Martina Chukwuma-Ezike Becomes The First Woman Of Colour Elected As Rector of the University of Aberdeen

Martina Chukwuma-Ezike is a remarkable individual, who is said to be the first woman of colour elected as Rector of the University of Aberdeen, Scotland. It is a legacy that dates back to the foundation of the University in 1495 which is chosen from the student’s votings. She was chosen to lead the university, which has a community of more than 130 nationalities, toward brilliance. She has an impeccable track record and a heart for public service and philanthropy.

Moving to the UK after being diagnosed with asthma exacerbated her asthma symptoms, making survival even more important. She had several asthma attacks and was diagnosed with Brittle asthma, a severe form of asthma that made studying difficult for her.

She organised a meeting with Neil Churchill, the chief executive of Charity Asthma UK at the time, in search of assistance and a solution, and insisted that service was desperately needed up in Aberdeen.

Martina established the Asthma and Allergy Foundation in 2009, Scotland’s only asthma charity. To provide support services for people with asthma and allergies in the northeast of Scotland, the charity established the first Asthma Support Centre in the UK. On November 17, 2011, the foundation was granted charitable status, and it has since assisted people living with asthma across the country in managing their symptoms.

Martina is a member of the Grampian Respiratory Improvement Group and co-developed the Grampian Respiratory Improvement Project for NHSG. She is a member of the Scottish Parliament’s Cross-Party Group on Lung Health, as well as the Association of Chief Officers of Scottish Voluntary Organizations, where she mentors and supports newly appointed Chief Executive Officers.

She is an advocate for women in business and a mentor to business owners all over the UK. She is also a fellow of The Royal Society for Arts, Manufacturing, and Commerce, which she received for her outstanding work in assisting the 5.4 million people living with asthma in the UK during the COVID-19 pandemic.