According to her citation on the official website of UNESCO, Prof. Okeke was honoured for her 'significant contributions to the understanding of daily variations of the ion currents in the upper atmosphere which may further our understanding of climate change'.
She is one of the five outstanding women scientists – one per continent – who were honoured for the contributions of their research, the strength of their commitments and their impact on society.
She was honoured in the Africa/Arab States category.
Others are Prof. Reiko Kuroda of Japan (Asia/Pacific); Prof. Pratibha Gai of the UK (Europe); Prof. Marcia Barbosa of Brazil (Latin America) and Prof. Deborah Jin of the US (North America).
“These five outstanding women scientists have given the world a better understanding of how nature works,” said UNESCO Director-General Irina Bokova. “Their pioneering research and discoveries have changed the way we think in various areas of the physical sciences and opened new frontiers in science and technology. Such key developments have the potential to transform our society.”
The women were formally presented with the award, as well as US$100,000 each, in Paris 28 March.
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