TRIBUTE BY THE COMMITTEE OF FEMALE VICE CHANCELLORS OF NIGERIAN UNIVERSITIES TO A TRAILBLAZER, THE FIRST FEMALE VICE-CHANCELLOR OF A NIGERIAN UNIVERSITY, PROFESSOR GRACE ALELE-WILLIAMS
The Committee of female Vice-Chancellors of Nigerian Universities mourns with sorrow and deep sense of loss, the demise of our mentor, a legend, a mother, an astute academic and a trailblazer for all women in Nigeria, Professor Grace Alele-Williams, the first female Vice-Chancellor of a University in Nigeria.
Prof Alele-Williams’ appointment as Vice-Chancellor, a sphere hitherto considered to be the exclusive preserve of men was a catalyst that opened the vista for other women academics to apply for and be so appointed.
A Professor of Mathematics in her academic journey had a remarkable career and success which served also as impetus that engendered national confidence in the ability of women to excel in exclusive fields and vocations. During her tenure as the Vice-Chancellor at the University of Benin, she steered the affairs of the University with high sense of responsibility, great dexterity, prodigious passion, and huge vigour exemplifying that ‘’what a man can do, a woman can do better’’.
As beneficiaries of Professor Alele-Williams' pioneering role, we are particularly proud of her and the achievements she attained in academic development and nation building. We emulate her demeanour, eloquence, focus, versatility and enduring pride in womanhood.
We appreciate her for liberating the way for all women in academic to believing that we can attain the position of Vice-Chancellors of Universities in Nigeria.
Our mama, though you are no longer with us but you will continue to be remembered in the history of womanhood and academics in Nigeria, Africa and indeed the Universe.
May God grant her soul eternal rest and console her family
Rest on our mentor!
Rest on our mother!!
Rest on our trailblazer!!
Signed: Committee of Female Vice-Chancellors in Nigeria
Professor Lilian I. Salami, Vice-Chancellor, University of Benin, Benin City
Professor Florence Obi, Vice-Chancellor, University of Calabar, Calabar
Professor Ibironke Olatunji-Bello, Vice-Chancellor, Lagos State University, Ojo, Lagos
Professor Maimuna Waziri, Vice-Chancellor, Federal University Gashua, Gashua
Professor Stella Chiemeke, Vice-Chancellor, University of Delta, Agbor
Professor Elisabeta Olarinde, Vice-Chancellor, Afe Babalola University, Ado Ekiti
Professor Nnnena N. Oti, Vice-Chancellor, Federal University of Technology, Owerri
Professor Ibiyinka Fuwape, Vice-Chancellor, Michael and Cecilia Ibru University, Delta
Professor Hassana Sani Darma, Vice-Chancellor, Khadija University, Majia, Jigawa State
Professor Marietu Tenuche, Vice-Chancellor, Kogi State University, Lokoja
Professor Enase Okonedo, Vice-Chancellor, Pan-Atlantic University, Lagos
Professor Chinedum Babalola, Vice-Chancellor, Chrisland University, Abeokuta