Grace Alele-Williams facts for kids

Grace Alele-Williams was a Nigerian professor of mathematics. She made history as the first Nigerian woman to earn a doctorate degree. She was also the first Nigerian woman to become a vice-chancellor (the head) of a university. This happened at the University of Benin. She was born on December 16, 1932, and passed away on March 25, 2022.

Early Life and Education

Grace Awani Alele was born in Warri, Nigeria, on December 16, 1932. Her father was from the Owan people, and her mother was from the Itsekiri people. She went to school in Warri and then attended Queen's College, Lagos. Later, she studied at the University College of Ibadan, which is now known as the University of Ibadan.

In 1957, she earned her master's degree in mathematics. At that time, she was teaching at Queen's School, Ede in Osun State. She then traveled to the U.S. to continue her studies. In 1963, she received her PhD degree in mathematics education from the University of Chicago. This made her the very first Nigerian woman to earn a doctorate.

Later that year, she got married and became known as Grace Alele-Williams. She returned to Nigeria and worked at the University of Ibadan for a few years. In 1965, she joined the University of Lagos.

Amazing Career in Education

Grace Alele-Williams began her teaching career as a mathematics teacher. She taught at Queen's School, Ede from 1954 to 1957. After that, she worked at the University of Vermont as a graduate assistant and then as an assistant professor.

From 1963 to 1965, she was a researcher at the University of Ibadan. In 1976, she became a full professor of mathematics at the University of Lagos.

Helping Women in Science

Grace Alele-Williams cared a lot about education for women. For ten years, she led the institute of education. She created new programs that helped older women who were elementary school teachers get special certificates. She always wanted to make sure that African female students could study science and technology subjects.

Her interest in teaching mathematics grew when she was in the U.S. She worked with the African Mathematics Program. From 1963 to 1975, she took part in math workshops held in different African cities. She helped write textbooks and courses for basic math concepts. One of her books was Modern Mathematics Handbook for Teachers, published in 1974.

She taught at the University of Lagos from 1965 to 1985. She also helped improve education in Nigeria by serving on various committees. For example, she was the chairman of the curriculum review committee in former Bendel State from 1973 to 1979. From 1979 to 1985, she led the Lagos State curriculum review committee and the Lagos State examinations boards.

First Female Vice-Chancellor

In 1985, Grace Alele-Williams was chosen to be the vice-chancellor of the University of Benin. This was a huge step, as she became the first female vice-chancellor of any Nigerian university. She believed her appointment, which lasted until 1992, was a way to show that women could be great leaders.

During the 1980s, Nigerian universities faced challenges, including secret groups causing problems. Many men had tried to fix these issues but failed. Grace Alele-Williams was able to make important changes and bring order to the University of Benin.

After her time as vice-chancellor, she joined the board of directors for Chevron-Texaco Nigeria. She also served on the board of HIP asset management company limited in Lagos.

Global Contributions

Grace Alele-Williams was a member of the governing council for the UNESCO Institute of Education. She also advised UNESCO and the Institute of International Education Planning. For ten years (1963–1973), she was part of the African Mathematics Programme in the United States.

She was the vice-president of the World Organisation for Early Childhood Education. Later, she became the president of its Nigeria chapter. She was also the first president of the African Mathematical Union Commission on Women in Mathematics. From 1993 to 2004, she served as the regional vice-president for Africa for the Third World Organization for Women in Science.

Personal Life and Legacy

Grace Alele-Williams married Babatunde Abraham Williams in December 1963. He was a political scientist. They had five children together. She passed away on March 25, 2022, at the age of 89. The day after her death, the University of Benin lowered its flag to half-mast to honor her.

Awards and Honors

Grace Alele-Williams received many awards and honors for her work. In 1987, she was given the Order of the Niger. She was also made a Fellow of the Mathematical Association of Nigeria and a Fellow of the Nigerian Academy of Education.

On February 28, 2014, she was one of 100 people to receive the Centenary Award. This award recognized Nigerians who made special contributions to the country's development over 100 years.

See also

In Spanish: Grace Alele-Williams para niños