By Our Correspondent
YENAGOA — Nigeria’s first female Professor of Mechanical Engineering, Engr. Prof. (Mrs.) Ongoebi Maureen Orubide Etebu, has declared that throughout her years in public office and university administration, she never accepted kickbacks from contractors, insisting that integrity remains the greatest asset any professional can possess.
Prof. Etebu made the declaration while responding to an honour conferred on her by the Association of Professional Women Engineers in Nigeria (APWEN), Bayelsa Chapter, during the second edition of its Annual Public Lecture Series in Yenagoa.
The distinguished engineer recounted her professional journey, describing engineering as a demanding but rewarding profession in which determination, discipline and hard work are indispensable.
She recalled leading the construction of the temporary site of the Niger Delta University, Amassoma, through direct labour, noting that her background in project management and operations research contributed significantly to the successful delivery of the projects.
Prof. Etebu also reflected on her appointment as the pioneer Vice Chancellor of the Nigeria Maritime University, Okerenkoko, describing it as an opportunity to build a university from the ground up and position it to meet international maritime education standards.
She revealed that while serving as Commissioner in Bayelsa State and later as Vice Chancellor, she faced intense blackmail, false allegations and repeated attempts to tarnish her reputation.
“I never collected kickbacks from any contractor at any time or place,” she declared, adding that the courts eventually vindicated her and affirmed her innocence.
Calling on younger engineers, particularly women, to remain focused despite obstacles, she said no challenge should discourage them from pursuing excellence.
Prof. Etebu further urged APWEN to establish a peer-reviewed academic journal and organise workshops to train female engineers and lecturers in scientific writing to enhance their research output and international visibility.
She said investing in research and scholarly publications would strengthen the engineering profession and improve the academic advancement of women engineers across the country.
The renowned academic, who has spent more than three decades teaching, mentoring and supervising undergraduate and postgraduate students, encouraged young professionals to embrace integrity, professionalism and resilience as the pillars of lasting success.
She thanked APWEN for the honour and urged members of the association to continue striving for excellence, stressing that future generations would surpass today’s achievements through dedication, innovation and unwavering commitment to ethical standards.
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