Dr. Uchechi Ekwenye, Ag. Head of Department of Microbiology, of the Michael Okpara University of Agriculture, Umudike has received the prestigious Elsevier Foundation award from the Third World Organization for Women in Science (TWOWS).
Dr. Ekwenye was among twelve (12) scientists from Africa, Middle East, Asia, Latin America, and the Caribbean who were honoured with the 2010 Elsevier Foundation award for excellence in research. She received an award for Young Women Scientists in Biology for the African Region.
The award was announced during the organisation’s 4th General Assembly and International Conference hosted by the Chinese Academy of Science in Beijing in June 2010. It was celebrated at the Great Hall of the People, Beijing, China, Xi Jinping, and the President of Chinese Academy of Science, La Yongxiang, in attendance.