Nigerian history is replete with accounts of men and women who have been a light to our nation and many have gathered to declare Emeritus Professor Godwin Ekhaguere one of them.
Prof Ekhaguere is a celebrated guru in the field of Mathematics, an exemplar, advocate, social critic, emancipator and an avatar of the ideals of equal rights, justice and liberty.
The scholar is one of the eminent Mathematicians in Africa who has helped in upholding the highest standard in mathematical research and training. His research activities are in the core areas of Mathematical Physics, Partial Algebras, and Classical and Non-Commutative Stochastic Analysis, including Financial Mathematics.
Recently, at the unveiling of his Autobiography titled “Promise and Providence,” eminent Nigerians, both present and erstwhile Vice Chancellors of the University of Ibadan and students of the institution lauded the sterling qualities of the mathematical icon.
They extolled qualities like integrity, accountability, transparency, ability to pay close attention to details, attributes that have geared the icon to attaining greater height and serving the university community for over four decades.
The book, Promise and Providence offers a glimpse into the life of Prof Ekhaguere who took control of his destiny and overcame immense obstacles through hope, grit, and tenacity.
His story is one of unending perseverance, courage, and good fortune despite the experience of spending the first 13 years of his life hawking kerosene for his mother at the Nigerian Quarters of the West African Institute for Research (WAIFOR), Benin where he spent his childhood.
The Book Reviewer, Professor Oka Martin Obono, of the Department of Sociology affirmed that the book was extraordinary as it reflects how providence played a decisive role in helping a child from a Soho slum to finding his way to Imperial College London, a place which became a catalyst for his subsequent ascent to greatness.
Prof Ekhaguere was a liaison officer for the MacArthur Foundation Grant for many years and was indirectly involved in the establishment of the Education Trust Fund, now TETFUND, an intervention fund which many Nigerian Universities benefit from.
In his goodwill message, the Vice Chancellor of the University of Ibadan, Prof Kayode Adebowale appreciated the scholar for his meritorious service to mankind and his vast contributions to raising the banner of the institution. He lauded his great impact on education across the continent adding that many have been strongly influenced by his broad knowledge, intellectual curiosity, work ethic, kindness, and his passion for developing others.