Grace Chijimma Ezema

Grace Chijimma Ezema (née Ezekoka) (June 30, 1942 – May 8, 2024) was a Nigerian electrical engineer, recognized as the first female graduate of electrical engineering in Nigeria. She had a notable career with the National Electricity Power Authority (NEPA) and later founded Guftane Engineering Nigeria Limited.

Early life and education Grace Chijimma Ezema was born on June 30, 1942, in Isiokpo, Ideato L.G.A., Imo State, Nigeria, to Chief Isaac N. Ezekoka and Mrs. Angelina Ezekoka. She began her education at Township School in Port Harcourt and attended Queen's School, Enugu, from 1956 to 1962. After graduating with a Grade I from the W.A.S.C. (Sciences), she studied pure mathematics and applied physics at the Federal Science School in Lagos for her A Levels.

In 1963, Ezema enrolled in electrical engineering at Ahmadu Bello University (ABU), Zaria, and graduated in 1966, becoming Nigeria's first female graduate in the field. She earned a certificate in management from the Nigerian Institute of Management in 1973.

Recognitions Ezema was a registered member of the Nigerian Society of Engineers (NSE) and the Council for the Regulation of Engineering in Nigeria (COREN). She played a role in establishing the Association of Professional Women Engineers in Nigeria (APWEN) and participated in international engineering conferences.

The Department of Electrical/Electronic Engineering at IMT, Enugu, formally recognized her contributions to engineering and education in a ceremony attended by engineers and academics from her alma mater, ABU.