P.N. Okeke hails from Oraukwu, in Idemili North Local Government Area of Anambra state. He discovered his talent early in primary school. Always best in Mathematics and Science.

After a series of setbacks (which is fully described in his biography), he obtained an Advanced level G.C.E with A’s in Physics, Pure Maths, and Applied Maths, and secured Admission into the University of Lagos in 1966. The outbreak of the Nigerian Biafran War brought P.N. to UNN, where he completed his BSc Physics in 1971. Being one of the best graduating students, he was recalled as a Junior Fellow in 1972. P. N Okeke was the first person to obtain a Ph.D. degree from UNN in December 1975.

He made UNN, Nigeria, Africa, and the world in general proud, upholding the dignity of man through his tremendous contributions in Physics, Astronomy, Space Research, and Manpower Development. First Physicist to produce practical manuals for large first-year physics students, published by Wiley and Sons UK in 1984. The most popular author of simplified Physics books in Nigeria, both secondary & tertiary levels.

For mentoring and touching the lives of many science students and his tremendous contributions in Space Science, Nigerian Students Awarded him the title “Most popular Scientist in Nigeria”. Some students refer to him as the father of Astronomy, and a pace setter. A Cambridge University Post Doctoral Fellow, supervised by Prof. M.J. Rees, & T. Hewish, Nobel Laureates – the best world Astrophysicist and Astronomer.  P.N. Okeke acquired a sound foundation. He eventually emerged as a prolific international scholar who is collaborating with experts all over the world: Japan, the UK, the USA, China, South Africa, and others.

Furthermore, he was a Visiting Fellow, Harvard University, as well as at the National Astronomical Observatory of Japan and the University of Delaware, USA. External board member, National Research Foundation of South Africa on Astronomy.  Collaborating with the University of Delaware in the U.S. to set up NECOP (Nigerian Environmental and Climatic Observing Program), which works on wireless telemetry.

P.N. was the First Person with Prof. Stobie of South Africa to discover an Eclipsing Polar – 1990. First, in collaboration with M.J. Rees, to propose a Nuclear Beam Model in Jets – 1987. First Person, in collaboration with M. J Rees, to discover a mini evaporating black hole. First person to produce an Astronomy textbook – Introduction to Astronomy with W. Soon.

He supervised over 35 Ph.D. scholars and several master’s. Most of them are now Professors. Has trained over 100 scholars in various institutions overseas using their facilities. He published over 80 articles in reputable international Journals. He is a Fellow of the Nigerian Academy of Science, African Academy of Science, International Academy of Astronautics, Royal Astronomical Society of England, Nig. Institute of Physics, etc.

Also, he was among the 5 scientists who worked from 1993 to 2002 towards the establishment of NASRDA, Abuja. The first Director of the NARSDA Center for Basic Space Science, Nsukka, from 2006 to 2014.  He was the Head of Physics and Astronomy, 1976-79, and Dean of the Faculty of Physical Sciences from 1998 to 2000. Chairman of the UNN Sports Council for 8 years, and consequently attracted NUGA of 2006, which was hosted by UNN.

P.N. is the First Chairman of the ICT and Strategic Contact Committee of UNN for 5 years. He attracted Obieri Computer Center. He was a UN Award Recipient in 2012, in Japan, for his contributions to Astronomy in Africa. He was the Originator of the Physics Writers Series Creation involving over 25 Universities.

This distinguished Scientist per excellence, who was elected Professor Emeritus in Physics of the University of Nigeria in 2015, was the First President of the African Astronomical Society as well as that of Nigeria (for 5 years). PN at 80 is now even stronger to work on revising all his books and developing new techniques for teaching physics, which will be out soon. He has also floated his own publishing company. He plays table tennis every evening with young people.

P.N. is the man who revolutionized Physics in Africa, the father of Physics, and the fulcrum of Physics-made-easy. He initiated so many other important Space projects for Nigeria, but due to a lack of funds, they could not be completed or initiated before his retirement as Director of the Space Center. His accomplishment notwithstanding, he is an avid listener, very humble, highly dedicated, committed, and humane. His unassuming personality makes him a natural bridge-builder and team player.  He is an academic giant, a trailblazer, an institution, an icon, etc. This bundle of talent and gift to humanity is the husband of a distinguished Physicist, Prof. (Mrs.) F. N. Okeke, a Laureate of the L’Oreal- UNESCO Award of 2013 for physical sciences.