Robert Sylvester Okojie, a leading Nigerian-American scientist, was praised by NASA for his big contributions to silicon carbide technology. He has over 20 patents for high-temperature devices. Okojie was born in Barkin-Ladi, Plateau State, Nigeria, and has spent his career improving NASA’s research.

Okojie was inducted into the NASA Inventors Hall of Fame on November 22, 2020. This made him the 35th person and only the fourth African-Black person to receive this honour. Okojie’s work on micro-electromechanical systems (MEMS) for tough environments won him awards in 2009 and 2012.

His work on high-temperature devices shows his innovative spirit. This spirit is what NASA and Robert Okojie are all about.

Early Life and Education of Robert Okojie

Robert Okojie was born in Barkin-Ladi, Plateau State, Nigeria. He grew up in a family with deep cultural roots. His parents, Juliana Omakhamen Okojie and Prince Francis A. Okojie, encouraged his love for learning from a young age.

This support shaped his future greatly. The values they taught him were key to his success.

Robert Okojie comes from the Esan people. His heritage taught him the importance of community and hard work and drove him to aim high in his education.

In Nigeria, he was surrounded by different cultures and educational opportunities. These experiences helped him decide to study in the United States later on.

Educational Journey in Nigeria and the United States

He started his education at Ibadan Boys’ High School, graduating in 1980. Then, he moved to the United States in 1986 to continue his studies. He excelled at the New Jersey Institute of Technology in Newark, earning his electrical engineering degree in 1991.

He didn’t stop there. He got a master’s degree in 1993 and a Ph.D. in Electrical Engineering from New Jersey Institute Of Technology in 1996. These achievements set the stage for his career and showed how education in another country can open doors in engineering and technology.

READ MORE HERE