15th December, 2021
President Muhammadu Buhari has felicitated with Grace Alele-Williams, the First Nigerian female Vice-Chancellor at the University of Benin, on her 89th birthday on December 16, 2021.
Buhari rejoiced with the Professor of Mathematics for removing glass ceilings and paving way for women empowerment.
The president congratulated the educationist on her achievements over many years, which were inspired by vision and hard work, and becoming the first female to earn a PhD in Nigeria, 1963.
He lauded her for using her resources to create opportunities for other women, particularly in getting education.
Buhari noted the historic role Alele-Williams played in sanitizing the University of Benin of cultism and her many sacrifices in giving the younger generation a sense of purpose through guidance and counselling.
He joined family members, friends and academia in celebrating with the former Vice-Chancellor, whose honours include, Fellow of the Mathematical Association of Nigeria, Fellow of the Nigerian Academy of Education.
Alele-Williams’ other honours include Merit Award winner of old Bendel State in Nigeria, regional Vice-President for Africa of the Third World Organization for Women in Science, Chairman of the African Mathematical Union Commission for Women in Mathematics and first President of the African Mathematical Union Commission on Women in Mathematics.
The president prayed for good health and strength for the renowned scholar, consultant, publisher and administrator.