Prof. Ekanem Ikpi Braide

Introduction: A Trailblazer in Science and Leadership

In the pantheon of Nigerian scientific giants, Prof. Ekanem Ikpi Braide stands as a monumental figure. Born in 1946, her life's work has been dedicated to the relentless battle against parasitic diseases that burden communities across Nigeria and Africa. A distinguished parasitologist, visionary administrator, and inspirational mentor, she has carved a legacy defined by groundbreaking research, transformative policy influence, and barrier-breaking leadership. Her most prominent role to date is her historic election as the President of the Nigerian Academy of Science (NAS), a position where she guides the nation's premier scientific body. Prof. Ekanem Ikpi Braide is not just an academic; she is a national asset whose career in Academia & Research exemplifies how rigorous science, when coupled with compassionate leadership, can drive meaningful change for public health and national development.

Early Life & Education: Laying the Foundation

The formative years of Prof. Ekanem Ikpi Braide were shaped within the rich cultural and intellectual milieu of Nigeria. While specific details of her early childhood are closely held, her academic journey is a documented testament to brilliance and determination. Her pursuit of knowledge in the sciences led her to the prestigious University of Ibadan, where she earned her Bachelor of Science (B.Sc.) degree. Demonstrating an early affinity for the biological sciences and a drive to understand complex life systems, she continued her studies at the same institution, obtaining a Master of Science (M.Sc.) degree.

The cornerstone of her expertise was laid during her doctoral studies. Prof. Ekanem Ikpi Braide pursued and earned her Doctor of Philosophy (Ph.D.) in Parasitology from the University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, in the United States. This international training exposed her to cutting-edge research methodologies and global networks, which she would later adeptly apply to local health challenges upon her return to Nigeria. Her educational trajectory—from Ibadan to Ann Arbor—forged a scientist with a deep understanding of both the Nigerian context and international scientific standards, perfectly equipping her for a career dedicated to solving homegrown problems with world-class expertise.

Career & Major Achievements: A Legacy of Impact

The professional journey of Prof. Ekanem Ikpi Braide is a chronicle of consistent excellence and rising influence across academia, research, and public health administration.

Academic Leadership and Research Prowess

For decades, Prof. Ekanem Ikpi Braide was a pivotal figure at the University of Calabar. She rose through the ranks to become a Professor of Parasitology, mentoring generations of students and researchers. Her research focus has been profoundly impactful, centering on the epidemiology and control of neglected tropical diseases (NTDs), particularly schistosomiasis (bilharzia) and soil-transmitted helminthiasis. She played a critical role in seminal studies that mapped the prevalence of these diseases in Nigeria, providing the essential data needed for mass drug administration programs. Her work directly informed national and sub-national treatment strategies, helping to protect millions of Nigerians, especially children, from the debilitating effects of parasites.

Pioneering Administrative Roles

Beyond the laboratory and classroom, Prof. Ekanem Ikpi Braide excelled in leadership. She served as the Pioneer Vice-Chancellor of the Cross River University of Technology (CRUTECH) from 2004 to 2009. In this role, she was instrumental in establishing the academic and administrative structures of a new institution, steering it through its formative years with remarkable vision and integrity. This experience showcased her exceptional capacity for institution-building and strategic planning. She also served as the President of the Parasitology and Public Health Society of Nigeria (PPSN), where she advocated for the discipline and fostered collaboration among scientists.

The Pinnacle: Presidency of the Nigerian Academy of Science

The capstone of her career came with her election as the President of the Nigerian Academy of Science (NAS) in 2020. This election was historic, as Prof. Ekanem Ikpi Braide became the first female President in the Academy's over 40-year history. As NAS President, her mandate is vast: to provide authoritative advice to the Nigerian government on scientific issues, promote the growth of science and technology, and represent the nation's scientific community globally. Under her leadership, the Academy has intensified its advocacy for evidence-based policymaking, increased funding for research, and the inclusion of science at the heart of national development planning, particularly in areas like pandemic preparedness and climate change adaptation.

Personal Life & Legacy: The Woman Behind the Science

While Prof. Ekanem Ikpi Braide is intensely private about her personal life, her professional legacy speaks volumes about her character. She is widely regarded as a role model for women and girls in Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics (STEM) across Africa. By shattering the glass ceiling at the Nigerian Academy of Science, she has sent a powerful message about the capabilities and rightful place of women in the highest echelons of scientific leadership. Her mentoring style is described as firm yet nurturing, emphasizing rigor, ethics, and a commitment to national service.

Her legacy is multifaceted. Scientifically, she leaves behind a body of work that has directly improved public health outcomes. Academically, she has built institutions and nurtured minds. Professionally, she has elevated the status of parasitology and public health research in Nigeria. Symbolically, her presidency of the NAS stands as a beacon of possibility, inspiring a new generation to believe that with excellence and perseverance, no door in Academia & Research is closed. The "Braide legacy" is one of transformative leadership, where scientific acumen is seamlessly blended with a deep commitment to societal progress.

Recognition & Net Worth

Prof. Ekanem Ikpi Braide has received numerous awards and honors in recognition of her contributions to science and education. These accolades, from professional societies and institutions, underscore the high esteem in which she is held by her peers. While the exact net worth of an academic and public intellectual like Prof. Ekanem Ikpi Braide is not publicly disclosed and is not the measure of her impact, her career is a testament to a different kind of wealth. Her "wealth" lies in her immense intellectual capital, her vast contributions to human health, and the countless lives improved through her research and policies. Unlike business ventures, her life's work has been an investment in Nigeria's human capital and scientific infrastructure, the returns on which are measured in healthier populations, stronger institutions, and inspired future scientists. Her success is defined by legacy, not ledger, making her one of Nigeria's most invaluable assets in the quest for sustainable development.

Conclusion

From a dedicated researcher in parasitology to the historic President of the Nigerian Academy of Science, the journey of Prof. Ekanem Ikpi Braide is a masterclass in dedicated service. At 78, her leadership continues to shape the scientific landscape of Nigeria, advocating for a future where evidence and expertise guide national decisions. Her story is not just one of personal achievement, but a narrative about the critical role of science in nation-building. Prof. Ekanem Ikpi Braide remains a towering figure, a true pioneer whose life and work continue to illuminate the path for scientists and leaders in Nigeria and beyond.