Africa’s first Nuclear Physicist and a former Vice Chancellor of University of Nigeria, Nsukka (UNN), Professor Frank N. Ndili, has passed on to glory.

With the news of his death disclosed by the family of Professor Frank and Dame Edna Ndili, the late Professor Ndili died at the of age 89.

Born in Asaba, and credited as a visionary leader, the renowned scientist, died on February 13, 2024 in Asaba, Delta State.

Having lived an excellent and exemplary life, he was survived by his beloved wife Dame Edna Ndili; his children, Dr. Isioma Ndili-Nwokolo, Dr. Amaechi Ndili, Dr. Awele Ndili, Dr. Ogugua Ndili Obi, Dr. Unoma Ndili Okorafor, Dr. Obianuju Ndili; numerous grandchildren, great grandchildren, brothers, nieces, nephews etc.

Late Professor Ndili, Ph.D. Cantab, F.InstP, born on October 6, 1934. He attended St. Patrick’s College Asaba from 1950-1954, studied at the University of Ibadan from 1957-1961 where he graduated with a B.Sc (Hons) First Class in Physics. In 1961, he proceeded to the University of Cambridge, England and graduated in 1964 with a Ph.D in Nuclear and High Energy Particle Physics being the first Nigerian and African to obtain a Ph.D in Nuclear and High Energy Particle Physics. He was a Fellow of the British Institute of Physics (F.Inst.P), London, and won the Alberti Tomasini prize of the Italian Physical Society, Erice, Italy in 1965.

The late Professor was a visiting scientist at the International Centre, Trieste, Italy in 1967; a research fellow at Atomic Energy University of Warsaw, Poland from 1967-1968; then Principal Scientific Officer, Daresbury Nuclear Physics Research Warrington, England from 1968-1971. The late Professor was also a senior lecturer for physics at UNN between 1971 and 1973, Head of Department of Physics from 1973-1976 and Dean of the Faculty of Physical Sciences from 1976 to 1980 after which he became the Vice Chancellor.

Having served as the 7th Vice Chancellor of UNN from 1980 till 1985 leaving indelible footprints on the sands of UNN with administrative, academic and infrastructural landmarks, among others. Upon his achievements, contribution to scholarship and service to the University of Nigeria, he was conferred Professor Emeritus of the same university in 2016.

Tributes from friends and families can be dropped at https://www.forevermissed.com/prof-frank-nwachukwu-ndili/about