P.N. Okeke synonymus with “Physics”in Nigeria become a household name for every Nigerian high school student taking physics. His love for mathematics started at a young age, where he exceled extremely well unlike other subjects. He resembled Albert Einstein.

Okeke was the first person to receive a PhD degree of the University of Nigeria in 1975. He carried out his Postdoctoral research in the University of Cambridge, United Kingdom in 1979 under the supervision of very distinguished Astronomer Professor M.J. Rees. He rose to the rank of a professor and leader of Space Research Centre University of Nigeria in 1989. He tackled many problems in Astronomy and collaborated with researchers worldwide to become a distinguished international scholar. This led to series of International Awards that include: Visiting Scientist Harvard Smithsonian Centre USA, 1997, Senior Research Fellow National Astronomical Observatory, Tokyo, Japan 1993, Visiting Scientist, University of Tuebingen, Germany 1995; Visiting Professor South African Astronomical Observatory 1996; External Board Member, South African National Science Foundation 1994-2000.

In the course of his dedicated research, he made the following outstanding discoveries: Discovery of a new eclipsing cataclysmic variable; Prediction of observational consequences of mini black hole; Proposed a Nuclear Beam Model in Radio Sources. Contributed immensely in Astrophysical Spectral Research, conducted massive postgraduate training for Nigerian Space Science scholars using facilities at home and abroad.

Prof. P.N. Okeke was the African recipient of the UN/NASA award in 2007 for his tremendous contributions in the development of Astronomy in Africa. Apart from being a fellow at AA, Okeke was also a Fellow of Royal Astronomical Society, Fellow of Nigerian Institute of Physics, Fellow of Planetary and Radio Science, Fellow of IAA, and United Nations Consultant in Space Science in Africa.

Biography as adopted from https://africanews.space/meet-the-father-of-astronomy-in-nigeria-prof-p-n-okeke/