It is with a great deal of sadness that the African Academy of Sciences (AAS) has received news of the passing of Professor Shem Oyoo Wandiga, an AAS Fellow elected in 2005 under the Chemical Sciences Cluster.
Professor Wandiga was a visionary chemist, educator, and administrator whose work significantly advanced environmental science and institutional leadership across the continent. He obtained his Bachelor’s in chemistry at Howard University in 1967; a Master of Science from the University of Maryland in January 1972; and a doctorate from Case Western Reserve University in the USA in June 1972.
He was a professor of Chemistry at the University of Nairobi, where he rose through the ranks to become a full Professor in 1984. He later served as the Chairman of the Department of Chemistry, Principal of the College of Biological and Physical Sciences, and Deputy Vice-Chancellor at the university.
In addition to his academic posts at the University of Nairobi, Professor Wandiga served as the Kenya Executive Board Representative at UNESCO, a member of the World Conference on Science International Organizing Committee, and the Senate Member Coordinator of Project Investment with the Ministry of Education. He was also the Chemistry Committee Coordinator for the South and East Africa Chemistry Environment Network of the Association of Science Faculties of African Universities, and Chairman of the Organizing Committee for the second international chemistry conference in Africa.
The AAS honors Professor Wandiga for his contributions to the Academy, his dedication to mentoring generations of African scientists, and his unwavering commitment to using science for the development of society.
"His legacy lives on in the institutions he built, the scientific truths he uncovered, and the minds he inspired."
May His Soul Rest in Eternal Peace