Nigerian-born academic, Prof Ngozi Franca Okoye, has made history as one of the final two candidates vying for a position on the Board of Directors of Sigma Xi, a prestigious scientific research honour society based in the United States. This election, set for November, is particularly significant as Okoye is the first African woman and the first individual of Nigerian descent to contest for this esteemed role.

Currently residing in the United Kingdom, Okoye is competing for the Full Directorship representing the Canadian/International Constituency. If successful, she will commence a three-year term on the board starting July 1, 2027. Sigma Xi, which was established at Cornell University in 1886, boasts a membership that includes over 200 Nobel Prize laureates, underscoring its long-standing commitment to scientific excellence.

Okoye's candidacy is a culmination of her extensive involvement with Sigma Xi, where she has previously served on the Committee on Nominations and the Global Outreach Committee. These experiences have provided her with valuable insights into the organisation's leadership dynamics and international outreach initiatives, positioning her well for this election.

Expressing her enthusiasm for the opportunity, Okoye stated, "I am deeply honoured to be standing for this position and to represent Nigeria and Africa on an international scientific platform. For me, the opportunity itself is historic. I am enjoying the campaign, embracing the journey and making the most of this incredible experience."

With a robust background in academia, Okoye has dedicated 16 years to the university sector in the UK. Her professional journey also includes roles as a systems and software engineer at British Telecommunications and as a data migration scientist at GlaxoSmithKline. Additionally, she has held leadership positions such as director and trustee of a UK educational trust and president of the Union of Catholic Mothers in her local parish.

As the election approaches, Okoye has called on Nigerian and African scientists within Sigma Xi to engage actively in the voting process. She emphasized that her candidacy represents a broader opportunity for increased representation of African scientists in global scientific leadership. "I am proud to carry the Nigerian and African story into this international scientific leadership space. I am asking my fellow Nigerian and African scientists and all scientists from all backgrounds within the Sigma Xi community to support my candidacy and make their voices count. This is not only about me; it is about representation and what is possible for African scientists on the global stage," she remarked.

Okoye remains focused on the experience and the journey of the election, stating, "History has already been made. I want to enjoy the process, embrace the journey and make the most of this incredible opportunity." Her candidacy not only highlights her personal achievements but also serves as a beacon of hope for many aspiring scientists in Nigeria and across Africa, as they seek to make their mark on the global scientific community.