Deborah Ajakaiye: First Female Black Professor of Physics

 By Victor Olubiye

In a field where women were once rarely seen, Deborah Enilo Ajakaiye stood out—not just for her brilliance, but for breaking barriers that had stood for generations. Born on 26 May 1940 in Plateau State, she became Nigeria’s first female physics professor, blazing a trail in a male-dominated discipline and inspiring generations of women in science.

Deborah’s academic journey began at the University of Ibadan, where she earned her BSc in Physics. She went on to obtain her MSc from the University of Birmingham and later a PhD in geophysics from Ahmadu Bello University. Her work focused on geovisualisation and the mapping of Nigeria’s mineral resources—vital efforts that supported national development.

She made history in the 1980s when she became a professor of physics at the University of Jos. Beyond titles, what defined her was her dedication to education and nation-building. She later became the Dean of Natural Sciences, one of the few women to hold such a post at the time.

In retirement, Deborah continued to serve, establishing a foundation to fund the education of young girls in Northern Nigeria. A woman of science and service, she remains a symbol of what is possible when determination meets opportunity.