In the realm of African STEM education, where challenges often outnumber opportunities, Nomhle Ngwenya emerges as a beacon of inspiration. At the tender age of 25, she etched her name in history as the youngest individual and the first Black woman to attain a Ph.D. from Wits University’s science faculty.
The World Bank reports that females constitute a mere 30% of STEM graduates in Sub-Saharan Africa, underscoring the hurdles faced by African women in these fields. Nevertheless, Ngwenya defied the odds, not only becoming the youngest Ph.D. graduate at Wits but also the youngest academic to secure a Ph.D. in science, a milestone hailed as unprecedented in Wits’ annals.
From a young age, Ngwenya harbored dreams of delving into the complex interplay between geography and society, a passion that eventually propelled her into the multidisciplinary world of geography. Starting with a BA degree in sociology and geography at Wits in 2015, she completed the program in 2017, embarking on an academic journey that would soon break records.
Her pursuit continued with a bachelor of science honours degree in geography, a specialized program delving into sustainability science, water science, and human geography components, including seldom-covered subjects like environmental management. During her honours year, Ngwenya’s research focused on public participation and stakeholder engagement in carbon capture and storage, garnering acclaim from her supervisor, Professor Danny Simatele.
Simatele, recognizing the exceptional quality of her honours project, recommended that Ngwenya skip the master’s and dive straight into a Ph.D. program—a rare and high honor bestowed upon students with extraordinary academic prowess. This journey culminated in a groundbreaking three-year Ph.D. program that she completed with resilience and excellence.
Ngwenya attributes her success not only to her dedication but also to the unwavering support from her parents. Raised as an only child, she received significant backing, emphasizing the importance of perseverance and hard work. Her father, instead of toys, gifted her books, nurturing a love for learning from an early age.
Her achievements resonate beyond personal triumphs. Ngwenya, now a Climate Risk Analyst at Nedbank, has become a potent force in STEM research, advocating for climate finance and addressing climate issues in Africa. With a commitment to creating innovative solutions for Africa’s challenges, she envisions a continent at the forefront of sustainable development.
In an era where young African women often find limited representation in STEM, Nomhle Ngwenya’s journey stands as an emblem of what is possible with determination, passion, and unwavering support. As she continues her impactful career, she paves the way for a new generation of African scientists and researchers to follow.
In the ever-evolving landscape of technology and innovation, David Opateyibo stands out as a trailblazer at the tender age of 20. Hailing from Nigeria, David has become an international sensation for his remarkable contributions to drone technology, showcasing an unparalleled passion and expertise that belie his youthful years.
David‘s journey into the world of aeronautics began in his childhood, fueled by an intense fascination with technology and aircraft. His early experimentation with crafting airplanes from basic materials foreshadowed a remarkable trajectory. In 2015, David enrolled in the International College of Aeronautics in Lagos, Nigeria, specializing in Aircraft Building Technology (ABT).
Such was his proficiency that David not only excelled in his studies but was also invited to serve as an instructor while still a student, showcasing a depth of knowledge that surpassed his peers.
In 2017, David gained recognition for constructing a drone from scratch, presenting it to the State governor. This marked a pivotal moment in his journey and set the stage for his future accomplishments. At the age of 19, he obtained his Remote Pilot License (RPL) from the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) in the United States, becoming an active member of the Nigeria Unmanned Systems and Robotics Association (NUSA). Read more about David here.