PROFESSOR LADY NGOZI FRANCA OKOYE FEATURED IN THE NEWS:
PIONEER
PROGRESSIVE HERALD
Professor Lady Ngozi Franca Okoye in the News
Nigerian-born professor contests Sigma Xi board election
Nigerian-born professor contests Sigma Xi board election
Nigerian News Today | NigeriaBrowser
Making History: Media Outlets Spotlight Professor Lady Ngozi Franca Okoye’s Sigma Xi Board Candidacy
A milestone in international scientific leadership and representation
Professor Lady Ngozi Franca Okoye’s candidacy for the Sigma Xi Board of Directors has attracted attention from newspapers, online publications, and media platforms in Nigeria and beyond.
Okoye is contesting for Full Directorship on the Sigma Xi Board of Directors, representing the Canadian/International Constituency, in the November 2026 election. Her candidacy marks a historic milestone, as she is the first African woman and the first Nigerian to contest this position.
Among the publications reporting on or sharing her candidacy are PUNCH and Pioneer Progressive Herald, alongside other news outlets and digital platforms that have helped bring the story to a wider audience.
The coverage highlights an important moment in Okoye’s career and draws attention to the growing international participation of African women in scientific leadership and governance.
A professor of biochemistry, software engineer, academic leader, and advocate for women in science, Okoye has built a career spanning technology, higher education, mentorship, and international engagement. She is also the founder of Young Women in Science, Engineering and Technology (YWISET), an initiative dedicated to supporting and encouraging women in STEM.
Her previous service on Sigma Xi committees, including its Committee on Nominations and global outreach activities, has contributed to her engagement with the organisation and its international community.
For Okoye, the significance of this candidacy extends beyond the result of the election. It represents an opportunity to contribute to scientific governance, strengthen international connections, and encourage greater representation in the institutions that help shape the future of research.
The growing media interest has also provided an opportunity to celebrate Nigerian achievement and highlight the contribution of women working across science, technology, education, and leadership.
Okoye has expressed her appreciation to the journalists, editors, newspapers, online publications, and members of the public who have reported on or shared her story.
As the November 2026 election approaches, her candidacy remains a significant milestone in her professional journey and a moment of historic representation for African women and Nigerians in international scientific leadership.
About Professor Lady Ngozi Franca Okoye
Professor Lady Ngozi Franca Okoye is a professor of biochemistry, software engineer, academic leader, and founder of Young Women in Science, Engineering and Technology (YWISET). Her work spans scientific education, mentorship, women’s advancement in STEM, and international engagement.
Prof Ngozi Franca Okoye PhD books available on Amazon
Books by Prof Ngozi Franca Okoye PhD. Available in Amazon.
- A Happy Marriage is A Balanced Equation. Marriage Has No Formular.
- Self Improvement is A Work in Progress.
- Unique Me, Unique You. Build Your Self Esteem And Improve Your Self Confidence in one Week.
Making History: Professor Ngozi Franca Okoye Enters the Sigma Xi Board of Directors Election
A Nigerian-born scientist based in the United Kingdom, Professor Ngozi Franca Okoye is officially standing for election to the Sigma Xi Board of Directors — Full Directorship, representing the Canadian/International Constituency, in the November 2026 election.
There are moments in life when the significance of an opportunity is bigger than the outcome.
For me, this is one of those moments.
I am honoured to have been nominated and officially listed as a candidate for the Sigma Xi Board of Directors — Full Directorship, representing the Canadian/International Constituency.
I am one of the final two candidates contesting this Full Directorship.
For me, the historic significance of this moment is already clear: I am the first African woman and the first Nigerian to stand for election to this Sigma Xi Director position.
That history has already been made.
A long connection with Sigma Xi
My candidacy also builds on my previous involvement with Sigma Xi.
I have previously served within the organisation, including through the Committee on Nominations, and I have also served on the Global Outreach Committee.
Sigma Xi, founded at Cornell University in 1886, has a long history of recognising and supporting scientific achievement and leadership. Its membership has included many distinguished scientists, including Nobel Prize winners.
To now stand as an official candidate for its Board of Directors is therefore a deeply meaningful milestone in my own scientific and professional journey.
A Nigerian and African story
I am particularly proud of the fact that this candidacy carries a Nigerian and African dimension.
I was born in Nigeria and am now based in the United Kingdom. My professional journey has taken me through engineering, science, technology, academia, leadership and community service.
Before my current leadership responsibilities, I worked as a Systems and Software Engineer at British Telecommunications (BT) and as a Data Migration Scientist at GlaxoSmithKline (GSK). I also spent 16 years in the university sector.
Today, I serve as a Director and Trustee of a UK educational trust, alongside my other professional and community commitments.
For me, this candidacy is therefore not simply about one election. It is another chapter in a journey of service, leadership and participation.
Enjoying the journey
I have decided to approach this campaign with gratitude and perspective.
Of course, I would be delighted to be elected. If that happens, it would create another historic chapter and give me the opportunity to serve on the Sigma Xi Board of Directors.
But I do not believe that the value of this experience depends entirely on the result.
History has already been made.
I have already become an official candidate.
My name is already part of the 2026 Sigma Xi election record.
That cannot be taken away by the outcome of the vote.
If I am elected, another history will be made.
If I am not, the first history remains: a Nigerian woman, an African woman, stood for this international scientific leadership position.
That is something I am proud of.
More than an election
I see this moment as an opportunity to encourage other scientists, particularly Africans and Nigerians, to see themselves in spaces where important decisions about science and scientific leadership are being made.
Representation matters.
Participation matters.
And sometimes the most important step is simply being willing to put your name forward.
My message to anyone watching this journey is simple:
Do not be afraid to step forward.
You may not know what the final outcome will be. You may not know whether you will be selected, elected or appointed.
But by stepping forward, you create possibilities that did not exist before.
That is what I have chosen to do.
Looking ahead
The Sigma Xi election will take place in November 2026, with the successful candidate beginning a three-year term on July 1, 2027.
Until then, I intend to enjoy the experience, embrace the journey and make the most of this incredible opportunity.
Whatever happens at the ballot box, I will be grateful that I stepped forward.
Because history has already been made.
And perhaps, if the opportunity comes, another chapter of history will be written.
Professor Ngozi Franca Okoye
United Kingdom
Candidate for Sigma Xi Board of Directors — Full Directorship
Canadian/International Constituency
October 2026
NGOZI FRANCA OKOYE IN THE NEWS:
Professor Lady Ngozi Franca Okoye was featured in Pioneer Progressive Herald as a Pioneer Trailblazing Woman.
Thanks to this great media publication Pioneer Progressive Herald for doing a feature on me as a Pioneer Trailblazing blazing Woman Thanks Veronica Ihebuzor for doing a good job. #ngozifrancaokoye #FrancaMagazine #FrancaTV #Goodlifetoday #francadailynews
Professor Ngozi Franca Okoye’s research work ‘Black seed, Scent Leaf can boost immune system, ameliorate symptoms of Coronavirus’
went viral in 2020 and trended on Twitter now X and was also featured in the following media below:
NGOZI FRANCA OKOYE PhD IN DAILY POST.
NGOZI FRANCA OKOYE IN BIOREPORTS
NGOZI FRANCA OKOYE IN ALLNAIJAMEDIA
NGOZI FRANCA OKOYE IN NAIJANEWSPAPERS
NGOZI FRANCA OKOYE IN LEGIT9JA
NGOZI FRANCA OKOYE IN OGENEAFRICAN
NGOZI FRANCA OKOYE IN SAGAGIST
NGOZI FRANCA OKOYE IN LATESTNIGERIANNEWS
NGOZI FRANCA OKOYE IN HEADTOPICS
NGOZI FRANCA OKOYE IN NEWSNOW
NGOZI FRANCA OKOYE IN AFROPAGES
NGOZI FRANCA OKOYE IN NEWZANDAR
PROFESSOR NGOZI FRANCA OKOYE HAS PUBLISHED OVER 45 SCIENTIFIC ARTICLES IN PEER REVIEWED JOURNALS. SHE HAS ALSO WRITTEN TWO PROFESSIONAL BOOKS AND A CHAPTER IN A BOOK.
HER RESEARCH INTERESTS INCLUDE DRUG FORMULATION FROM NATURAL SOURCES, TOXICOLOGY, ENVIRONMENTAL BIOREMEDIATION, METABOLIC AND ENDOCRINE BIOCHEMISTRY.