A Nigerian and a graduate of the Bayelsa State- owned Niger Delta University (NDU), Dr. Joel Eleojo Adams, has made history in far away United Kingdom (UK), becoming the first non-British to be commissioned as an Aero-Systems Specialist Engineer, according to reports from the Gaurdian
The Kogi State-born Adams also became the first Nigerian get to the rank of a Flying Officer in the British Royal Air Force.
Adams, who obtained his B.Eng. (1st class honors) in Electrical and Electronics Engineering, was the valedictorian of his graduation year at the university and also a recipient of the prestigious Presidential Scholarship for Innovation and Development (PRESSID).
After completing a Masters degree in Control Systems at the Imperial College, London, he went further to obtain his doctorate in Industrial Systems and Manufacturing Engineering from the University of Cambridge.
.He began his career at Ford Motors in UK as the BOM Lead Project Analyst for Battery Electric Vehicles. With great potential of his research work for military application, he was enlisted and shortly after awarded the Queen’s Commission as an Officer in the British Royal Air Force. He was also made a British citizen shortly after.
Taking to Facebook to share the news recently, the first class graduate wrote: “My Sword of honor arrived this evening, in prep for next week!
By this time next week, I will be receiving of one of the most respected and highly prestigious honours in the land, awarded by Her Majesty, the Queen. This is humbling!
“I was emotional this evening as I reflect on my journey – the humble beginning, the sacrifices, the grace of God, and the accomplishments.
It is not so much about the accomplishment as it is about where I’m coming from. Boy-o-boy, this barrack pikin has come very far o! Only those of my background will understand.”
“Indeed, I have enjoyed the grace of God (which I always talk about). But also my journey can be, metaphorically, likened to a duck that floats on the waters seemingly effortlessly (…what we see), while she paddles like hell beneath the surface (…what we don’t see).”
Following the completion of his Master’s degree program in Control Systems at the renowned Imperial College London, he kick-started his career at Ford Motors UK as the BOM Lead Project Analyst for Battery Electric Vehicles.
Joel who holds a PhD program in Industrial Systems and Manufacturing Engineering at the prestigious University of Cambridge.
