Etso Clara Ugbodaga-Ngu known as Ugbodaga-Ngu, was a Nigerian artist. Her art featured vibrant colours and portrayed strength and purpose. Her geometric style evolved from earlier works like "Market Women" (1961) and left a lasting mark on Nigerian culture and politics.^[1][2]

Clara Etso Ugbodaga was born in 1921 in Kano, Kano State Nigeria to parents from Edo. She was educated at missionary schools in Kano and Zaria, and later taught in those same schools from 1945 to 1950. She was awarded a scholarship by the colonial administration in Nigeria in 1950 which gave her the opportunity to study at the Chelsea School of Art in London. She graduated with a degree in design and painting in 1954.^[3] in 1955, she earned a teaching diploma from the University of London.^[3]

Ugbodaga-Ngu returned to Nigeria after qualifying in London. She became the first Nigerian woman to become a professor at the Nigerian College of Arts, Science and Technology (later Ahmadu Bello University) in Zaira. She was member of the faculty between 1955 and 1964, but met opposition from colonial British colleagues there.^[3]

Ugbodaga-Ngu held various roles, from teaching to lecturing at universities and operating her studio. She also served as a state adviser during FESTAC in 1975 and later became a lecturer at the University of Benin.^[4][5][6][7]

Her painting "Dancers" was acquired by Elbert G. Mathews, the U.S. Ambassador to Nigeria in the 1960s, recognising its cultural significance.^[2]

The University of Birmingham holds examples of her work.^[8]

Ugbodaga met Victor Anomah Ngu, a Cameroonian surgeon, during her time studying in London and married him in 1960, adding Ngu to her surname. The couple had four children.^[3]

Ugbodaga-Ngu died in 1996.^[1][3]