Professor Dame Ijeoma Florence Uchegbu is a Nigerian-British scientist who has broken barriers in pharmaceutical research and academic leadership. From a childhood shaped by migration and hardship to becoming President of Wolfson College, Cambridge, she has built a global reputation for excellence in science, innovation, and equality. Ijeoma Uchegbu was born on 16 August 1960 in Hackney, London, to Nigerian parents who had moved to the UK for their studies. When she was 13, she relocated to Nigeria, where she grew up during the difficult post-civil war years.
Prof Ijeoma Uchegbu Profile
| Name | Professor Dame Ijeoma Uchegbu |
| Real Name | Ijeoma Florence Uchegbu |
| Date of Birth | 16 August 1960 |
| Age | 65 years |
| Nationality | Nigerian-British |
| Occupation | Scientist |
| Religion | Christianity |
| Marital Status | Married |
| Net Worth | $2 Million |
| Copied from | contents101.com |
Educational Background
Prof Dame Ijeoma Uchegbu studied Pharmacy at the University of Benin, graduating in 1981, and later earned a Master’s degree from the University of Lagos. Although she wanted to complete her PhD in Nigeria, poor research facilities at the time made this impossible. She later returned to the UK and completed her PhD at the University of London in 1997, while raising three young children.
Career
After returning to the UK as a single mother, Dame Ijeoma faced homelessness and severe financial hardship. Despite this, she remained focused on her studies and research, drawing strength from her love for science.
She went on to become a leading figure in pharmaceutical nanoscience, specialising in the use of nanoparticles to deliver drugs more effectively in the body. Her research showed, for the first time, that peptides could cross the blood-brain barrier when designed as nanofibres.
This breakthrough led to the development of new pain treatments, including Envelta, and other licensed medicines. She later joined University College London (UCL) as a professor and held senior leadership roles, including Pro-Vice Provost for Africa and the Middle East.
In 2010, she co-founded Nanomerics, a biotech company focused on treatments for eye diseases and other hard-to-treat conditions. She currently serves as its Chief Scientific Officer.
Dame Ijeoma has played a major role in shaping fairer academic spaces. At UCL, she served as Provost’s Envoy for Race Equality, leading efforts to address systemic racism and remove the names of known eugenicists from university buildings.
She is also a Governor of Wellcome, one of the world’s largest biomedical research charities. In October 2024, she officially became President of Wolfson College, University of Cambridge, marking a major milestone in British academic leadership.
Controversies
While widely respected, Dame Ijeoma’s work on racial equality in academia has attracted debate, particularly around the removal of historical names linked to eugenics. Supporters praised her courage and leadership, while critics felt the changes challenged tradition. She has remained firm that universities must reflect inclusive values and historical truth.
Prof Ijeoma Uchegbu Social Media Handle
https://uk.linkedin.com/in/ijeoma-f-uchegbu-dbe-fmedsci-honfrsc-7806a314
Personal Life
Dame Ijeoma is a mother of three daughters, she is married to Andreas G. Schätzlein a fellow scientist. Her life story is often described as one of resilience, moving across continents, surviving homelessness, and balancing motherhood with demanding academic work. She frequently speaks openly about her journey to encourage young people, especially women and minorities, to pursue careers in science.
Prof Ijeoma Uchegbu Net Worth
Dame Ijeoma Uchegbu’s net worth is estimated to be around $2 million.