Nigerian-born professor contests Sigma Xi board election
Nigerian-born scientist, Prof Ngozi Franca Okoye, has emerged as one of the final two candidates for a seat on the Board of Directors of Sigma Xi, a United States-based scientific research honour society.
Okoye, who is based in the United Kingdom, is contesting the Full Directorship representing the Canadian/International Constituency in the organisation’s 2026 election.
If elected, she will serve a three-year term on the board beginning July 1, 2027.
Her candidacy is significant as she is the first African woman and first of Nigerian origin to contest the position, according to a statement obtained by The PUNCH on Thursday.
Sigma Xi, founded at Cornell University in 1886, is one of the oldest scientific research honour societies. Its membership includes more than 200 Nobel Prize winners, including Albert Einstein.
Okoye’s emergence among the final two candidates followed her previous involvement with the organisation, having been elected to its Committee on Nominations and served on the Global Outreach Committee.
Those roles, the statement said, exposed her to the organisation’s leadership, nomination and international outreach activities before her current bid for the board.
Speaking on the contest, Okoye said her candidacy represented an opportunity to bring Nigerian and African representation into an international scientific leadership institution.
“I am deeply honoured to be standing for this position and to represent Nigeria and Africa on an international scientific platform. For me, the opportunity itself is historic. I am enjoying the campaign, embracing the journey and making the most of this incredible experience,” she said.
Okoye has spent 16 years in the university sector in the UK and previously worked as a systems and software engineer with British Telecommunications and as a data migration scientist with GlaxoSmithKline.
Her professional experience spans academia, industry and organisational leadership. She has also served as a director and trustee of a UK educational trust and as president of the Union of Catholic Mothers in her parish.
The election is scheduled for November, with members of Sigma Xi eligible to vote for the candidates.
Urging Nigerian and African scientists within the organisation to participate, Okoye said the contest was also an opportunity to broaden representation in global scientific leadership.
“I am proud to carry the Nigerian and African story into this international scientific leadership space. I am asking my fellow Nigerian and African scientists and all scientists from all backgrounds within the Sigma Xi community to support my candidacy and make their voices count.
“This is not only about me; it is about representation and what is possible for African scientists on the global stage,” she said.
Okoye said she was focused on the experience as much as the outcome of the election.
“History has already been made. I want to enjoy the process, embrace the journey and make the most of this incredible opportunity,” she said.
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