Chika Ejikeugwu
About
Dr. Chika Ejikeugwu is a Lecturer at Ebonyi State University, Abakaliki in Nigeria where he teaches microbiology to undergraduate students. He is also an ‘Associate’ Development Knowledge Facilitator (DKF) for the National Youth Service Corp (NYSC) headquarters, Abuja, Nigeria. He holds a doctorate degree in Pharmaceutical Microbiology & Biotechnology from Nnamdi Azikiwe University, Awka, Nigeria. The edited story below was originally published by Science Communication Hub Nigeria.
As far back as I can remember, I have always wanted to be a scientist. Of course, I also thought about becoming a medical doctor as well from time to time. However, after gaining admission to study microbiology at university, I dropped all thoughts about studying medicine because microbiology opened my eyes to a brand-new world of microbes. These little things provided me with a new way I could impact society.
In 2015, I created and founded an online platform called MicroDok for the teaching and study of microbiology. The site is now the number one and largest microbiology website in Nigeria and Africa. It has also attracted many followers from around the world. After completing my doctoral thesis in July 2017, I received the 2018 Matsumae International Foundation (MIF) postdoctoral fellowship award to study at Kyoto University in Japan. There, I studied HIV-1 for 6 months. I was 32 years at that time, and also the youngest fellow to receive that award from Nigeria and around the world.
Broadly, my research interests are currently clustered around understanding the molecular mechanisms behind antibiotic resistance, and functioning HIV-1. I thoroughly enjoy research especially given that the topics I am studying are global problems to which Nigeria is not immune. For example, with respect to antibiotic resistance, I am energized because it cuts across all fields of medicine since we cannot fight infectious diseases without antibiotics. However, the efficacy of these antibiotics is being threatened by some resistant microbes. Microbiology is an exciting field that literally impacts may facets of life. I am captivated with how microbes – as invisible as they are to the naked eye – can positively transform society.
The challenges facing scientists in Nigeria are numerous. This includes lack of funding, lack of collaboration amongst Nigerian scientists, epileptic power supply, and dilapidating infrastructure. These are challenges that many scientists in Nigeria face. Nonetheless, we are passionate about the work which keeps us moving forward despite the challenges.
I remain excited about my research. I am hopeful to take up the Alexander von Humboldt Postdoctoral Fellowship in Berlin, Germany to do another round of research on antibiotic resistance for two years. I plan to also sustain my collaboration with Kyoto University on my HIV-1 research. I continue to explore ways my current university in Nigeria could establish a student and staff exchange program in an effort to help strengthen the academic and research profile of my home University.
My advice for the aspiring scientist is to remain resilient. The journey in science is tough. It is especially tough doing science in Nigeria and Africa at large. But I strongly believe that with preparation, determination, focus, a little help from mentors, and a bit of luck, every mountain can be overcome.
Cover image from Science Communication Hub Nigeria
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To put it simply, science remained a mystery to me, in the sense that I simply could not form any positive connections with it. And, to a certain degree, this mentality has not changed. For some of my science-related classes in high school, I frankly lack any sense of interest or passion. So, you’re probably wondering why I titled this “My Passion for Science” when I’m describing precisely why I don’t like it. Let me explain.