Prof. Angela Orengwu Okatahi is an eminent figure in the field of education and a distinguished Ebira-born professor who has left an indelible mark on academia.
Born on June 1, 1950, in Okene, Kogi State, she holds the esteemed title of the Ometere of Ebiraland. Notably, Prof. Okatahi achieved the milestone of being the first female to obtain a Ph.D. and subsequently become a professor in Ebiraland.
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Prof. Okatahi’s educational journey is marked by impressive credentials, including a BA, M.Ed, and Ph.D. Her academic pursuits took her through institutions like Roman Catholic School in Okene, Holy Rosary Convent Primary School, Holy Rosary College, Advanced Teachers’ College in Kano, Ahmadu Bello University in Zaria, and Kansas State University in Manhattan, USA.
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Throughout her illustrious career spanning over four decades, Prof. Angela Okatahi contributed significantly to academia, both in Nigeria and abroad. She played a pivotal role in shaping the academic landscape, producing a remarkable 54 postgraduates in 40 years. Many of her mentees have gone on to become professors and senior administrators in various institutions in Nigeria and beyond.
In 1971, Prof. Angela Okatahi married Stephen S. Okatahi, and the union blessed them with three sons and two daughters. The Academic Giant took a well-deserved bow from active service in 2020, having reached the mandatory retirement age of 70.
Beyond her contributions to academia, Prof. Okatahi is deeply committed to community service. She founded the Okatahi Foundation, a platform dedicated to humanitarian efforts, including awarding scholarships to indigent students and empowering youths and widows.
Reflecting on her impactful career, Prof. Angela Okatahi shared, “Wherever I went, north or south, east or west, especially at the airports, someone would always walk up to me and say, Prof, I know you do not recognize me anymore.
You taught me at Ahmadu Bello University many years ago. For me, this is an earthly reward that cannot be quantified or bought with money in the market.”
In summary, Prof. Angela Orengwu Okatahi’s journey is a testament to her dedication to education, her transformative impact on numerous lives, and her commitment to uplifting communities through philanthropy.
