdom.

Her relentless pursuit of knowledge and innovation led her to break boundaries by earning her doctorate in Cybernetics from the University of Reading, UK, under the guidance of Professor Kevin Warwick, a renowned figure in the field.

Despite facing gender biases and a lack of role models, Ekeng-Itua remained determined to succeed, viewing every challenge as fuel for her ambition. She recognized that her success not only opened doors for herself but also served as an inspiration for other women and girls.

In a recent interview, Ekeng-Itua emphasized her human-centric approach to making positive change through technology. She expressed her passion for creating initiatives and technologies that positively impact society, which motivated her to pursue a doctorate in Cybernetics. Her dream of disrupting societal norms and fostering global unity through technology has been a driving force in her career.

Ekeng-Itua attributes her career choice to her early passion for Mathematics and Physics and her desire to pursue a career that allowed for creativity, innovation, collaboration, and positive community impact. Her vision for global unity and appreciation of diverse cultures inspired her to create platforms that connect the world, starting from a young age.

As the first black woman to earn a doctorate in Cybernetics, Ekeng-Itua’s achievement reflects her commitment to excellence, innovation, and positive societal transformation.

Her groundbreaking journey serves as a beacon of inspiration for future generations, highlighting the importance of diversity and inclusion in STEM fields.