Professor Grace Alele-Williams - Heroes and Heroines in Nigeria

Professor Grace Alele-Williams was a woman of many firsts a pioneering scholar, courageous leader, and passionate advocate for women’s education in Nigeria. She was a Nigeria professor of mathematics Education who made history as the first Nigerian woman to receive a Doctorate and later the first female Vice-Chancellor of a Nigerian university. Her achievements shattered glass ceilings and paved the way for generations of women in academia and leadership.

Born on December 16, 1932, in Warri, Delta State, Grace Awani Alele grew up in a society where the odds were heavily stacked against women in education. However, her brilliance and determination set her apart early in life.

She attended Queen’s College, Lagos, and later studied at University College, Ibadan (now University of Ibadan), where she earned a degree in Mathematics. She went on to obtain her Master’s degree at the University of Vermont in the USA, and later earned a Ph.D. in Mathematics Education from the University of Chicago in 1963  becoming the first Nigerian woman to hold a doctorate.

Professor Alele-Williams was not just a scholar, but also a reformer. She began her career as a lecturer at University of Lagos, where she spent years shaping minds and advocating for improved education standards. Her passion lay in mathematics education and curriculum development, especially for secondary schools.

She worked extensively on improving mathematics education for girls and participated in national educational planning and policy development. She believed that a solid foundation in mathematics and science was key to national development.

In 1985, Grace Alele-Williams broke another barrier when she was appointed Vice-Chancellor of the University of Benin, making her the first woman in Nigeria to hold such a position.

Her appointment came at a time when Nigerian universities were plagued with student unrest and cultism. With boldness and intellect, she restored discipline and academic order. She introduced administrative reforms and served as a role model for women across the country, proving that leadership was not a male preserve.

Professor Alele-Williams’s legacy goes far beyond her academic titles. She was:

• A voice for gender equality, encouraging women to pursue careers in science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (STEM).

• An education reformer, contributing to several government panels on curriculum and policy development.

• A mentor and inspiration to countless students and professionals across generations.

• She received several awards and national honors in recognition of her contributions to education and national development.

After her tenure as Vice-Chancellor, Alele-Williams continued to contribute to public discourse on education and gender equality. She served on several national and international education committees and boards.

Professor Grace Alele-Williams passed away on March 25, 2022, at the age of 89, leaving behind a rich legacy of courage, excellence, and trailblazing service.

Professor Grace Alele-Williams was more than just Nigeria’s first female Vice-Chancellor , she was a symbol of academic excellence, resilience, and gender empowerment. Her life’s work continues to inspire Nigerian women and girls to dream big, break barriers, and lead boldly in all fields of endeavor.