Francisca Okeke, a Professor of Physics at the University of Nigeria, Nsukka has recently received the L’Oreal- UNESCO for Women in Science Award for her contribution to the understanding of "daily variations of the ion currents in the upper atmosphere which may further our understanding of climate change."
Professor Okeke was the Dean in the faculty of Physical Sciences at UNN from 2008 – 2010.
In an interview, she was asked... "What remains as the biggest challenge faced by women and young girls in science in Nigeria and what can be done to encourage young girls to consider further study in Science?" She replied: "It’s encouragement. Where and when it is possible, we need to let the guardians and parents know the importance of women participating in science. ..."
She said the L’Oreal-UNESCO Award given to her is a big challenge: "it has strengthened me to continue to encourage girls and women to participate in the development of science and technology by offering these core sciences courses in schools and universities. This invariably furthers the development of a nation."