Grace Alele-Williams, (born December 16, 1932) made history as the first Nigerian woman to become the head (vice-chancellor) of a Nigerian university, the University of Benin.[1][2]
Born in Warri, Alele-Williams attended Government School, Warri, and Queen's College, Lagos. She attended the University College (now the University of Ibadan), the University of Vermont (U.S.). and the University of Chicago (U.S.).[2]
Her teaching career started at Queen’s School, Ede Osun State, where she was mathematics master from 1954 to 57.[3] She left for the University of Vermont to become a graduate assistant and later assistant professor. Between 1963 and 65, Alele-Williams was a post doctoral research fellow, department (and institute) of Education, University of Ibadan from where she was appointed a professor of mathematics at Unilag in 1976.[2]
By serving in various committees and boards, Alele-Williams had made useful contributions in the development of education in Nigeria. She was chairman of the curriculum review committee, former Bendel State 1973-1979. From 1979-1985, she served as chairman of the Lagos State Curriculum Review Committee and Lagos State Examinations Boards.
Alele-Williams was a member of governing council, UNESCO Institute of Education. She is also a consultant to UNESCO and Institute of International Education Planning. For a decade (1963–73) she was a member of the African Mathematics Programme, located in Newton, Massachusetts, United States.[2] She was also vice-president of the World Organisation for Early Childhood Education and later president of the Nigerian chapter. Alele-Williams has published a book titled Modern Mathematics Handbook for Teachers. She has 5 children and 9 grandchildren.
After serving as the Vice-Chancellor of the University of Benin, she joined the board of directors of Chevron-Texaco Nigeria.