Nigerian postdoc in Belgium is a warrior for maternal health

Dr Josephine Aikpitanyi (45) is on a mission to empower African women to take control of their own health. This Nigerian postdoctoral researcher at UCLouvain in Belgium is challenging traditional norms and revolutionising the way we think about maternal healthcare by exploring the link between personality traits and healthcare choices.

Her journey – marked by determination, persistence and an unwavering pursuit of impactful knowledge – serves as an inspiration to aspiring academics anywhere.

Her path to success has certainly been far from conventional. After completing her bachelor degree in economics and statistics at the University of Benin in Nigeria, she married and started a family. While raising her three children, she worked as a teacher but always felt a yearning for something more.

“I always felt that there was something more that I could do, more opportunities out there,” she recalls. This ambition led her back to academia, where she pursued a masters degree in health economics, a field that piqued her interest due to her longstanding fascination with health.

That proved to be a turning point. As part of her masters programme, Aikpitanyi secured an internship at the University of Leeds, where she met Professor Sandy Tubeuf, who would later become her PhD supervisor.

Tubeuf, now a professor in health economics at UCLouvain, recognised Aikpitanyi’s potential and encouraged her to pursue a PhD. Tubeuf holds a Circle U Chair in Global Health, focusing on combating inequalities in access to healthcare.

Aikpitanyi embarked on her doctoral studies at UCLouvain in 2020. After completing her PhD in 2023, she secured a three-year postdoctoral fellowship from Belgium’s National Fund for Scientific Research (FNRS) to continue her work. Her research has, so far, been published in several academic journals, and she has presented her findings at numerous conferences and seminars.

She spoke to University World News about her journey.

UWN: Your research focuses on maternal health. Can you elaborate on that?

JA: I’m trying to understand how personality traits influence the healthcare decisions of women, particularly those who are pregnant or considering pregnancy. For example, why do some women regularly attend antenatal clinics while others don’t? What roles do individual personalities play in these choices?

UWN: Could you elaborate on the specific aspects you are examining?

JA: I’m particularly interested in the locus of control – whether someone feels in control of their own life – and the ‘Big Five’ personality traits: openness, conscientiousness, extraversion, agreeableness and neuroticism. These traits can significantly impact the decisions that a woman makes about her healthcare.

It’s crucial to understand this when designing interventions. A one-size-fits-all approach simply won’t be effective. We need to tailor programmes to the specific needs and motivations of the women we’re trying to reach.

UWN: You mentioned the importance of understanding the individual. But, in many societies, health management strategies are influenced by others, too, right?

JA: Absolutely. We can’t ignore the influence of ‘powerful others’, like husbands and mothers-in-law. In patriarchal societies, these individuals often have a significant say in a woman’s healthcare choices.

This can be problematic because they may prioritise different things. A husband might be primarily concerned with the financial costs, while a mother-in-law might base her opinion on outdated traditions.

Ultimately, it’s essential for women to have the agency to make their own informed decisions about their healthcare. No two pregnancies are the same, and every woman deserves the right to choose the care that’s best for her.

UWN: So, your research emphasises the importance of empowering women to take control of their own health?

JA: Exactly. When it comes to pregnancy and childbirth, a woman should be the one to decide what to do. She’s the one experiencing it, and she knows her own body and needs best.

UWN: How would you describe the position of women in Nigeria?

JA: Like many countries, Nigeria is still quite patriarchal. Women are often excluded from decision-making positions. But I do see things changing. There’s a growing awareness of gender equality, and we have inspiring individuals who are proving that women can be powerful leaders.

UWN: You are certainly an example of that yourself! Do you see yourself as a role model?

JA: I hope so. I want my daughter and other women to see that gender shouldn’t be a barrier. It’s about your own drive and determination. Women need to believe in themselves and their own voices. If you let yourself be silenced, then you’ll be silenced. But, if you stand up for yourself and assert your right to be heard, then society will have to listen.

UWN: It sounds like you want to change the world!

JA: Definitely! But I know it’s a gradual process. We have to take it one step at a time. In the case of maternal health, it’s literally a matter of life and death. Maternal mortality is a preventable tragedy, and even small steps towards improvement can make a huge difference.

UWN: Moving to a new place can be quite an adjustment. How have you found adapting to life in Brussels?

JA: It definitely had its challenges. The language barrier was a big one at first. I didn’t speak a word of French when I arrived! But I knew I had to make an effort to integrate, so I started taking lessons. I’m still learning, but I’ve made good progress.

And of course, the PhD itself was tough. There were definitely tears involved.

On top of that, Covid-19 certainly complicated things. I arrived in January 2020, and then the lockdown hit in March. I remember thinking, “Have I made the right decision?” With the pandemic raging and my children back home in Nigeria, it was very difficult. Thank goodness for technology! I was able to call them every day to check in and make sure they were okay.

UWN: How often do you return to Nigeria?

JA: Once a year, for a month. But 2024 was a bit different. I spent three months there conducting fieldwork for my postdoctoral research. It was a great opportunity to connect with women in my home country and contribute to research that could ultimately improve their lives –and, of course, to be with my family for longer.

UWN: What are some of the things you appreciate about life in Europe compared to back home?

JA: Things generally run smoothly here. Public transportation is excellent, so I don’t need to worry about owning a car. And basic services like water and electricity are reliable.

UWN: And what do you miss most about Nigeria?

JA: Besides my family, I miss what I would call ‘Africanness’ – a sense of community and connection. In Nigeria, you can strike up a conversation with anyone, anywhere. People are much more reserved here. And I actually miss the noise and vibrancy of Africa! It took some time to get used to the quiet here. Now, when I go back, it’s almost too much!

UWN: What are your plans for the future? Do you see yourself returning to Nigeria eventually?

JA: Yes, it is home, after all. But I want to gain more experience here in Belgium first and build my career further.

UWN: Reflecting on your journey, what is your message to the university community?

JA: My message to African students is, don’t lose hope. Don’t think that it is not possible. Pursue your academic aspirations with determination and persistence.

And to lecturers and supervisors – try to understand the unique backgrounds and motivations of your students. It matters a lot. Don’t just look on the surface. Try to understand in depth the person that you’re dealing with.


A bronze sculpture of Idia, the first Queen Mother of Benin, in the office of Professor Sandy Tubeuf at UCLouvain’s Brussels Woluwe campus. Photo: Desmond Thompson.

UWN: I notice an interesting statue on the windowsill. It’s a Benin bronze, right?

JA: Yes, it is. My home city is famous for them. This one depicts Idia, the first Queen Mother of Benin. She’s a powerful historical figure and a role model for me. My Nigerian PhD supervisor, Professor Friday Okonofua, brought it as a gift for my Belgian supervisor.

And then, during my PhD defence, Sandy mentioned that she has a statue of a woman warrior in her office that reminds her of me, which was just great!