Background
Ajakaiye was born in 1940 in the city of Jos, the capital of Plateau State in Nigeria.
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Deborah Ajakaiye
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In 1962 she graduated from the University of Ibadan with a degree in physics.
Career
She is the first female physics professor in Africa and her work in geophysics has played an important role in mining in Nigeria. She was the fifth of sixth children. She received a master"s degree at the University of Birmingham in England, and in 1970 received her Doctor of Philosophy in geophysics from Ahmadu Bello University in Nigeria.
Originally interested in mathematics, Ajakaiye says she chose to pursue geophysics because she believed it could help her country.
Ajakaiye became the first female professor of physics in Africa in 1980. She has taught at Ahmadu Bello University and the University of Jos, serving as the dean of natural sciences at the latter.
Her work with geovisualization has been used to locate both mineral deposits and groundwater in Nigeria. She has also created a map of the topography of Nigeria, working with several of her female students.
Ajakaiye stated that many male scientists had changed their perception of women scientists after interacting with her and her students.
Achievements
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Ajakaiye has been recognized for both her scientific advancements and her aid to the nation of Nigeria. The Nigerian Mining and GeoSciences Society honored her for her work, making her the first woman to receive the award. She was also the first black African to be named a fellow of the Geological Society of London.
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Born
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Nationality
Nigeria -
Ethnicity
Awards
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Ajakaiye has been recognized for both her scientific advancements and her aid to the nation of Nigeria. The Nigerian Mining and GeoSciences Society honored her for her work, making her the first woman to receive the award. She was also the first black African to be named a fellow of the Geological Society of London.Ajakaiye has been recognized for both her scientific advancements and her aid to the nation of Nigeria. The Nigerian Mining and GeoSciences Society honored her for her work, making her the first woman to receive the award. She was also the first black African to be named a fellow of the Geological Society of London.