Martina Chukwuma-Ezike
Martina Chukwuma-Ezike | |
|---|---|
| Lord Rector of the University of Aberdeen | |
| In office January 2022 – December 2024 | |
| Preceded by | Maggie Chapman |
| Succeeded by | Iona Fyfe |
| Personal details | |
| Born | 1981 (age 44–45) Nigeria |
| Spouse(s) | Uchenna Chukwuma-Ezike, married August 2011, separated January 2024. |
| Alma mater | University of Calabar (BSc) University of Aberdeen (MBA) |
| Occupation | Charity Executive |
Martina Chukwuma-Ezike FRSA Public Figure and Former Lord Rector of the University of Aberdeen
Martina Chukwuma-Ezike FRSA, born June 1981 is the CEO of the Asthma and Allergy Foundation, Scotland's only dedicated asthma charity which she founded in 2009. The charity provides vital services to over 23,000 adults, children and young people with asthma, their families and carers across Scotland. The organisation also provides accredited Asthma training to businesses, healthcare professionals, Universities, Colleges and Schools[1]
In 2021, she was elected as the Rector of the University of Aberdeen, Head of the University and Chairman of the University Court, the first black person to hold the position in the University 530 years history.[2] She was installed as Rector in 2022 and served a three year term and is known and referred to as an exceptional Rector.[3]
Biography
Born Martina Kewanghe Besong Abang in June 1981 into the Prestigious Abang's family from Boki, Cross River State, Nigeria. Martina grew up in Cross River State.[4] She first completed a diploma at the University of Calabar in Social Works, from 1999 to 2001, going on to study for a degree in sociology in 2002, graduating in 2005 with a B.Sc.[5]
After briefly working for the Nigerian National Petroleum Corporation, in 2008 she moved to the United Kingdom, where the following year she attained an MBA from the University of Aberdeen.[6]
Suffering from a severe form of asthma,[7] known as brittle asthma, which made studying difficult for her, Chukwuma-Ezike noticed the lack of suitable support available in the Northeast of Britain, which led to her decision to found a charity separate from Asthma UK in 2009 – Asthma and Allergy Foundation, Scotland's only asthma charity,[8] of which she is chief executive.[9]
In 2021, Chukwuma-Ezike was elected rector of the University of Aberdeen and became the first person of colour to hold the post.[10][8]
Selected publications
References
- ^ "ABOUT US - Asthma and Allergy Foundation". 17 March 2021. Retrieved 25 January 2023.
- ^ Taylor, Margaret (26 October 2022). "Making history: The black female rectors leading Scotland's ancient institutions into the future". Holyrood.
- ^ "The Rector | Martina Chukwuma-Ezike". University of Aberdeen. Retrieved 12 March 2023.
- ^ Chukwuma-Ezike, Martina (20 October 2022). "Martina Chukwuma-Ezike: Black figures and their allies in Scottish history forged a path for people like me". The Press and Journal.
- ^ Ezenduka, Michelle (16 April 2022). "Meet Martina Chukwuma-Ezike, first black female Rector of the University of Aberdeen, Scotland". Nairametrics. Retrieved 25 January 2023.
- ^ Shesight (28 October 2022). "Martina Chukwuma-Ezike Becomes The First Woman Of Colour Elected As Rector of the University of Aberdeen". SheSight. Retrieved 25 January 2023.
- ^ Home, Marc (30 September 2022). "Asthma chief demands review of eco-inhalers 'before people die'". The Times.
- ^ a b Smith, Anne (25 March 2022). "Asthma charity boss first black woman elected rector of ancient university". STV News. Retrieved 12 March 2023.
- ^ Taylor, Margaret (26 October 2022). "Making history: The black female rectors leading Scotland's ancient institutions into the future". Holyrood. Retrieved 12 March 2023.
- ^ Munro, Craig (19 November 2021). "Asthma charity boss Martina Chukwuma-Ezike elected Aberdeen University rector". The Press and Journal.