A Nigerian national announced himself to the world when he broke a 30-year-old jinx in Japan.
Then a student at the Tokai University, Tokyo, Ufot Ekon solved a mathematical problem that has proven difficult for many mathematicians for over 30 years. His achievement earned numerous national awards in Japan and he went on to become the best graduating student in the history of the university.
Nigerians are known for their academic brilliance and exploitation when they cross the Atlantic to study overseas. On numerous occasions, we’ve seen Nigerians come out tops with amazing grades, research and innovation across some of the A-list universities in Europe, North America and Asia.
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The likes of Prof Wole Soyinka, Adebayo Ogunlesi, Bennet Omalu and a host of others are the prime examples of Nigerians who have gone on to shake the world with their excellence in academics, innovation, tech and the likes.
Making the list of these numerous brainiacs that represented the emblem of Nigeria is Ufot Ekong, a young Nigerian man who made history by solving a 30-year mathematical problem at Tokai University, Tokyo, Japan.
This incredible achievement earned Ekong presidential recognition and he went on to graduate from the prestigious institution as the overall best.
According to Africa Archives, Ekong is a decorated electrical electronic engineer who now works and makes cars for automobile giant, Nissan.
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As of January 2023, Ekong has gone on to have two patented products, including an electric car he built himself. The genius holds a master’s degree in Electrical and Electronics Engineering and a doctorate in Power Electronics and Motor drives.
Both of these degrees are from Tokai University where he has the highest score in the institution’s 81 years of existence. He also speaks English, Japanese, French, Yoruba, and Ibibio fluently.
FAQs:
Who is Ufot Ekong?
Ufot Ekong is a Nigerian-born engineer who studied at Tokai University in Tokyo, Japan. He graduated as the overall best student in the university’s history, achieving the highest GPA in over 50 years.
What was the 30-year mathematical problem he solved?
In his first semester, Ekong reportedly solved a 30-year‑old unsolved mathematical problem at the university, breaking a long-held academic jinx.
He later explained that the problem was part of electrical/mathematical research tied to electric vehicles, and is subject to confidentiality agreements, so he cannot share exact details.Mambo –+1
What academic achievements and awards did he receive?
First-class honours in Electrical and Electronics Engineering, with the best marks Tokai University had seen since 1965.
Winner of six academic excellence awards, including the overall best graduating student. Recipient of the President’s Award from the university (equivalent to a top national academic honor).
What is his current work with Nissan?
Ekong works with Nissan Motor Company in Japan, focusing on electric vehicle engineering. He’s credited with co‑inventing and holding at least two patents in electronic car design, and reportedly built an electric car that can reach up to 128 km/h.
What else is notable about him beyond academics?
He holds both a Master’s in Electrical and Electronics Engineering and a PhD in Power Electronics and Motor Drives, both from Tokai University.He is polyglot, fluent in English, Japanese, French, Yoruba, and Ibibio.
A few other facets: he funded his studies through multiple jobs, plays the saxophone, and founded a retail and accessories store called Strictly African Japan in Tokyo.