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 P. N. OKEKE, FAS, FNIP, FRAS. PROFESSOR OF PHYSICS Department of Physics and Astronomy University of Nigeria, Nsukka Director, NASRDA Centre for Basic Space Science Ministry of Science and Technology, Nsukka.
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Prof. P.N. Okeke is currently a professor of Physics and Director of National Centre for Basic Space Science, University of Nigeria Nsukka. Prof Okeke obtained one of the best B.Sc degree in Physics of University of Nigeria in 1971 and was appointed a Junior Research Fellow of the University in 1972. He was the first person to receive a Ph.D degree of the University of Nigeria in 1975 with a record speed of 3 years after first degree. Prof Okeke did his post Doctoral research in the University of Cambridge, United Kingdom in 1979 under the supervision of very distinguished Astronomers Professor M.J. Rees and T. Hewish. Professor Okeke rose to the rank of a professor and leader of Space Research Centre, University of Nigeria in 1989. He tackled many challenging problems and collaborated with researchers world wide to become a giant international scholar. This led to series of international awards. We mention a few: Visiting Scientist Harvard Smithsonian Centre 1997, Senior research Fellow NAO, Tokyo, Japan 1993, Visiting Scientist University of Tuebingen Germany 1995, South African Astronomical Observatory Award1996, External board member appointment by South African National Science Foundation 1994-200. Prof Okeke is a Fellow of Royal Astronomical Society London, Fellow of Nigerian Academy of Science, Fellow of Nigerian Institute of Physics, Fellow of Planetary and Radio Science, IAU and United Nations Consultant in Space Science in Africa, and member of Technical Advisory board of NASRDA, Adjunct professor and external Examiner for many Universities in Nigeria. In the course of his dedicated Research he made a number of outstanding discourtesies: Discovery of a new eclipsing cataclysmic variable, Prediction of observational consequences of mini black hole, Proposed a nuclear Beam model in Radio Sources, and immense contribution in Astrophysical Spectral Studies. In the University of Nigeria Prof Okeke proved to be a sound administrator: He was head of Dept of Physics & Astronomy for 5 years, Dean of Faculty of Physical Sciences for 3 years (1998 to 2001) Chairman Sports Council, Chairman ICT, Chairman Strategic Contact Committee. Professor Okeke has three major ambitions namely: To initiate Basic Science in Africa and Nigeria in particular, to contribute immensely to the development of postgraduate Research in Space Science, and to reform and simplify the learning and teaching of Physics in secondary and tertiary institutions in Nigeria. Today Professor Okeke’s Ambitions and Dreams are materializing. He is currently the Director of National Centre for Basic Space Science, the coordinator of Astronomy in Africa, and member Advisory board of NASRDA on space matters. In addition Professor has produced over 17 Ph.Ds and 25 M.Scs in Space Science in Nigeria and about 5 of his students are now professors. Finally he has written over twenty text books in Physics at both secondary and tertiary levels, which have made the study of physics in Nigeria much easier and interesting. Prof. Okeke has attracted so many medals of honour too many to be listed here: Medal of honour from University of Nigeria Alumni as their most distinguished and dedicated scholar, Vice-Chancellor Medal of honour as most dedicated staff, 2004. Medal of honour from Commandant War College Abuja as the best Lecturer of the year and too many medals from student organisations’. Prof. Okeke is married to the distinguished atmospheric physicist Professor (Mrs.) Francisca. N. Okeke. They are blessed with 4 boys and 2 girls. |
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