Monday, September 25, 2023
  • Login
Africa360 Degrees
  • Africa
    • All
    • News
    • Politics
    Sudan’s Power Struggle: Army and Rebels Signal Possibility of Talks

    Sudan’s Power Struggle: Army and Rebels Signal Possibility of Talks

    The Awakening: Africa’s Response to Neo-Colonialism

    The Awakening: Africa’s Response to Neo-Colonialism

    Afrobeat’s Rising Star MohBad: A Cry for Justice and a Legacy Lost

    Afrobeat’s Rising Star MohBad: A Cry for Justice and a Legacy Lost

    U.S. Human Rights Agenda in Africa: Seeking A Balanced Approach

    U.S. Human Rights Agenda in Africa: Seeking A Balanced Approach

    The West African Coup Crisis: Niger at the Heart of ECOWAS Divide

    The West African Coup Crisis: Niger at the Heart of ECOWAS Divide

    Africa’s Debt Conundrum: A Dive into History, Leadership, and Financial Dynamics

    Africa’s Debt Conundrum: A Dive into History, Leadership, and Financial Dynamics

    African Diplomacy and the Russia-Ukraine Conflict: Africa’s Mediation Quandary

    African Diplomacy and the Russia-Ukraine Conflict: Africa’s Mediation Quandary

    Africa 360 - Sierra Leone at a Crossroads: The High Stakes of the 2023 Elections

    Sierra Leone at a Crossroads: The High Stakes of the 2023 Elections

    The Ripple Effects of China's Investments in Zambia A Socioeconomic Analysis

    The Ripple Effects of China’s Investments in Zambia: A Socioeconomic Analysis

    Trending Tags

      • News
    • Documentaries
      God loves Uganda

      God loves Uganda: LGBT Exception or Religious Bigotry?

      Africa Rising: African History and the Effects of Western Policies

      Africa Rising: African History and the Effects of Western Policies

      The Desert Train: A Journey Through The Sahara To The Atlantic Coast

      The Desert Train: A Journey Through The Sahara To The Atlantic Coast

      Trending Tags

      • Features
        • All
        • Arts & Culture
        • Entertainment
        • Honour Roll
        • Lest We Forget
        The Awakening: Africa’s Response to Neo-Colonialism

        The Awakening: Africa’s Response to Neo-Colonialism

        Afrobeat’s Rising Star MohBad: A Cry for Justice and a Legacy Lost

        Afrobeat’s Rising Star MohBad: A Cry for Justice and a Legacy Lost

        Ama Ata Aidoo: Ghana’s Literary Giant and Feminist Pioneer

        Ama Ata Aidoo: Ghana’s Literary Giant and Feminist Pioneer

        The West African Coup Crisis: Niger at the Heart of ECOWAS Divide

        The West African Coup Crisis: Niger at the Heart of ECOWAS Divide

        The Ripple Effects of China's Investments in Zambia A Socioeconomic Analysis

        The Ripple Effects of China’s Investments in Zambia: A Socioeconomic Analysis

        BRICS-Africa Relations

        Deciphering the New Scramble for Africa: Unpacking the Intricacies of BRICS-Africa Relations

        Sudan’s Journey to Democratic Freedom 

        Sudan’s Journey to Democratic Freedom 

        The Quest for Political Equity in the Nigerian South East: Unpacking Marginalisation and Striving for Inclusive Governance

        The Quest for Political Equity in the Nigerian South East: Unpacking Marginalisation and Striving for Inclusive Governance

        Tilahun Gizaw and the Ethiopian Student Movement

        Tilahun Gizaw and the Ethiopian Student Movement

      • Finance & Economics
        • All
        • Business
        • Economy
        • Tech
        Africa’s Debt Conundrum: A Dive into History, Leadership, and Financial Dynamics

        Africa’s Debt Conundrum: A Dive into History, Leadership, and Financial Dynamics

        Nigeria’s Foreign Exchange Odyssey: The Quest for Stability

        Nigeria’s Foreign Exchange Odyssey: The Quest for Stability

        The Ripple Effects of China's Investments in Zambia A Socioeconomic Analysis

        The Ripple Effects of China’s Investments in Zambia: A Socioeconomic Analysis

        A Balancing Act: Navigating the Aftermath of Fuel Subsidy Removal in Nigeria

        A Balancing Act: Navigating the Aftermath of Fuel Subsidy Removal in Nigeria

        BRICS-Africa Relations

        Deciphering the New Scramble for Africa: Unpacking the Intricacies of BRICS-Africa Relations

        Artificial Intelligence

        Artificial Intelligence: Africa’s Stance in the Global Technological Renaissance

        China’s Exploitative Mining in Africa: Environmental and Social Impacts

        China’s Exploitative Mining in Africa: Environmental and Social Impacts

        The Global Challenge of Poverty

        The Global Challenge of Poverty

        African Fintech: Redefining Financial Standards

        African Fintech: Redefining Financial Standards

      • Insight
        The Melancholic Symphony of Night Rain: Reflecting on JP Clark’s Portrait of Environmental Crisis in Africa

        The Melancholic Symphony of Night Rain: Reflecting on JP Clark’s Portrait of Environmental Crisis in Africa

        Rabiu Kwankwaso

        Deconstructing Rabiu Kwankwaso’s Presidential Manifesto – “My Pledges To You. The RMK2023 Blueprint”

        Poverty

        The Paradox of Poverty Amidst Plenty: Unpacking Africa’s Endemic Poverty Problem

        The Afropolitans: The Rising Global African Diaspora

        The Afropolitans: The Rising Global African Diaspora

        Nigerian Politics

        Going in Circles: A critical evaluation of Nigerian Politics

        War against corruption

        Africa’s Corruption Conundrum: Insights and Analysis

        Africa's Democracy

        Opposition Less Government The New Embodiment Of Democracy

        Trending Tags

        • Lifestyle
          • All
          • Environment
          • Health
          • Travel
          The Melancholic Symphony of Night Rain: Reflecting on JP Clark’s Portrait of Environmental Crisis in Africa

          The Melancholic Symphony of Night Rain: Reflecting on JP Clark’s Portrait of Environmental Crisis in Africa

          The Ripple Effects of China's Investments in Zambia A Socioeconomic Analysis

          The Ripple Effects of China’s Investments in Zambia: A Socioeconomic Analysis

          A Balancing Act: Navigating the Aftermath of Fuel Subsidy Removal in Nigeria

          A Balancing Act: Navigating the Aftermath of Fuel Subsidy Removal in Nigeria

          Botswana: A Journey Through the Land of the Tswanas

          Kenya Leading the Charge in Africa's Renewable Energy Revolution

          Kenya Leading the Charge in Africa’s Renewable Energy Revolution

          Sickle Cell Disease

          4 Things You Need To Know About Sickle Cell Disease

          Child Marriage in Africa: A Persistent Challenge to Sustainable Development

          Child Marriage: The Persistent Human Rights Violation Undermining African Development

          Soot pollution in Port Harcourt

          Invisible Killer: The Soot Crisis Sweeping Through Nigeria’s Oil-rich Rivers State

          Land of Punt

          Delving into the Enigma of the Ancient Land of Punt: A Historical Exploration

        • World
          • All
          • News
          Scandal in the US Senate: The Shocking Allegations Against Senator Robert Menendez

          Scandal in the US Senate: The Shocking Allegations Against Senator Robert Menendez

          Australian Delegation’s Plea: The Assange Affair and Its Impact on Australia-US Relations

          Australian Delegation’s Plea: The Assange Affair and Its Impact on Australia-US Relations

          U.S. Human Rights Agenda in Africa: Seeking A Balanced Approach

          U.S. Human Rights Agenda in Africa: Seeking A Balanced Approach

          Kamala Harris’ Visit To Some African Countries: Strengthening Bilateral Relations and Addressing Key Issues?

          Cuba’s Epic in Angola: A Unique Transatlantic South-South Cooperation

          Cuba’s Epic in Angola: A Unique Transatlantic South-South Cooperation

        No Result
        View All Result
        • Africa
          • All
          • News
          • Politics
          Sudan’s Power Struggle: Army and Rebels Signal Possibility of Talks

          Sudan’s Power Struggle: Army and Rebels Signal Possibility of Talks

          The Awakening: Africa’s Response to Neo-Colonialism

          The Awakening: Africa’s Response to Neo-Colonialism

          Afrobeat’s Rising Star MohBad: A Cry for Justice and a Legacy Lost

          Afrobeat’s Rising Star MohBad: A Cry for Justice and a Legacy Lost

          U.S. Human Rights Agenda in Africa: Seeking A Balanced Approach

          U.S. Human Rights Agenda in Africa: Seeking A Balanced Approach

          The West African Coup Crisis: Niger at the Heart of ECOWAS Divide

          The West African Coup Crisis: Niger at the Heart of ECOWAS Divide

          Africa’s Debt Conundrum: A Dive into History, Leadership, and Financial Dynamics

          Africa’s Debt Conundrum: A Dive into History, Leadership, and Financial Dynamics

          African Diplomacy and the Russia-Ukraine Conflict: Africa’s Mediation Quandary

          African Diplomacy and the Russia-Ukraine Conflict: Africa’s Mediation Quandary

          Africa 360 - Sierra Leone at a Crossroads: The High Stakes of the 2023 Elections

          Sierra Leone at a Crossroads: The High Stakes of the 2023 Elections

          The Ripple Effects of China's Investments in Zambia A Socioeconomic Analysis

          The Ripple Effects of China’s Investments in Zambia: A Socioeconomic Analysis

          Trending Tags

            • News
          • Documentaries
            God loves Uganda

            God loves Uganda: LGBT Exception or Religious Bigotry?

            Africa Rising: African History and the Effects of Western Policies

            Africa Rising: African History and the Effects of Western Policies

            The Desert Train: A Journey Through The Sahara To The Atlantic Coast

            The Desert Train: A Journey Through The Sahara To The Atlantic Coast

            Trending Tags

            • Features
              • All
              • Arts & Culture
              • Entertainment
              • Honour Roll
              • Lest We Forget
              The Awakening: Africa’s Response to Neo-Colonialism

              The Awakening: Africa’s Response to Neo-Colonialism

              Afrobeat’s Rising Star MohBad: A Cry for Justice and a Legacy Lost

              Afrobeat’s Rising Star MohBad: A Cry for Justice and a Legacy Lost

              Ama Ata Aidoo: Ghana’s Literary Giant and Feminist Pioneer

              Ama Ata Aidoo: Ghana’s Literary Giant and Feminist Pioneer

              The West African Coup Crisis: Niger at the Heart of ECOWAS Divide

              The West African Coup Crisis: Niger at the Heart of ECOWAS Divide

              The Ripple Effects of China's Investments in Zambia A Socioeconomic Analysis

              The Ripple Effects of China’s Investments in Zambia: A Socioeconomic Analysis

              BRICS-Africa Relations

              Deciphering the New Scramble for Africa: Unpacking the Intricacies of BRICS-Africa Relations

              Sudan’s Journey to Democratic Freedom 

              Sudan’s Journey to Democratic Freedom 

              The Quest for Political Equity in the Nigerian South East: Unpacking Marginalisation and Striving for Inclusive Governance

              The Quest for Political Equity in the Nigerian South East: Unpacking Marginalisation and Striving for Inclusive Governance

              Tilahun Gizaw and the Ethiopian Student Movement

              Tilahun Gizaw and the Ethiopian Student Movement

            • Finance & Economics
              • All
              • Business
              • Economy
              • Tech
              Africa’s Debt Conundrum: A Dive into History, Leadership, and Financial Dynamics

              Africa’s Debt Conundrum: A Dive into History, Leadership, and Financial Dynamics

              Nigeria’s Foreign Exchange Odyssey: The Quest for Stability

              Nigeria’s Foreign Exchange Odyssey: The Quest for Stability

              The Ripple Effects of China's Investments in Zambia A Socioeconomic Analysis

              The Ripple Effects of China’s Investments in Zambia: A Socioeconomic Analysis

              A Balancing Act: Navigating the Aftermath of Fuel Subsidy Removal in Nigeria

              A Balancing Act: Navigating the Aftermath of Fuel Subsidy Removal in Nigeria

              BRICS-Africa Relations

              Deciphering the New Scramble for Africa: Unpacking the Intricacies of BRICS-Africa Relations

              Artificial Intelligence

              Artificial Intelligence: Africa’s Stance in the Global Technological Renaissance

              China’s Exploitative Mining in Africa: Environmental and Social Impacts

              China’s Exploitative Mining in Africa: Environmental and Social Impacts

              The Global Challenge of Poverty

              The Global Challenge of Poverty

              African Fintech: Redefining Financial Standards

              African Fintech: Redefining Financial Standards

            • Insight
              The Melancholic Symphony of Night Rain: Reflecting on JP Clark’s Portrait of Environmental Crisis in Africa

              The Melancholic Symphony of Night Rain: Reflecting on JP Clark’s Portrait of Environmental Crisis in Africa

              Rabiu Kwankwaso

              Deconstructing Rabiu Kwankwaso’s Presidential Manifesto – “My Pledges To You. The RMK2023 Blueprint”

              Poverty

              The Paradox of Poverty Amidst Plenty: Unpacking Africa’s Endemic Poverty Problem

              The Afropolitans: The Rising Global African Diaspora

              The Afropolitans: The Rising Global African Diaspora

              Nigerian Politics

              Going in Circles: A critical evaluation of Nigerian Politics

              War against corruption

              Africa’s Corruption Conundrum: Insights and Analysis

              Africa's Democracy

              Opposition Less Government The New Embodiment Of Democracy

              Trending Tags

              • Lifestyle
                • All
                • Environment
                • Health
                • Travel
                The Melancholic Symphony of Night Rain: Reflecting on JP Clark’s Portrait of Environmental Crisis in Africa

                The Melancholic Symphony of Night Rain: Reflecting on JP Clark’s Portrait of Environmental Crisis in Africa

                The Ripple Effects of China's Investments in Zambia A Socioeconomic Analysis

                The Ripple Effects of China’s Investments in Zambia: A Socioeconomic Analysis

                A Balancing Act: Navigating the Aftermath of Fuel Subsidy Removal in Nigeria

                A Balancing Act: Navigating the Aftermath of Fuel Subsidy Removal in Nigeria

                Botswana: A Journey Through the Land of the Tswanas

                Kenya Leading the Charge in Africa's Renewable Energy Revolution

                Kenya Leading the Charge in Africa’s Renewable Energy Revolution

                Sickle Cell Disease

                4 Things You Need To Know About Sickle Cell Disease

                Child Marriage in Africa: A Persistent Challenge to Sustainable Development

                Child Marriage: The Persistent Human Rights Violation Undermining African Development

                Soot pollution in Port Harcourt

                Invisible Killer: The Soot Crisis Sweeping Through Nigeria’s Oil-rich Rivers State

                Land of Punt

                Delving into the Enigma of the Ancient Land of Punt: A Historical Exploration

              • World
                • All
                • News
                Scandal in the US Senate: The Shocking Allegations Against Senator Robert Menendez

                Scandal in the US Senate: The Shocking Allegations Against Senator Robert Menendez

                Australian Delegation’s Plea: The Assange Affair and Its Impact on Australia-US Relations

                Australian Delegation’s Plea: The Assange Affair and Its Impact on Australia-US Relations

                U.S. Human Rights Agenda in Africa: Seeking A Balanced Approach

                U.S. Human Rights Agenda in Africa: Seeking A Balanced Approach

                Kamala Harris’ Visit To Some African Countries: Strengthening Bilateral Relations and Addressing Key Issues?

                Cuba’s Epic in Angola: A Unique Transatlantic South-South Cooperation

                Cuba’s Epic in Angola: A Unique Transatlantic South-South Cooperation

              No Result
              View All Result
              Africa360 Degrees
              No Result
              View All Result
              Home Africa

              A Beacon in Mathematics: Grace Alele-Williams, Nigeria’s First Female PhD Holder

              A brief profile of Nigeria's first female Mathematics Professor.

              Victoria Akindele by Victoria Akindele
              8 August 2019
              in Features, Honour Roll
              Reading Time: 7 mins read
              0
              A Beacon in Mathematics: Grace Alele-Williams, Nigeria’s First Female PhD Holder

              Early Life and Resilience

              Grace Alele-Williams, born 16th December 1932, started her educational journey at the Government School in Warri, Delta State. Growing up in an era when educational opportunities for women were limited, Grace exhibited an early determination that set the foundation for her groundbreaking career. She furthered her education at Queen’s College in Lagos and then obtained her first degree from University College, now the University of Ibadan.

              Her first job after graduation in 1954 was teaching mathematics at Queen’s School in Ede, Osun State. However, she soon grew discontented with her situation. Instead of accepting the status quo, Grace secured financial aid from the Nigerian Head of Service and travelled to the University of Vermont in the United States, setting the stage for a significant shift in her career trajectory.

              Overcoming Adversity and The Turning Point

              Life in the United States was not without challenges. She found the weather in Vermont brutally cold, and she had to grapple with forms of segregation in the rural environment. However, she persisted, and a crucial moment came with the launch of Sputnik, which brought a renewed focus on mathematics and education in the US.

              This change in national interest presented Grace with opportunities to study at prestigious institutions like the University of Chicago, Columbia, or Harvard. Choosing the University of Chicago, she embarked on a journey that would solidify her legacy in the annals of Nigerian and African academia.

              Breaking the Glass Ceiling

              In 1963, she obtained her PhD in Mathematics Education, becoming the first woman in Nigeria to receive a doctorate in any academic field. Her dissertation titled “Dynamics of Education in the Birth of a New Nation: A Case Study of Nigeria” highlighted her deep-rooted patriotism, even while studying in a foreign land.

              Grace’s pioneering work in mathematics education was not merely academic. She used her passion for mathematics to bring about practical change, taking active roles in the African Mathematics Program under MIT professor Ted Martins. Here, she helped conduct mathematics workshops in various African cities from 1963 to 1975, showcasing a dedication to improving the mathematical proficiency of a whole generation of African students.

              Pioneering Mathematics Education

              Her interest in mathematics education was kindled during her stay in the US, which coincided with the Sputnik phenomenon. Engaged with the African Mathematics Program in Newton, Massachusetts, under MIT professor Ted Martins, she actively participated in mathematics workshops held across various African cities from 1963 to 1975.

              An Iconic Career Back Home

              On her return to Nigeria, Grace joined her alma mater, the University of Ibadan, before lecturing at the University of Lagos. Her time at the University of Lagos marked several milestones in her career and the academic history of Nigeria. In 1974, she became an Associate Professor of Mathematics, and by 1976, she had become the first full-time female professor of Mathematics in Nigeria.

              Professor Grace Alele-Williams was more than a lecturer. Her influence extended beyond the classroom to the administrative and policy-making aspects of education. From being a consultant to UNESCO and the Institute of International Education Planning to chairing curriculum review committees, she played pivotal roles in shaping educational standards and policies in Africa.

              Her impressive career reached a zenith in 1985 when she became the Vice-Chancellor of the University of Benin. Her tenure, which lasted until 1991, was marked by significant improvements in the university’s standard of education. After her tenure, she served on the board of directors of Chevron-Texaco Nigeria and HIP, an asset management company in Lagos, Nigeria.

              A Global Force in Educational Standards

              Beyond her personal academic pursuits, Professor Grace Alele-Williams committed herself to developing and improving African educational standards. She worked as a consultant for UNESCO and the Institute of International Education Planning from 1963 to 1973, chaired curriculum review committees, and attended Bendel State University.

              In 1985, Alele was appointed as the Vice-Chancellor of the University of Benin, a position she held until 1991. After her term, she served on the board of directors at Chevron-Texaco Nigeria and an asset management company, HIP, in Lagos, Nigeria.

              Awards and Honours

              In 1987, Alele-Williams was honoured with the Order of the Niger (OON) in recognition of her industrious contributions. Elected a fellow of the Mathematical Association of Nigeria and the Nigerian Academy of Education, she consistently advocated for the inclusion of women in academia, specifically in science and technology fields.

              In 2017, the University of Benin awarded her an honorary doctorate, recognising her service rendered more than two decades ago as the first female vice-chancellor.

              A Woman of Substance: Advocacy and Legacy

              Professor Alele-Williams was a fierce advocate for women’s education. While directing the Institute of Education, she introduced innovative non-degree programmes, empowering older women working as elementary school teachers to receive certificates. Her efforts shattered societal norms around women’s access to higher positions in academia, opening doors for many women to come.

              However, she noted that the celebration of ‘firsts’ for women in these positions indicated that there was still progress to be made. “We look forward to when we will have many women in such positions, and we will celebrate so many of them,” she remarked.

              Grace Alele-Williams was not just a stellar academician, but an outstanding administrator whose contributions to Nigeria’s educational development are immeasurable. Her dedication, perseverance, and unwavering commitment to excellence have left an indelible mark on the academic landscape of Nigeria.

              Professor Grace Alele-Williams was a trailblazer who shattered many barriers for women in academia. Her life and career serve as an inspiration for countless women, providing a beacon of hope for gender equality in education and beyond.

               

              Tags: #EducationPioneer#GraceAleleWilliams#MathematicsEducation#NigerianEducation#NigerianHistory#Trailblazer#WomenInAcademia#WomenInMathematics
              ShareShareSendSend
              Previous Post

              The Impact of Interest Rate Caps on Kenya’s Economy

              Next Post

              The Legacy of JP Clark-Bekederemo: Bridging Tradition and Modernity in African Literature

              Victoria Akindele

              Victoria Akindele

              Anuoluwapo Victoria Akindele is a passionate Educationist and an advocate for quality education and equity. She holds a Bachelor's degree in Microbiology from the Federal University of Technology, Akure, Ondo State and professional certificates in Education and Mathematics from certified Educational organisations. She is a freelance writer with Africa 360 Degrees.

              Next Post
              JP Clark

              The Legacy of JP Clark-Bekederemo: Bridging Tradition and Modernity in African Literature

              Africa's Democracy

              Opposition Less Government The New Embodiment Of Democracy

              Aba Women's Protest

              The Aba Women's Protest of 1929: A Turning Point in Colonial Nigeria

              Nigeria's Independence

              Nigeria’s Independence – A Journey to Remember

              African Agriculture

              Agriculture: The Underestimated Lifeline of The African Economy

              Subscribe
              Login
              Notify of
              guest
              guest
              0 Comments
              Inline Feedbacks
              View all comments
              • Trending
              • Comments
              • Latest
              The Imperialist Agenda of Western Journalists during African Elections A Nigerian Case Study

              The Imperialist Agenda of Western Journalists during African Elections: A Nigerian Case Study

              28 March 2023
              Profiling 2023 Nigerian Presidential Candidates: Peter Gregory Obi

              Profiling 2023 Nigerian Presidential Candidates: Peter Gregory Obi

              13 January 2023
              Free Speech

              Free Speech in Nigeria’s 2023 Presidential Election: The Battle Between “Obi”dients and BATs

              28 January 2023
              The Biafran War: A Deeply Tragic Chapter in Nigeria’s History

              The Biafran War: A Deeply Tragic Chapter in Nigeria’s History

              0
              Sickle Cell Disease

              4 Things You Need To Know About Sickle Cell Disease

              0
              Nigerian Politics

              Going in Circles: A critical evaluation of Nigerian Politics

              0
              Sudan’s Power Struggle: Army and Rebels Signal Possibility of Talks

              Sudan’s Power Struggle: Army and Rebels Signal Possibility of Talks

              23 September 2023
              The Awakening: Africa’s Response to Neo-Colonialism

              The Awakening: Africa’s Response to Neo-Colonialism

              22 September 2023
              Scandal in the US Senate: The Shocking Allegations Against Senator Robert Menendez

              Scandal in the US Senate: The Shocking Allegations Against Senator Robert Menendez

              22 September 2023

              Categories

              • Africa
              • Arts & Culture
              • Business
              • Documentaries
              • Economy
              • Entertainment
              • Environment
              • Features
              • Finance & Economics
              • Health
              • Honour Roll
              • Insight
              • Lest We Forget
              • Lifestyle
              • News
              • News
              • Politics
              • Tech
              • Travel
              • World

              Archives

              © 2023 Africa360 Degrees News - We are a Premium News, Politics, Insight, & Analysis Site .

              No Result
              View All Result
              • Africa
              • Documentaries
              • Features
              • Finance & Economics
                • Business
                • Crypto
                • Tech
              • Insight
              • Lifestyle
                • Health
                • Travel
              • World

              © 2023 Africa360 Degrees News - We are a Premium News, Politics, Insight, & Analysis Site .

              Welcome Back!

              OR

              Login to your account below

              Forgotten Password?

              Retrieve your password

              Please enter your username or email address to reset your password.

              Log In
              wpDiscuz
              0
              0
              Would love your thoughts, please comment.x
              ()
              x
              | Reply