Obi Okonkwo

Nigeria’s first African-born rocket scientist who advanced space exploration and inspired STEM education in Africa.

Obi Nnodim Okonkwo (1930–2004) was a Nigerian engineer and physicist who became the first African to earn a doctorate in aerospace engineering from the Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT) in 1958. His groundbreaking work on rocket propulsion systems at NASA’s Langley Research Center during the 1960s contributed to the success of the Apollo moon missions. Okonkwo’s innovations in thermal protection and fuel efficiency design were critical for spacecraft re-entry technology.

Despite his global impact, Okonkwo remained dedicated to Africa’s scientific progress. He returned to Nigeria in 1964 to establish the National Space Research and Development Agency (NASRDA), laying the foundation for Africa’s space programs. His book "Rocket Propulsion: A Practical Guide" became a standard textbook in African engineering schools. Okonkwo’s efforts to bridge the continent’s technological gap earned him the African Innovator of the Century Award in 2000.

Today, the Obi Okonkwo Foundation continues his mission by funding scholarships for African students in STEM fields. His legacy is also highlighted in the BBC documentary "Africa’s Hidden Giants" (2018).