President Muhammadu Buhari has felicitated with Grace Alele-Williams, Professor of Mathematics and First Nigerian female Vice-Chancellor at University of Benin, on her 89th birthday, December 16, 2021, rejoicing with the educationist for removing glass ceilings and paving way for women empowerment.
Point News247 reports that Buhari congratulated the educationist on her achievements over many years, inspired by the vision and hard work, becoming the first female to earn a PhD in Nigeria, 1963, and using her resources to create opportunities for other women, particularly in getting an education.
The President noted the historic role Prof. 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.
Buhari 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, 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.