“To the best of my knowledge, I am the first female professor in Umuaka”. Professor Kate Omeriyang Madu.

From the early days of January 2026, Umuaka Times reporters have been running after Professor Kate Omeriyang Madu of the Department of Adult and Continuing Education, Faculty of Education, Nnamdi Azikiwe University, Awka, for an interview.  Several attempts made proved abortive due to the tight schedule of the amazing amazon.

Just last week, the reporters succeeded in getting an interview from the Professor which she gladly accepted against all odds. She spoke on a very wide range of issues during the interview and even went on and made some advocacies.

Excerpts:

Good afternoon madam. May we know your name?

My name is Professor Kate OmeriyangMadu.

Where were you born and raised?

I was born in Okwabang Village, BokiL.G.Area of Cross River State, Nigeria, and I was raised in the same community but married to Prof. Jude EmekaMadu of Amiyi- Umuaka, Njaba Local Government Area of Imo state.

We learn you are a professor, what attracted you into teaching, and a professor of what?

(Smiles), Yes, I am a professor to the Glory of God.

What attracted you into teaching?

My motivation to become a teacher began with the way my late father was respected in the community as a teacher in those days. He was a very intelligent, diligent, honest and responsible person who loved education, particularly girls’ education. Born into a disciplined family and nurtured in an environment steeped in educational values, I developed a burning passion to become a teacher- to impact and transform lives positively.

Do you have a role model?

In fact, my late father was my role model.

Ok that is amazing; are you a professor of what?

I am a professor of Adult Psychology and Learning.

Considering how the government treats professors and lecturers in the country today, do you regret being in the academia?

No matter how the Nigerian government treats professors, I don’t regret being an academic, especially a professor.

Why?

My priority in life is intellectual fulfillment and long- term impact; exploring ideas and contributing to knowledge.

Ok lets look at education in a broader perspective; if you are made a minister for education, what will you do to elevate the status of teachers generally?

If I become a minister of education today, teachers’ welfare would be my top priority- such as regular salaries, competitive pay comparable to other countries, cleared promotion arrears, ensure proper funding of schools and enact policies that take care of retirees in the country.

Waoo! That is absolutely amazing. On another note, is it true that you are the firstfemale professor to have come out of Umuaka?

To the best of my knowledge, I am the first female professor in Umuaka.

Congratulations Prof. Which university do you lecture and tell us a little about adult psychology and learning.

I am a lecturer in the Department of Adult and Continuing Education, Faculty of Education, NnamdiAzikiwe University, Awka. Adult psychology and learning is concerned with the educational problems of the adults. It is the study of how adults think, feel, behave, and acquire new knowledge or skills across different stages of adulthood.

What does it focus on?

It focuses on personality development, emotional regulation, memory, social relationships (marriage, parenting, retirement) and mental health in adulthood, among others.

Based on what you said, is it true that quality of education is dying slowly in Nigeria? If yes, what is the solution?

The quality of education in Nigeria is gradually declining. The solutions are enormous, but let me mention a few: the Federal Government of Nigeria should take education more seriously.  Budget allocations to education are often very low compared to other countries; infrastructure and learning resources should be improved;  teachers should be better supported;  the curriculum should be updated to  shift from rote memorization to critical thinking and problem- solving;  accountability should be strengthened; and inequality and access barriers should be addressed, among other measures.

Lets go a bit personal, Umuaka Times learnt you were involved in a domestic accident some months ago; how did it happen?

I slipped on the stairs in our house while descending on the staircase.

Which day did the accident happen?

It was on 26th of January, 2026, two weeks after my professorial thanksgiving. Nevertheless, I am getting better.

Thank God you are getting better. Generally, what is your message to Umuaka girls and women considering the present realities of today?

My message to them is that education is the key to life. The only instrument that can break the vicious circle of poverty in our communities. They should be focused, dedicated and resilient in pursuing their goals.  Everyone has the right to quality education irrespective of gender.

Do you believe in women’s liberation?

Yes, I believe fully in women’s liberation.

What is your definition of women’s liberation?

I define women’s liberation as the act of giving women equal rights, opportunities, and freedom in all areas of life be it education, economic, social and political.

Will it be correct to say that Umuaka women liberated?

Umuaka women are partly liberated. Majority of them are still hindered by cultural and economic barriers.

Still talking about liberation, do you support women who go into politics?

I support them fully. Women make up about half of the population in Nigeria, so it is reasonable that they should have a voice in decision- making in the country. For a long time, politics has been male – dominated. Supporting women into politics helps to create a more balanced and effective political system.

What is your advice to them?

My advice to women about political participation is that, they should have a passion for politics and develop clear policy positions, especially at the grassroots level. They should speak with authority and be transparent in any role or position given to them. Above all, they should understand that respect in politics is sustained by performance.

Thank you very much Professor Madu for your time.

Thank you Umuaka Times.