Former VC, University of Benin, Professor Grace Alele-Williams dies at 89

Former Vice-Chancellor of the University of Benin, Professor Grace Alele, has died at 89.

Williams, who was the first female VC at the Nigerian university was a speaker par excellence, a role model to women, and a pride to the educational system in Nigeria.

Sources close to the University of Benin as having confirmed the death of the great academic personality.

“The education icon and great mathematician, Prof. Grace Alele Williams, has gone to be with the Lord. May her soul rest in peace,” the source said.

Williams who would be remembered for the epic battle against cultism was appointed as the vice-chancellor of the University of Benin in 1985 by former military President, Ibrahim Babangida.

Meanwhile, a former governor of Delta State, Chief James Ibori, has commiserated with Alele-Williams’s family on her death.

Alele -Williams’ life imparted greatly on mine as she was the Vice-Chancellor of the University of Benin while I was a student there. I remember her as an outstanding woman of integrity and one of those who showed my feet the way to follow.

“I regret her passing even as I thank God for the pace-setting life she lived as a high -achiever,” Ibori was quoted as having said.

She was born in 1932 in Warri, Delta State, attended Government School, Warri, Queen’s College, Lagos, and the University College, Ibadan (now University of Ibadan).