Nzube Egboluche: UNN Academic Achiever Among the Elite 1.2% of U.S. Citizens with a PhD Degree
Zuby's journey commenced in Nigeria, her place of birth and upbringing. She embarked on her academic voyage at the University of Nigeria, Nsukka, where she majored in Soil Sciences and notably graduated as the top student in her class
AKACHI NOEL 
Nzube Egboluche, known affectionately as Zuby, has emerged as an academic standout, earning her PhD in Bioenvironmental Sciences from Morgan State University, Baltimore, Maryland, USA.
Her remarkable achievement places her within the esteemed 1.2% of U.S. citizens who hold a doctoral degree, according to data from the U.S. Census Bureau.
Zuby's journey commenced in Nigeria, her place of birth and upbringing. She embarked on her academic voyage at the University of Nigeria, Nsukka, where she majored in Soil Sciences and notably graduated as the top student in her class. Although her dreams were set on studying abroad, Zuby encountered numerous challenges and encountered several rejections.
Undeterred by adversity, she persisted in her pursuit of an international education. Despite facing repeated denials and admission offers without financial support from universities in the U.S., UK, and Canada, she persevered. Her tenacity bore fruit in 2015 when she secured the prestigious Mastercard Foundation Scholarship, which enabled her to pursue her Master of Science degree in Soil Sciences at Michigan State University, Michigan, USA.
Completing her master's program in 2017, Zuby subsequently applied for a PhD program at Morgan State University, Maryland, USA. Her dedication and academic prowess led to her acceptance, accompanied by a full scholarship and a graduate assistantship. Within the realm of Bioenvironmental Sciences, Zuby specialized in environmental microbiology and biotechnology.
Her research revolved around the biodegradation of emerging contaminants in water and soil utilizing microbial enzymes. Furthermore, Zuby actively engaged in diverse academic and professional activities, which encompassed teaching, mentoring, conference presentations, paper publications, and service as a journal reviewer.
In May 2023, she successfully defended her dissertation, thereby etching her name as one of the select few Nigerians who have attained a PhD degree from a U.S. university.
Nigeria, as per World Bank statistics from 2020, boasts a population of approximately 214 million people. However, the literacy rate among adults (15 years and older) stands at a mere 62%, with a gross enrollment ratio for tertiary education (ISCED 5-8) amounting to a mere 11%. These statistics underscore the limited accessibility of higher education in the nation, as only around 11% of Nigerians have the privilege of pursuing advanced studies.
In stark contrast, the U.S., with its population of approximately 332 million in 2020, enjoys a literacy rate among adults of 99%. Moreover, its gross enrollment ratio for tertiary education registers at 88%. These figures illustrate the widespread accessibility of higher education in the United States.
Nevertheless, according to data from the U.S. Census Bureau, merely 1.2% of Americans, approximately 4.6 million individuals, possess a doctoral degree as of 2019. This statistic underscores the formidable challenge of attaining a PhD, even in a developed nation like the United States.
Zuby Egboluche's narrative transcends academic accomplishments; she serves as a beacon of inspiration for those aspiring to study abroad or pursue their dreams.
