How would you describe your secondary school days?

My secondary school days were a bit fun. I never thought of being an engineer; I always wanted to be an accountant because I was very good at mathematics and calculations. I was in the social sciences class. I switched from the social sciences to the sciences in SS2 because I wanted to study engineering. I decided because of my dad. He did not ask me to study engineering.

He wanted to study engineering but could not continue his studies due to financial difficulties. My dad used to say that he would have been an engineer if he had had the opportunity to attend university. When I looked at my life, I could see it was something I would do. I thank God it was the best decision I made. 

Are you the first person in your family to study engineering?

Yes, I’m currently the only engineer in my family. It became something the whole family was proud of. The decision to study engineering came to me from the moment I left social sciences for the sciences. I had to study hard to make it work.

Why didn’t you choose other branches of engineering? 

I was planning to study mechanical engineering, not industrial engineering. I had never heard of industrial engineering before going to university. After my Unified Tertiary Matriculation Examination, my score was low, which compelled me to change my course. I initially picked mechanical engineering, but after buying the change-of-course form, I changed to industrial engineering for the admission process.

What was your best subject in secondary school?

When I was in social sciences, my best subjects were mathematics and accounting. But when I moved to sciences, they were mathematics and physics. The reason those subjects became my favourites hinged on my ability to excel in calculations. Aside from mathematics and physics, the calculation aspect of chemistry was also interesting to me.

How did you cope in science class?

It was during a particular long vacation. I attended a tutorial class close to my house, so I was taking science classes after I switched. I was able to understand many things during that July/August holiday. My strength has always been calculations, so that was why I was able to catch up with physics and the calculation aspect of chemistry.

In my school, I was the best in mathematics and there was another girl who was the best in chemistry, so the teachers contemplated making either of us the head girl. However, our principal said neither of us would become head girl because we were not from Edo State. I’m from Anambra State, while the other girl is from Ondo State.

Did you maintain that brilliance in your first year at the university? 

When I was offered industrial engineering, the first thing I did was research the course. I wanted to know what it was all about. After doing that, I focused on studying industrial engineering and when I wrote my first semester examinations, the results were good. In my second semester, however, I had an issue with one of my courses. I got an F and had to rewrite the course in 200-level.

Did you know from the start that you wanted a first-class degree?

I’ve always wanted to graduate with a first class. Before I switched to engineering, I told myself that I wanted to be one of the best, if not the best. I thought that if it were my father studying the course, he would be the best, so I needed to give him the best result.

What were the strategies and study habits that earned you a first class?

Night classes helped me a lot. I attended them regularly. I also had good mentors. When I saw my 100-level results, I was a bit shaky and scared because I never imagined I would have a carryover course.

I thought I would not be able to graduate with a first class. I was at the point of giving up, but I spoke with my mentor. Fortunately for me, my mentor and friends encouraged me. I needed their advice and I worked hard to improve my results.

At what point did you know that your first class was certain? 

It was in 400-level. It became very clear to me that graduating with a first class was almost certain when I saw my 400-level results. I became very confident that I would make a first class because I had a 5.0 GPA. It meant I got A’s in all my courses. It happened to be my best year in school.

How did your male coursemates feel when you topped the class?

I didn’t really experience any rivalry from either the opposite sex or my female colleagues, but I guess the guys in my class were just relaxed. There were only two guys who appeared serious, but they were obviously not chasing a first class. All they wanted was a degree and to leave school. I did not face any form of bullying from anyone. 

Did you feel bullied at any time by the male students?

The only thing they used to say was that engineering had taken away the feminine side of me. They would say studying engineering had made me serious and that I behaved like the guys. They usually said it jokingly.

Since you didn’t have any rivalry, did you get support from your classmates?

In my department, I had reading partners because we attended night classes together. I had reading partners from my department and other departments. We studied together, set questions for one another and marked them together. We also encouraged one another and advised ourselves not to abandon our goals. 

Did you face any particular challenges as a female in the university?

The challenges were not peculiar to me as a female. I faced challenges as a student, especially as someone from an average family trying hard to make excellent grades.

Did you have any life outside studying?

I worked as a teacher in a secondary school within the university community from my 100-level. At the same time, I was sewing to make money to support myself in school. I was sewing and teaching simultaneously. I did not really have a social life in my first two years.

However, I occasionally followed my friends to parties whenever I was less busy, maybe once a month. My life was not all about books. I was also honoured as the most influential graduating female student.

Why did you have to sponsor yourself through school?

I’m the sixth of seven children. There was little financial support, so I had to find a way to sponsor myself in school. There were financial difficulties at home. In fact, I finished secondary school in 2017/2018, but I wrote the UTME in 2020/2021 because of financial problems.

I had already been teaching before then and started saving money. I told myself that if I did not save, I would not be able to go to university. In 200-level, we were introduced to core engineering courses because I had taken mainly physical science courses in 100-level. In my second year, there was no time for my part-time teaching job because it clashed with my classes.

After 200-level, I stopped teaching and focused on catering. At some point, a friend and I started cooking for people for pay. We delivered cooked food. In 300-level, I started Forex trading.

All these activities were ways for me to make money and support myself in school. It was tough. I still studied hard while trying to do several things at the same time.

How did you emerge as the most influential graduating female student?

My faculty student association gave me the award for my dedication, outstanding performance and selfless service. There was a time I volunteered to stand in for our general course representative for two months because he was preparing for his father’s burial. At that time, many people got to know me, and I became popular.

I was calling lecturers, organising classes, handling assignments and combining several student activities. I guess that was when many people became familiar with me. They used to refer to me as “Cheta Engineering.” Cheta is the shortened form of my name.

Source: Punch

Recognition by ARISE MEDIA GROUP Commemorates International Women’s Month and Honors a Trailblazer in African Development

The Citizens Watch Advocacy Initiative (CWAI) proudly celebrates our own Mme Chinelo Anohu —governance expert, distinguished public servant, development leader, private sector advocate, accomplished entrepreneur, and woman of remarkable substance—following her selection as Woman of Impact in Africa 2026. This prestigious honor, conferred by the ARISE MEDIA GROUP in commemoration of International Women’s Month, recognizes her unwavering dedication to Pan-African development, selfless service to humanity, and transformative contributions across the continent.

From her pivotal roles at the Bureau of Public Enterprise (BPE) National Pension Commission (PENCOM) and the African Development Bank (AfDB) to her current leadership at Mutandis Africa Group, Mme Chinelo Anohu has consistently driven transformational success. Her visionary stewardship has not only shaped the institutions she has led but has also inspired a generation of young Africans, women, and members of the diaspora. Across the continent, she has carved a niche as a beacon of hope and an Amazon to the less privileged—proving that leadership with heart can indeed change lives.

This recognition stands as a powerful affirmation of a life devoted to excellence, service, and uncommon leadership. Anohu’s career reflects a rare synthesis of intellectual depth, professional discipline, moral clarity, and an unwavering commitment to building institutions that matter. Her selection followed a rigorous nomination and vetting process spanning Africa and the global community—a testament to the breadth and depth of her impact.

A Reform-Minded Leader at PENCOM

As former Director General of the National Pension Commission (PENCOM), Mrs. Anohu Chinelo distinguished herself as a highly principled reformer. Steering the affairs of Nigeria’s apex pension regulatory agency, she brought clarity, order, and professionalism to pension administration—instilling investor and stakeholder confidence at levels never before witnessed. Her leadership was marked by transparency, firmness, and a profound sense of responsibility, setting benchmarks for effective public service. Her strong foundations and sustainability pillars endure to this day.

Championing Africa’s Development Agenda

Her influence extended far beyond national borders during her tenure at the helm of the Africa Investment Forum, a flagship initiative of the African Development Bank (AfDB) and seven other members. In that role, she helped structure critical transactions around Africa’s development future, championing African-driven solutions and forging strategic partnerships that elevated the continent’s standing in multinational transactions. She demonstrated, time and again, that Africa’s progress is best advanced by leaders who understand its realities and are unafraid to transform potential into reality.

Entrepreneurial Vision and Impact

In the private sector, as Founder and Chief Executive Officer of Mutandis Africa Group, Mme. Anohu continues to exemplify visionary leadership. Her entrepreneurial journey reflects courage, foresight, and an enduring belief in Africa’s capacity for growth and innovation. Through her work, she has unlocked opportunities in multi billion projects, facilitating policies that enhance investments and strengthened sovereign discourse for inspired confidence in African enterprise, and contributes tangibly to sustainable economic development across the continent.

A Beacon for Women and Girls Across Africa

Beyond the offices she has held and the institutions she has led, Mme Chinelo Anohu represents something profoundly powerful for women across Africa. She is living proof that competence, integrity, and hard work remain the most enduring currencies of influence. Her journey sends an unmistakable message to women and girls everywhere: that leadership is attainable, that excellence is non-negotiable, and that impact is possible—even in the most challenging environments. She stands as a source of encouragement to women striving quietly, breaking barriers steadily, and building futures with determination and grace.

A Celebration of Legacy and Purpose

The award ceremony, scheduled for March 8, 2026, in Lagos, is more than a celebration of individual achievement—it is a tribute to a legacy defined by service, resilience, and purpose. It offers a moment to honour a woman whose work continues to inspire confidence in Africa’s leadership capacity and whose example will guide generations yet to come.

The Citizens Watch Advocacy Initiative proudly congratulates Mme Chinelo Anohu on this well-deserved and meritorious recognition. We also commend the ARISE MEDIA GROUP for spotlighting leadership that truly reflects the very best of African excellence. Mme Chinelo Anohu’s story is a compelling reminder that when leadership is anchored in strong values and clear vision, its impact transcends borders and endures across time.

Signed.
Omoba Kenneth Aigbegbele
Executive Secretary, CWAI.

Nigeria’s Super Eagles will take centre stage on Saturday in Marrakech, chasing a semi-final place as AFCON 2025 intensifies with a heavyweight quarter-final clash.

Three-time champions Nigeria meet 2019 winners Algeria at the 45,000-capacity Grand Stade de Marrakech, with pride, history and momentum at stake.

Both teams advanced from the group stage with perfect records, the only sides to do so, but knockout football leaves no room for past achievements.

Nigeria arrived as the tournament favourites after scoring 12 goals and conceding four, including a commanding 4-0 Round of 16 win over Mozambique.

Super Eagles coach, Eric Chelle has played down expectations, insisting focus must remain firmly on the immediate challenge.

He said, “I only think about Marrakech,” Chelle said. “There is a game to play. After that, we can think about the next step.

“The story starts in Marrakech,” he added. “Training, focus and the next game – that is all that matters now.”

In spite of reports of unpaid bonuses and minor on-field disagreements, players insisted that unity within the Nigerian camp remained intact.

On the pitch, Nigeria looked revitalised, combining pace, power and purpose under Chelle’s pragmatic leadership.

Ademola Lookman has been Nigeria’s standout performer, recording three goals and five assists to emerge as the tournament’s most productive player.

Victor Osimhen has also scored three goals, moving within three of Nigeria’s all-time AFCON scoring record of 37 goals.

Akor Adams added fresh impetus with his first AFCON goal against Mozambique, further strengthening Nigeria’s attacking options.

However, defensive lapses remained a concern, with Nigeria conceding four goals in four matches ahead of their sternest test yet.

Midfield anchors Wilfred Ndidi and Alex Iwobi have driven Nigeria’s intensity, though Ndidi, Frank Onyeka and Calvin Bassey are on suspension alert.

History provides mixed comfort. Nigeria and Algeria have met 21 times, with Nigeria winning nine, Algeria seven, and five encounters drawn.

Algeria famously eliminated Nigeria 2-1 in the 2019 AFCON semi-final, sealed by Riyad Mahrez’s stoppage-time free-kick.

The Desert Warriors arrive seeking redemption after group-stage exits at the last two AFCON tournaments.

Coach Vladimir Petković sees reaching the quarter-finals as merely the foundation of a rebuilding journey.

“Qualifying was important, but it is the minimum,” Petković said. “Now our focus is Nigeria. Rebuilding means responsibility, courage and unity.”

Under Petković, Algeria had recorded 19 wins in 24 matches, signalling steady recovery since their 2019 triumph.

He said, “I never promise trophies,” he added. “What I promise is pride, courage and unity. Without unity, success is impossible.”

Algeria edged DR Congo 1-0 after extra time in the Round of 16, Adil Boulbina striking decisively in the 119th minute.

Defensive discipline underpins their campaign, conceding just one goal in four matches, with goalkeeper Luca Zidane in fine form.

Zinedine Zidane had watched every Algeria match from the stands, lending symbolic weight to their quiet resurgence.

Captain Riyad Mahrez, 34, remains influential, scoring three goals and guiding a squad blending experience with youth.

Baghdad Bounedjah, Ismaël Bennacer and Ramy Bensebaini bring winning pedigree, while Fares Chaibi adds youthful drive.

Mahrez expects another tight encounter. “Nigeria? We know them well. The match won’t be easy. Anything is possible,” he said.

Nigeria had reached the AFCON semi-finals a joint-record 16 times, often thriving when the pressure is highest.

Should the Super Eagles advance, they will face either hosts Morocco or Cameroon, reviving memories of the historic 1988 AFCON.

Thirty-eight years ago in Rabat, Nigeria edged Algeria on penalties before losing a controversial final to Cameroon.

On Saturday, history, ambition and belief collide again in Marrakech, as Nigeria seek progress and Algeria chase redemption.