Francisca Nneka Okeke
Francisca Nneka Okeke is a Nigerian Professor of Physics at the University of Nigeria. Her areas of research interest include Solid Earth Geophysics, Atmospheric Physics, and Climate Variability.
Professor Okeke is the female to head the University’s faculty of physical sciences. Her painstaking research resulted in significant and outstanding contributions in physics, which have been recognized worldwide.
Prof. Okeke is the recipient of the L’Oreal-UNESCO For Women in Science Award for her significant contributions to the understanding of climate change.
The award was for Africa and the Arab States. Other winners were from North America, UK, South America, and Asia and it placed Nigeria on the World map of honors in science. Professor Okeke is thus, one of the five laureates.
“This marked my proudest moment as a Nigerian scientist,” she said.
Professor Okeke contributed immensely to academic growth in the Department of Physics and Astronomy and the development of Physics in Nigeria. She has published over 100 papers in internationally reputable journals, 20 minor articles and 15 books.
She has also mentored dozens of scientists currently serving as Heads of Departments and Deans of Faculty in various institutions.
