KIU, Main Campus - As the world celebrated International Women’s Day on March 8, 2025, Prof Regina Idu Ejemot-Nwadiaro, Deputy Vice Chancellor of Research, Innovation, Consultancy and Extension (RICE) urged young women not to compromise their values due to societal pressures.

With her wealth of experience as a renowned academician, leader, public health nutritionist, mother, wife, and philanthropist, Prof. Ejemot’s words of wisdom are a beacon of hope for young women navigating the complexities of modern life.

Growing up, Prof. Ejemot drew inspiration from notable figures like Malala Yousafzai, the courageous Pakistani activist for female education, Dr. Ngozi Okonjo-Iweala, the first woman and first African to lead the World Trade Organization (WTO), and her mother, the Late Ogbuefi Bernadette N. Nwosu, a trailblazing educator who served as a headmistress for 30 years. Her mother's and Dr. Ngozi Okonjo-Iweala’s remarkable legacies, coupled with Malala's bravery, instilled in Prof. Ejemot the importance of perseverance, hard work, and determination.

Today, as a leading voice in academia and leadership, Prof. Ejemot continues to pay it forward through the Ogbuefi Bernadette N. Nwosu Memorial Foundation, which she established in the loving memory of her mother. The foundation is a scholarship scheme aimed at increasing access to formal education for indigent children and empower a new generation.

Guided by her unwavering conviction that education is the key to breaking the cycle of poverty, Prof. Ejemot remains resolute in her mission to create opportunities for disadvantaged girls to access quality education.

“To succeed, don’t reduce your standards to accommodate others,” Prof. Ejemot advised, her voice filled with conviction. “Maintain them, and let the right people come to you.” She emphasized the importance of servant leadership, hard work, continuous self-improvement, and setting boundaries.

“Also, to be a good leader, you must be a good servant first, because leadership is service. You must be a good follower, dedicated and ready to do the work, because it is only in the dictionary where success comes before work,” Prof. Ejemot said, highlighting the importance of humility and dedication in achieving success.

Prof. Ejemot attributed her success to her humility, dedication, supportive family, and divine grace. Her journey to the top has not been without its challenges, but she has consistently demonstrated her ability to overcome obstacles and emerge stronger. As a testament to KIU’s inclusive environment, Prof. Ejemot applauded the university community for fostering growth and excellence among both men and women, creating a levelled playing field for all to thrive.

While acknowledging the challenges of balancing career and personal life, Prof. Ejemot stressed the importance of prioritization. “It has been challenging to balance both career and personal life as an academician, wife, mother, child, philanthropist, and member of society, but obviously, prioritization is key, because it is easy to lose one’s family and friends if one does not prioritize,” she added, offering practical advice to young women navigating the complexities of modern life.

As a distinguished scholar and leader, Prof. Regina Idu Ejemot is a shining example of what it means to live a life of purpose and dedication. She continues to inspire and empower young women to reach their full potential.

Prof. Regina Idu Ejemot is the Deputy Vice Chancellor of Research, Innovation, Consultancy and Extension (RICE) at KIU, founder of Ogbuefi Bernadette N. Nwosu Memorial Foundation and a Public Health Nutritionist.