By Aaior K. Comfort

Education activist and founder of Educare, Alex Onyia, has announced plans to celebrate the 83rd birthday of esteemed physicist and educator, Prof. P.N. Okeke, with a grand event in Enugu on October 30.

In a post on Thursday via X, Onyia shared, “I spoke with P.N. Okeke this morning and have gotten approval to accept donations from those who’ve been asking. We created a special account for this purpose.” He elaborated that the celebration will feature a significant birthday event along with the launch of five new physics textbooks aimed at addressing the educational needs of the 21st century.

“The current generation is lucky,” Onyia stated, highlighting Okeke’s substantial contributions to science education. The event will also include the presence of the professor’s co-authors.

Known as the “Father of Astronomy” in Nigeria, Prof. Okeke has had an illustrious career, authoring a widely-used Senior Secondary Physics textbook that serves as a staple for Nigerian high school students. Born on October 30, 1941, he overcame early academic challenges to become one of Nigeria’s most respected physicists. After excelling in science subjects at Lagos’ Emergency Science School, Okeke earned his degree in Physics from the University of Nigeria, Nsukka, graduating in 1971.

He made history by becoming the first individual to earn a PhD at the University of Nigeria in 1975, followed by postdoctoral research at the University of Cambridge under Professor M.J. Rees. Throughout his career, Okeke has received international recognition, garnering prestigious awards and fellowships from institutions in Japan, Germany, the United States, and South Africa.

His contributions to space science and astronomy in Africa include the discovery of a new eclipsing cataclysmic variable and significant advancements in radio astronomy.