Renowned Nigerian Physicist P.N. Okeke to Celebrate 83rd Birthday with Book Launch
Education activist Alex Onyia has announced a grand celebration for renowned Nigerian physicist Prof. P.N. Okeke, who will turn 83 on October 30. The event, set to take place in Enugu, will include a birthday celebration and the launch of five new physics textbooks aimed at contemporary educational needs.
Chris Oyeoku Okafor 
Education activist and founder of Educare, Alex Onyia, has announced a grand celebration for esteemed physicist and educator, Prof. P.N. Okeke, set to take place in Enugu on October 30. This event marks the 83rd birthday of the acclaimed scientist, renowned for his significant contributions to physics education in Nigeria.
In a post shared via X, Onyia stated, “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.” The celebration will feature a massive birthday event alongside the launch of five new physics textbooks aimed at meeting the educational needs of the 21st century.
“The current generation is lucky,” Onyia remarked, highlighting Okeke’s invaluable role in shaping science education in Nigeria. The event will also see the participation of Okeke's co-authors, further enriching the celebration of his contributions to academia.
Prof. Okeke, often referred to as the “Father of Astronomy” in Nigeria, has enjoyed an illustrious career. He authored one of the most widely used Senior Secondary Physics textbooks in Nigeria, which continues to serve as a key resource for high school students.
Born on October 30, 1941, Okeke faced early academic challenges but ultimately emerged as one of Nigeria’s most respected physicists. After excelling in science subjects at Lagos’ Emergency Science School, he pursued a degree in Physics at the University of Nigeria, Nsukka, graduating in 1971.
He earned his PhD in 1975, becoming the first to achieve this milestone at the University of Nigeria, and later completed postdoctoral research at the University of Cambridge under the esteemed Professor M.J. Rees. Throughout his career, Prof. Okeke has garnered international recognition, receiving prestigious awards and fellowships from institutions in Japan, Germany, the United States, and South Africa.
His remarkable contributions extend to space science and astronomy in Africa, including the discovery of a new eclipsing cataclysmic variable and significant advancements in radioastronomy. As the celebration approaches, the academic community and admirers of Prof. Okeke eagerly anticipate a momentous event honoring his legacy.
