We are pleased to announce our 2025-2026 recipient of the Anthony Ihedoha Anaebere, Sr. Memorial Scholarship
Chukwuemeka Anayo-Ezikeoha
Port-Harcourt, Rivers State, Nigeria
B.S. Candidate, Mechanical Engineering
Calvin University, 2027
Chukwuemeka Anayo-Ezikeoha distinguished himself through his outstanding academic journey, tenacity, resilience and strong sense of purpose. Chukwuemeka completed his secondary education at Jesuit Memorial College in Port-Harcourt, Rivers State, Nigeria in 2022. Building upon this achievement, he matriculated to Calvin University, in Grand Rapids, Michigan, where he is currently pursuing a Bachelor of Science in Mechanical Engineering. As a student there, he continues to strengthen his passion for solving real-world challenges through technology and engineering design.
At Calvin University, Chukwuemeka has demonstrated his commitment to his engineering studies through academic excellence, leadership, and hands-on engineering experience. During his internship with Cummins Power Generation, he shared how he assisted in the development of an automated audit system and barcode-based tracking tools that helped eliminate duplicate records, improved data traceability, and increased workflow efficiency in quality and manufacturing operations.
Beyond his budding industry experience, Chukwuemeka has contributed to several engineering projects focused on real-world problem solving. At BiliRoo, a startup focused on affordable healthcare technology for the treatment of neonatal jaundice, he supported improvements in system performance and efficiency. Through Open Avenues Foundation, Chukwuemeka contributed to improving warehouse robot navigation by reducing collision rates, optimizing path efficiency in dynamic environments, and leveraging simulation tools to test, validate, and refine system performance. Additionally, he carried out a Water Chlorinator Design Research project aimed at improving sanitation efficiency and reducing waste.
Chukwuemeka is deeply committed to community engagement and student leadership. As a Resident Assistant at Calvin University, he supports and advises students while fostering an inclusive campus environment. He also serves as an Events Committee Planner for the Black Student Union and an International Student Coaching Lead for the Calvin Center for Student Success, where he mentors students.
Chukwuemeka’s long-term goal is to establish a Nigerian automobile manufacturing company that produces affordable, energy-efficient vehicles designed by Nigerians for Nigerians. Through local manufacturing and engineering innovation, he aims to contribute to the reduction of import dependence, create jobs, lower carbon emissions, and support sustainable economic growth in Nigeria. By combining technical excellence with service-oriented leadership, he seeks to leave a lasting impact on his community.
Congratulations, Mr. Chukwuemeka Anayo-Ezikeoha. We look forward to celebrating your future achievements.
His recommenders had this to say about Mr. Anayo-Ezikeoha;
Dr. Fred L. Haan, Professor, Department of Engineering at Calvin University wrote:
“Emeka is a gift to the classroom community. Although professors would like all students to feel comfortable enough to ask questions any time, too few students regularly ask questions. [Chukwuemeka], however, eagerly asks questions that get to the heart of concepts I am presenting. His questions are insightful and helpful.”
Josh Ernst, Physics and Astronomy Faculty at Calvin University added:
“As impressive as Mr. Anayo-Ezikeoha was in lecture and lab, what I will always remember about him is the way in which he interacted with his peers. Never too busy to answer questions, never to stressed out to help out, never in too big of a hurry to stop and be a listening ear…His peers respect his opinions, search out his advice, and trust in his friendship – and that is an incredible testament to the character of this young man.”
We would also like to acknowledge our two other finalists
Samuel Chibuoyim Uche
Aba, Abia State, Nigeria
PhD Student, Computer Science, Worcester Polytechnic Institute
Omolade Femi-Saliu
Lagos, Nigeria
B.S. Candidate, Electrical Engineering, Georgia Institute of Technology
Please check back on our website, your School of Engineering or local NSBE chapter for details about the upcoming scholarship cycle.
Anthony Ihedoha Anaebere, Sr. Memorial Scholarship 