By IGBAUGBA EHIGIMETO

Mr. Chris Ogiemwonyi, a former minister of state for works, said late Prof. Grace Alele-Williams, former Vice Chancellor, University of Benin (UNIBEN) was a trailblazer and outstanding woman of integrity.

Ogiemwonyi who was among the 1970 pioneer set of students of the university, stated this in a statement made available to newsmen on Sunday in Benin.

He said the passing away of Alele-Williams was a huge loss not just for the academicians alone, but also the country at large.

The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that the late Alele-Williams who died at the age of 89 years, was the first Nigerian female Vice-Chancellor at the UNIBEN and also the first Nigerian woman to receive a doctorate degree.

“Prof. Grace Alele-Williams, a scholar, an administrator per excellence, was a great role model to the female gender, whom she inspired with her brilliance and diligence.

“Thankful to God, she lived a life of great impact, the late scholar’s drive and love for knowledge earned her many recognitions and awards in Nigeria and across the globe.

“Her lasting memories will remain in the heart of those she left behind and they shall cherish her forever.

“We are praying that God grant fortitude and comfort to the family she left behind, the Itsekiri community and the entire staff and management of the University of Benin. May God Almighty grant her eternal rest,” he prayed. (NAN)