Professor Rose-Margaret Ekeng-Itua has become the first black woman to ever earn a doctorate degree (Ph.D) in Cybernetics.
The Nigerian professor who has been described as a pioneer educator, administrator and engineer earned her Ph.D from the University of Reading in the United Kingdom.
Itua earned the degree under the supervision of her first Ph.D supervisor, Prof. Kevin Warwick and the first human cyborg in the world.
The professor has over 20 years experience in Engineering and STEM Education cutting across the USA, Europe and Africa.
Over the years, she has championed leading roles in STEM challenges in Africa, creating a path for the youth, especially girls and women.
Following the completion of her senior secondary school, Itua enrolled at Federal University of Technology Oweri, Nigeria for a bachelor’s degree in Electrical and Electronic Engineering.
She went ahead to further her education by taking a master’s degree in Mobile and Satellite Communications Engineering at the University of Surrey in the United Kingdom.
Despite facing challenges such as being a woman of colour in the male-dominated field, Itua went on to earn a Ph.D in Cybernetics.
“Every challenge became fuel for my determination. I realised that my success would not only open doors for myself but would serve as an example for other women and girls who might otherwise doubt their capabilities,” she said.
Itua attributes her success to her love for Physics and Mathematics during her formative years.
“I wanted to pursue a career that would give me the opportunity for creativity, innovation, collaboration, and positive impact in communities,” she stated.
Additionally, Itua speaks five languages – English, French, German, Efik, Creoles and pidgins.
What is Cybernetics?
According to the Massachusetts Institute of Technology, Cybernetics refers to the study of communication and control in living beings and machines.
It explores how systems – biological, mechanical or social – regulate themselves and interact with their environments.
This study encompasses fields like control theory, systems theory and information theory to understand and design systems that can adapt, learn and self-regulate.
“This has always been my passion, and pursuing my passion and the dream to disrupt some societal misnomers propelled me to being the first black woman to earn a doctorate degree in Cybernetics
“Being the first in anything is always retrospective, for me, the initial focus is always creating a positively transformative impact,” Itua was quoted by Vanguard.
