AFRICA | A brilliant Nigerian engineer, Mervin Azeta, has become a global symbol of excellence and resilience.
From earning a first-class degree in Chemical Engineering at the University of Benin, Nigeria, to graduating with distinction in her master’s degree at the prestigious Imperial College London, Mervin has not only excelled academically but has also built a remarkable career shaping the global energy sector.
Mervin's Story and How She Did It
Mervin’s story began at just eight years old, when a tragic event changed the course of her life forever. During a Christmas visit to her aunt, who sadly died while giving birth due to a power outage, Mervin began to question why such energy failures existed.
That painful moment ignited a passion within her to find lasting solutions to power challenges, not just in Nigeria but across Africa and the world.
Motivated by that life-changing experience, Mervin pursued a Bachelor’s degree in Chemical Engineering at the University of Benin. In 2010, she graduated with First Class Honours.
Her undergraduate thesis focused on solar energy storage, exploring ways to harness and preserve renewable energy efficiently without requiring excessive land use. This early research laid the foundation for her lifelong commitment to sustainable energy development.
After building experience as a Completions Field Engineer with Schlumberger, one of the world’s leading energy technology companies, Mervin realized the need to broaden her technical and policy knowledge.
In 2014, she proceeded to Imperial College London, where she earned a Master of Science (MSc) and a Diploma of Imperial College (DIC) in Sustainable Energy Futures in 2015, both with Distinction.
At Imperial, she deepened her understanding of energy systems, innovation, and sustainability, gaining exposure to advanced technologies and global networks that shaped her perspective as a world-class engineer.
Reflecting on her experience, Mervin said, “Imperial offered exactly what I wanted—the course, exposure to innovative technologies, and the policy and business side of things.”
”I wanted to know how to drive innovation to help power our world and reduce our environmental footprint,” she added. Her time there not only refined her expertise but also expanded her leadership capabilities and commitment to solving real-world energy challenges.
Since completing her studies, Mervin has continued to rise through the ranks at Schlumberger, where she now serves as a Business Line Product and Service Delivery Manager for Surface and Midstream Production Systems across Nigeria and West Africa.
And her work has earned her multiple global recognitions and promotions for excellence and leadership. Beyond her technical accomplishments, Mervin is a passionate STEM advocate and champion for women in engineering.
Within her company, she has created safe spaces for women to discuss challenges and mentorship opportunities. She encourages female engineers to speak up, network, and take bold steps in their careers.
She also serves on top-tier boards and committees, including the World Energy Council, Society of Petroleum Engineers, and African Union panels, contributing to policies that shape a more equitable and sustainable energy future.
Despite the challenges of working in a male-dominated industry, Mervin’s resilience continues to inspire. She recalls being the only woman on assignment in Congo, facing difficulties that tested her strength and competence. Yet, within a year, she earned a promotion.
Mervin’s advice to young students and aspiring engineers is for them not to stop learning and to remain determined.
“Know who you are, embrace your uniqueness, and keep learning. Put your talent to work so it doesn’t go to waste. People won’t always push you—so push yourself. Attend events, meet people, and find your tribe,” she said.
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