On a bright, sunny day in June, Engr. Mrs. Grace Chijimma Ezema (nee Ezekoka) was born to the family of Chief Isaac N. Ezekoka and Mrs. Angelina Ezekoka in the city of Port-Harcourt, Nigeria which is situated in the present-day Rivers State. She was the first child of an industrious and God-fearing family that was blessed with 9 children.
Her Education
Grace started her academic training at the Township School, Port-Harcourt. In 1956, she successfully gained admission to the prestigious Queen’s School, Enugu where she attended from 1956 to 1962 and got her Grade I from W.A.S.C (Sciences). She also participated in school sports where she excelled, winning some medals. Upon graduation from Queen’s School, she went on to attend the Federal Science School, Lagos to study Pure Mathematics/Applied Physics for the attainment of her A’ Level in G.C.E which was the sequence in education in Nigeria for students that intended to go further with their education. At this stage in her life, Grace had set a standard for herself never to embrace failure but to be the best she could at any endeavor she chose or was called upon to engage in.
Of the five universities then established in Nigeria, she decided to study Electrical Engineering at the Ahmadu Bello University (ABU), Zaria at a time when the waters of the engineering field were new and seemed very challenging for the male folk, much less a female in Nigeria. Most of her classmates back at Federal Science School, Lagos were men and chose engineering courses in Universities but encouraged her to go for a “feminine” course. This only strengthened her resolve to pursue this career path which she believed was a worthy cause for her ever inquisitive and knowledge seeking mind.
Grace gained admission to ABU in 1963 and graduated in 1966 with a bachelor’s degree of science in Electrical Engineering. While at ABU, she was awarded an academic scholarship by the National Electricity Power Authority (NEPA) for being a pioneer in the Engineering profession and to serve as an encouragement for other females to go into the Engineering profession in Nigeria. Due to her outstanding academic performance, she was given automatic employment by NEPA, with her first assignment being as a Communications Engineer stationed in Lagos from 1966 to 1967.
Her Career & Commitments
Her achievement as being the first female engineer in Nigeria quickly brought her to limelight with several articles and media publications written about her. At NEPA, she thrived and rose through the ranks, holding several positions in various locations – Research Engineer at Afam Power Station in 1967, Commercial Engineer in Lagos in 1971 and Mains Engineer in Kaduna in 1972. During this time, she enrolled in the Nigerian Institute of Management in 1973 and got a certificate in Management.
In 1973 while stationed in Kaduna, she met a young man, Dr. Paul O. Ezema, who was a Lecturer in the Department of Physics and Astronomy, University of Nigeria, Nsukka. They got married on the 28th of December 1974 at Holy Ghost Cathedral, Enugu. Her chief bridesmaid at her wedding is no other than Engr. Mrs. Mayen Adetiba, another notable female engineer in Nigeria. With family obligations now, Grace was transferred to NEPA Enugu offices as a Planning and Construction Engineer, a capacity she served from 1974 to 1978. In 1975, she attended an all-expenses paid conference organized by the Bureau of Educational and Cultural Affairs, United States Department of State, Washington D.C, U.S.A. at bringing foreign nationals nominated by the American Foreign Service posts for outstanding performance to America to consult with colleagues gain practical professional training and experience.
In 1978, she resigned from N.E.P.A and started her own company – Guftane Engineering Nigeria Limited having gained adequate knowledge of the Electrical Engineering profession. She took this decision to have more time to raise the 4 children which her marriage was blessed with. As the Managing Director/C.E.O. of her own company, Grace made her mark by undertaking and delivering on contracts for rural electrification projects that were ongoing in various rural areas in the country at the time. She was also made a member of the Governing Council of I.M.T where she also served from 1979 to 1983.
Her Ambition Continued
Grace was very industrious and decided to go into agriculture, founding Pisces Integrated Farms Limited which contributed livestock and food to the total agricultural output of Enugu State. She got government recognition for her endeavors in Agriculture under the governorship of Hon. Dr. Okwesileze Nwodo and was appointed a member of the Enugu State Think Thank committee on the Industrial Development of Enugu State in 1992, with Chief Nduka Eya serving as the Special Adviser to the Governor on Commerce, Industry and Technology. Unfortunately, the opportunity for Grace to contribute substantially in this committee towards the development of Enugu state was cut short by the military coup of General Sani Abacha in 1993 which ousted the democratically elected government in Nigeria at that time. She however continued her entrepreneurial exploits through Guftane Engineering Ltd and Pisces Integrated Farms Ltd.
Following her In 1998, Grace accepted an offer of appointment as a Senior Lecturer in the Electrical & Electronics Department of the Institute of Management and Technology, Enugu. She lectured and mentored students and continued to be a source of motivation especially the females. She served as Head of Department between 2004 and 2006 before retiring from service.
In support of the engineering progression, she was a registered member of the Nigerian Society of Engineers (NSE) and Council of Registered Engineers (COREN). She was also a founding member of the Association of Professional Women in Nigeria (APWEN), joining delegations to represent Nigerian female engineers at International Engineering conferences in South Korea, France and the United States.
Her Legacy
Given her academic background, it is no surprise therefore that Grace spared no effort in educating her children in the best schools available. Today, her eldest daughter Chioma is also an engineer, first son Nkemjika is an Economist and Entrepreneur, second son Kasiemobi is a Computer Scientist and Entrepreneur, and her third son Nonso is a Medical Doctor and Owner of a Clinical Drug Development company. Grace was blessed to become a grandmother with 9 grandchildren. Her hobbies were many as she never kept still and included reading, gardening/farming, theatre/movies and spending time with family. We thank God for the wonderful life Grace was blessed with and the trail blazing steps she took which have led her home to the waiting arms of our Lord and Savior, whom we know is quite pleased with her efforts to live a bold and significant life.
Tributes
You have lighted the path for us to follow as the first female Engineer in Nigeria. You have written your name in sands of time. Rest in the Lord, Distinguished Fellow of the Nigerian Society of Engineers. May the Lord grant the children fortitude to bear the lost. —Engr. Dr. Cecilia Igbonakalum Okafor,MNSE
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Truly, fate did not avail me an opportunity to have encountered Engr (Mrs) Grace Chijimma Ezema nee Ezekoka FNSE, the Nigerian first female Engineer any time before her passing.
I felt so sad and was terribly touched the first time the news of her departure was posted in the APWEN WhatsApp group platform by APWEN Enugu Chapter member. I learnt from the post that she was the founder and pioneer Chairman of APWEN Enugu chapter. I had lots of thoughts, imagining the Character and Personality of our beloved Elder and Mama.
Subsequently I ran through another post by our Senior Engineer and Mummy, Engr Mrs Nkechi Isigwe FNSE, the Second APWEN President, former Vice President NSE and EXCO who served NSE in different capacities, about this our beloved Elder, Pioneer, Mentor, Role model and Mama, Engr (Mrs) Grace Chijimma Ezema nee Ezekoka FNSE. That revered post opened my eyes to know that Engr (Mrs) Grace Chijimma Ezema nee Ezekoka FNSE was the first female Engineer in Nigeria, a trailblazer, role model, motivator, mentor and a great Engineering professional of high repute.
Great role model Ma, you fought a good fight and left no stone unturned. We all love you and will surely miss you, but God loves you most. As it has pleased the Almighty God to call you back now that we most need your motherly care, guide and advice from your wealth of experience, may you have rest in the Lord’s bosom.
Eternal rest grant unto her O Lord and let perpetual light shine upon her. Dearest Pioneer and mentor, may your soul rest in perfect peace, Amen.
Engr Mrs Nneka Jacinta Ezike, Air Traffic Safety Systems Engineer. Nigerian Airspace Management Agency (NAMA) MMIA, Lagos.
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Today, I honor the life of Engr. (Mrs.) Grace Chijimma Ezema (née EzeKoka), whose journey from June 30, 1942, to May 8, 2024, was marked by grace, dedication, and love. Grace was a trailblazing engineer and a Fellow of the Nigerian Society of Engineers (FNSE), breaking barriers and paving the way for many women.
Her deep faith guided her through life’s challenges and triumphs, and she was a source of inspiration and support to many in her community. Grace’s legacy is one of resilience, dedication, and an unwavering belief in the power of love and kindness.
As I mourn her passing, I also celebrate her life and the countless memories she leaves behind. I find comfort in knowing she lived a life well-lived, filled with love, purpose, and a commitment to making the world a better place.
Rest in peace, Dear Grace. Your legacy will live on in the hearts of those you touched.
With deepest respect and love,
Engr. Chibueze Kingsley I.
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Death must come, when it is the will of God. It is with a grateful heart that we thank God for the gift of first woman Engineer in APWEN Enugu chapter. You are a role model, a mentor and a mother to us. We appreciate God for his grace and a life well spent. May God in his infinite mercy grant you eternal rest in the blossom of the Lord Amen– Engr Dr. Ukamaka J. Eze
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In honor of the remarkable life and legacy of Mrs. Grace Chijindu Ezema, the esteemed founder of the Association of Professional Women Engineers (APWEN) Enugu Chapter, we gather to pay tribute to a true pioneer, visionary, and champion for women in engineering.
Mrs. Ezema was not just a leader; she was a trailblazer who broke barriers and paved the way for countless women to pursue careers in engineering. Her unwavering determination, passion, and commitment to empowering women in the field of engineering have left an indelible mark on our chapter, our community, and the engineering profession at large.
As the founder of APWEN Enugu Chapter, Mrs. Ezema envisioned a world where women engineers could thrive, excel, and make significant contributions to society. Through her leadership, she created a supportive network where women could connect, collaborate, and inspire one another to reach greater heights in their careers.
Mrs. Ezema’s dedication to promoting gender equality and diversity in engineering was evident in everything she did. She worked tirelessly to advocate for equal opportunities for women in the workplace, to challenge stereotypes, and to break down the barriers that often-hindered women from pursuing careers in STEM fields.
Beyond her professional achievements, Mrs. Ezema was known for her kindness, generosity, and mentorship. She was always willing to lend a helping hand, offer guidance, and share her knowledge and expertise with others. Her impact extended far beyond the boundaries of our chapter, touching the lives of all who had the privilege of knowing her.
Today, as we honor Mrs. Ezema’s legacy, we pledge to sustain her vision of inclusivity, empowerment, and excellence in engineering. With unwavering commitment, we vow to perpetuate her invaluable contributions to our chapter and the broader engineering community. Mrs. Grace Chijindu Ezema’s impact will endure as a beacon of inspiration, empowering women engineers worldwide, and her memory will forever be cherished by all whose lives she touched.
JEE NKE OMA AGU NWANYI NA NKAN’UZU
Dr. Harmony N. Nwobodo-Nzeribe. MNSE and Engr Salomi Ijeoma Madu MNSE
(Chairman) (Secretary)