The First Professor of Nuclear Physics in Africa, Frank Nwachukwu Ndili is dead.
Ndili was also one of the prominent Vice Chancellors of the University of Nigeria, UNN.
He died on Tuesday, February 13, at the age of 90 years.
His death was confirmed by his children, Dr. Isioma Ndili-Nwokolo, and Dr. Amaechi Ndili, in a statement.
The statement disclosing his death read, “The Family of Professor Frank and Dame Edna Ndili, wish to announce with deep sorrow, yet with gratitude to God for a Glorious, Excellent, and Exemplary life well-lived, the passing of our beloved Husband, Father, Grandfather, Great Grandfather, and Patriarch – Professor Frank Nwachukwu Ndili.
“He passed away peacefully on February 13, 2024, in his home, surrounded by his family and loved ones.
“Professor Frank N. Ndili – Ph.D. Cantab, F.InstP (October 6, 1934 to February 13, 2024) – Former Vice Chancellor of the University of Nigeria, Emeritus Professor of Nuclear Physics – is 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, many more and an everlasting legacy of leadership, love, and excellence.
“May his great, generous, loving, and kind soul rest in perfect peace. Amen.
“Burial arrangements will be shared by the family in due course.”
Ndili joined the University of Nigeria, UNN, in 1971 and became Professor in 1974. His career began as a physics lecturer at the University of Ibadan from 1964 to 1968.
He was a visiting scientist at the International Centre, Trieste, Italy in 1967, as he was also a research fellow at Atomic Energy University of Warsaw, Poland from 1967 to 1968, then Principal Scientific Officer, Daresbury Nuclear Physics Research Warrington, England from 1968 to 1971.
Ndili was also a senior lecturer of physics at the UNN between 1971 and 1973 as he was the Head of Department of Physics at the University from 1973 to 1976.
He was also the Dean of the Faculty of Physical Sciences at UNN. In 1980, he became the Vice-Chancellor.
