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
November 2026