Professor P. N Okeke: Meet Anambra Scientist Of The Decade

Father of African Astronomy.

■ P.N Okeke from Oraukwu, Anambra state is first set of Junior fellows appointed by UNN in 1972
■ P. N Okeke made history as the first person to obtain the Ph.D. degree of UNN in December 1975

■He has continued to make UNN proud, upholding the dignity of man through his tremendous contributions in Physics, Astronomy, Space Research and Manpower Development

■ First Physicist to produce practical manuals for large first year university, published by Wiley and Son UK

■ The most popular author of simplified Physics books in Nigeria both secondary & tertiary levels.

■ For mentoring and touching the lives of many science students and contributions in Space Science, Nigerian Students Awarded him the title “Most popular Scientist in Nigeria”`

■ As a Cambridge University Post Doctoral Fellow, supervised by Prof. M.J. Rees, & T. Hewish , Nobel Laureate – the best world Astrophysicist,& Astronomer, P.N Okeke acquired sound foundation

■He eventually emerged as a prolific international scholar who is collaborating with experts all over the world: Japan, UK, USA, China, South Africa and others.

■Visiting Fellow Harvard University as well as National Astronomical observatory Japan

■ Collaborating with Univ. of Delaware in U-S he discovered NECOP (Nigerian Environmental and climatic Observing Program) that works on wireless telemetry. Now collaborating with NIMET.

■A producer of over 35 Ph.D. scholars and several masters. Most of them are now Professors

■Has trained over 100 scholars in various institutions overseas using their facilities

■ Published over 80 articles in reputable international Journals.

■ Fellow : Nigerian Academy of Science (NAS), African Academy of Science, (AAS) International Academy of Astronautics (IAA), Royal Astronomical Society England (RAS), Nigerian Institute of physics (NIP), Astronomical Society of Nigeria (ASN), etc.

■He is among the 5 scientists that worked from 1993 –2002 towards the establishment of National Space Research and Development Agency (NASRDA), Abuja

■He is the first Director of NARSDA Centre for Basic Space Science , Nsukka/Abuja. 2006 – 2014.

■ Currently a consultant & Member of Technical Advisory board of NASRDA

■ Head of Physics and Astronomy, 1976-79, Dean Faculty Physical Sc. , 1998-2000

■Chairman UNN Sports council for 8 years, attracted NUGA of 2006, hosted by UNN

■First Chairman ICT and Strategic contact committee of UNN for 5 years. Attracted Obieri Comp, Centre

■ Snr. Visiting Fellow National Astronomical Observatory Tokyo, Japan 1995-1957

■Harvard University, and University of Delaware USA collaborator to date

■External board member National Research Foundation of South Africa on Astronomy for six years

■A UN Award Recipient 2012, in Japan for his contributions in Astronomy in Africa .

■ Originator of Physics Writers Series Creation involving over 25 Universities

■ First President African Astron. Society as well as that of Nigerian (for 5 years)

■Elected Professor Emeritus in Physics of the University of Nigeria, 2015

■PN at 80 is now even much stronger to work, revising all his books and developing a new technics for teaching physics which will be out soon. He has also floated his own publishing company

■Husband of a distinguished Physicist Prof.(Mrs) F.N.Okeke, a Laureate of L’Oreal – UNESCO, 2013 in physical science and Fellow World Academy of Science
Blessed with children

■ Emeritus Professor P. N is always a Pace – setter. His achievements notwithstanding, he is an astute listener and his humility is second to none.