Historic Achievement: Nigerian Woman Earns PhD in Petroleum Engineering, First in Family
Building on her foundation, she later completed a Master’s degree in Materials and Metallurgical Engineering at the same institution before reaching the pinnacle of her academic career with a PhD.
Binye-lum 
Dominica Una, a Nigerian woman, has made history within her family by becoming the first member to earn a Doctorate degree. Her achievement comes in the field of Petroleum and Gas Engineering, marking a significant milestone in her academic journey.
Una's pursuit of higher education began at the University of Port Harcourt in South-East Nigeria, where she initially obtained a Bachelor’s degree in Petroleum and Gas Engineering. Building on her foundation, she later completed a Master’s degree in Materials and Metallurgical Engineering at the same institution before reaching the pinnacle of her academic career with a PhD.
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Reflecting on her journey, Una shared on LinkedIn the challenges she faced and the sacrifices made along the way. Raised in a family where her father worked as a teacher and her mother as a trader, Una acknowledged the financial constraints they navigated. Despite these challenges, Una credited her mother’s industriousness and determination as pivotal in supporting their large family.
Her determination to excel academically stemmed from a childhood incident where she was swarmed by ants while collecting palm fruits. This experience motivated Una to vow that her future would be different, pledging herself to education as a means of overcoming adversity.
Una’s path to her PhD was marked by resilience in the face of personal losses and financial hardships. She spoke of the sacrifices made, including forgoing social activities and personal desires, to stay focused on her educational goals. Her perseverance ultimately paid off, culminating in her becoming the first Doctor of Philosophy in her family.
Her achievement stands not only as a personal triumph but also as an inspiration to others facing similar challenges. Dominica Una’s story serves as a testament to the power of determination and the transformative impact of education in breaking barriers and achieving one’s dreams.
