Mrs. Grace Alele Williams made her mark as a first class academician and later proved herself as a skilled administrator; she is one of the first Nigerian women to obtain a PhD in mathematics. She was also the country's first female vice-chancellor (University of Benin 1985-1991).

Born in Warri December16, 1932, she attended the prestigious Queens College, Yaba from where she went on to the University of Ibadan, the University of Vermount and later, University of Chicago, both in the United States of America. In 1974 she became the first female professor of mathematics. she is presently a member of the electoral reform committee.