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•Secures Admission For Masters At University Of Birmingham

At just 22, Miss Maureen Chiwenitem Onuh has etched her name in the annals of academic excellence by graduating with First Class Honours in Aerospace Engineering from the University of Wolverhampton, United Kingdom. As if that was not remarkable enough, she clinched the prestigious FBC Manby Bowdler Prize for attaining the highest Grade Point Average in Aerospace Engineering.

Making a First Class in Aerospace Engineering is no mean feat. This is the field that deals with the design, development, and testing of aircraft, spacecraft, and satellites — what most people colloquially refer to as “rocket science.”

It is widely regarded as one of the most demanding and technically rigorous branches of engineering. To emerge not only with a First Class but also as the best graduating student underscores Maureen’s exceptional brilliance and perseverance.

Born in Dublin, Republic of Ireland, to Nigerian parents — Dr. Echeta Onuh and Mrs. Littlemary Maureen Onuh, who hail from Ndiowu Town in Orumba North Local Government Area of Anambra State, Nigeria — Maureen’s educational journey spans three countries. She completed her primary education in Dublin, her secondary education in Nigeria, and proceeded to the United Kingdom for her university degree.

Speaking on why she chose this path, Maureen explained; ” I chose Aerospace Engineering because I’ve always been fascinated by how things work — especially machines that fly. The field demands creativity, precision, and deep analytical thinking,” she said.

“But beyond personal interest, I wanted to pursue a discipline with global relevance and local potential. Nigeria’s aerospace sector has enormous room for growth. We rely heavily on imported aviation technology and expertise, and our indigenous capacity in aircraft design, satellite systems, and even drone technology remains underdeveloped. I want to be part of the new generation helping to change that narrative — bringing world-class innovation back home.”

When asked how she was able to achieve such academic excellence, Maureen reflected on the foundation laid by her parents.
“From an early age, education was central in my household. Both my parents are highly educated — each with postgraduate degrees. My mum always instilled strong values in me: moral integrity, discipline, and a tireless work ethic. She always stressed that academic achievement without those values was as good as a mirage. My father, who holds a PhD in Law and multiple masters and postgraduate qualifications across diverse disciplines, was my greatest academic mentor. He is incredibly detail-oriented when it comes to academic work. Whenever you present a brilliant idea, he finds a way to make it better even in areas beyond his usual expertise. Growing up with his guidance not only helped me take my studies seriously and strive for excellence, but also taught me how to systematically navigate complex concepts— a skill I developed further as I walked the labyrinthine byways of aerospace engineering.”

Her outstanding performance has already opened new doors. Maureen has received an offer of admission for a Master’s Degree in Robotics at the University of Birmingham, one of UK’s leading institutions and a proud member of the prestigious Russell Group.

Maureen acknowledges that her success was not without challenges, but resilience and strategic planning made the difference.
“To earn the highest GPA in Aerospace Engineering, it takes a balance of academic discipline, mental focus, and emotional resilience. It’s not just about being smart — it’s about being strategic. You have to stay ahead, manage time wisely, and be willing to do deep, often technical work for long hours. I treated it like a marathon, not a sprint — pacing myself while staying focused on quality,” she explained.

As she looks to the future, Maureen is passionate about contributing to the global aerospace industry while also playing a role in advancing aerospace development in Nigeria. Her story is not only one of individual brilliance but also a beacon of inspiration for young women in STEM fields across Africa and beyond.

“To young girls — especially from African or minority backgrounds, you are more capable than you think. Engineering is not just for one gender or one type of person. If you have the passion and discipline, you absolutely can succeed.

“Surround yourself with people who believe in you, stay curious, and never be afraid to take up space in rooms where people like you are underrepresented.”