What does a research paper that draws an audience of more than 100,000 readers say about its author? For Kenechukwu Aroh, whose cumulative works have surpassed 200,000 reads globally, this feat portrays one with a genius for transforming complex theories into simple knowledge.
From agriculture to healthcare, Kenechukwu’s oeuvre runs across many different fields, reflecting her predilection to “uncover information and share it in ways that others could understand and use,” she said.
Kenechukwu’s foray into academic publishing began during her master’s programme at the Federal University of Technology in Owerri, but her aptitude for research traces back much earlier to her parents and her formative years in the Nigerian city of Calabar.
Her father, with a doctorate’s degree, regularly left books and novels scattered around the house. The heavy presence of books around their home had a subtle effect on the minds of Kenechukwu and her siblings, invariably stoking their curiosity.
Years later, influenced by her mother’s artistic flair, Kenechukwu enrolled in drama and arts programmes to hone her creative potential. “My parents nurtured my interest and did not force their interest on me,” she said.
As a child, Kenechukwu possessed an experimental disposition that matched the rigour of careers such as medicine. One particular childhood memory she recalled was mixing leaves and water to curate an antidote for an unnamed disease. “I always wanted to wear a lab coat,” she said.
Her dream career in medicine, however, did not come to fruition. Kenechukwu was admitted into botany instead at the University of Calabar. It is here her primal scientific instincts would be brought to test, laying the groundwork for her career in research.“I didn’t know what research was then, but I know I wanted to create something meaningful,” she said.
While many of her classmates outsourced their research projects, she went through the rigours of practice, relishing the hands-on experience of conducting her own studies.
“I enjoyed the process and the planting phases. I enjoyed seeing my extracts that I got from the plant cure plant diseases. I was happy with that, and I said, ‘This can actually be something I want to do.’”
Noting her remarkable passion for research, her supervisor during her master’s programme would invite her to assist in publishing academic papers. As Kenechukwu recalled, that invitation signalled a turning point in her years of training as a researcher. “It felt like finding my purpose,” she noted.
Kenechukwu’s remarkable success in research thrives on her ability to demystify arcane scientific concepts with language that can be understood by the layman. Over the course of five years, she has authored seven journal articles and has contributed to at least 87 academic works. In addition, she has peer-reviewed manuscripts for other researchers and assisted clients pursuing academic degrees to complete their projects.
Among her line of innovations are sustainable alternatives to chemical fertilisers, also known as biofertilisers. Kenechukwu’s biofertilizers introduce nitrogen-fixing bacteria into manure in order to revitalise depleted soils and reduce hazards to the environment.
Although the biofertilizers have yet to be launched into the market, they have been confirmed to aid plant growth in much of Nigeria’s farmland. “Seeing farmers in Kaduna share photos of thriving crops grown with our product was a proud moment,” she enthused.
Perhaps her proudest moment was the rapturous reception from her paper on the step-by-step guide on beer production. With over 100,000 readers, the publication struck a chord with even international readers. “I think a lot of people really like beer,” Kenechukwu, who was stunned by the paper’s wide readership, reckoned.
Beyond her publications, Kenechukwu serves as a mentor to countless students and professionals, guiding them through their research projects. One UK student who struggled with his dissertation eventually graduated with honours after Kenechukwu’s diligent guidance. “Watching someone transform from confusion to confidence is incredibly rewarding,” she said.
The odds confronting researchers in Nigeria are stark. None is more pressing than limited funding, which has led many to abandon their ingenious ideas. More often than not, researchers in Nigeria have to bear the brunt of all the costs, from lab equipment to fieldwork, during the course of their projects.
“You have to make do with the resources you have,” Kenechukwu lamented. ”At the end of the day, you might not have results that can be internationally recognised because you had to cut down corners just to meet up with your funding.”
Limited infrastructure for research documentation is yet another challenge. Opportunities for research exhibitions and collaborations with private companies are few and far between.
To stay on top of emerging methodologies in her field, Kenechukwu is taking specialised courses from her home in Lagos, where she lives now. “The possibilities in research are limitless,” she says. “And I’ve only scratched the surface.”
Her ultimate goal is to make groundbreaking discoveries that address a global need. Of particular appeal to her is the integration of big data and programming languages into her work, thereby bridging the gap between research and technology.
Kenechukwu also envisions creating structured programmes in Nigeria to train aspiring researchers “Research is not as scary or inaccessible as it seems,” she explained. “With the right guidance, anyone can contribute to advancing knowledge.”
Kenechukwu Aroh is an accomplished researcher known for her remarkable ability to simplify complex scientific concepts, attracting wide readerships with her work. Her journey began in her early years in Nigeria, inspired by an environment rich in literature and her parents' encouragement of creativity and curiosity. She initially aspired to a career in medicine but pursued botany at the University of Calabar, where her interest in research took root. Her master's program further ignited her passion, leading her to assist in academic publications—a pivotal moment that marked her path in research.
Kenechukwu's success spans multiple fields, including sustainable agriculture, where she developed biofertilizers that improve soil health and reduce environmental harm. Her research has also led to high-profile publications, such as a popular guide on beer production. Beyond her work, Kenechukwu mentors students, helping them succeed academically, and she acknowledges the significant challenges researchers face in Nigeria, such as limited funding and infrastructure. Despite these obstacles, she continues to refine her skills by taking specialized courses and aims to bridge research with technology using big data and programming. Her broader vision includes creating structured programs to make research more accessible, emphasizing that anyone can contribute to advancing knowledge with proper support.
