A Gentle Giant of Science: Primetime Pays Tribute to Professor Kofi Oduro-Afriyie

“The best teachers are those who show you where to look but don’t tell you what to see.”

— Alexandra K. Trenfor

As Professor Kofi Oduro-Afriyie is laid to rest on Saturday, 12 April 2025, the NSMQ family remembers him with heartfelt gratitude and deep admiration. A remarkable academic, a humble leader, and a man of unwavering faith, Professor Oduro-Afriyie left a legacy that transcends science.

From 1996 to 2008, he served as a Physics Consultant to the National Science & Maths Quiz, playing a key role in setting questions and helping to resolve contest protests with fairness and clarity. His presence brought calm assurance, academic excellence, and steadfast integrity to the competition.

Beyond his contributions to the NSMQ, Professor Oduro-Afriyie’s impact on academia was immense. At the time of his passing, he was Vice-Chancellor of Wisconsin International University College, Ghana. His career included leadership roles such as Vice President (Academic) of Central University College and Head of Department and Vice Dean of Science at the University of Ghana, Legon. Internationally, he lectured in Nigeria and Liberia and contributed to agroclimatology research at the International Institute of Tropical Agriculture (IITA) in Ibadan.

He was a Fellow of the Ghana Institute of Physics and a member of several prestigious scientific bodies, including the New York Academy of Sciences and the Abdus Salam International Centre for Theoretical Physics.

Yet his life was not only shaped by science, but deeply anchored in faith. Professor Kofi Oduro-Afriyie (1948 to 2025) was a devoted servant of Jesus Christ. He dedicated his life to serving God through ministry, planting numerous churches and fellowships, while using his gifts as a distinguished physicist and educator to glorify God and uplift others across Ghana and beyond.

He was not just a consultant to the NSMQ. He was a guide, a mentor, and a friend. His light lives on in every student he inspired.

Rest in peace, Prof. Kofi Oduro-Afriyie.

Damirifa Due!!!