Oliver Mobisson

Professor Oliver Udemmadu Ogbonnia Mobisson (April 23, 1943 - February 18, 2010), was a Nigerian Scientist, Professor, Activist, and Entrepreneur. He is often regarded as the father of the African Computer Industry^[1], and was the first person in Black African history to design, build and produce indigenous personal computers. He was also a founding Professor of the Anambra State University of Technology (now the Enugu State University of Science & Technology, Nnamdi Azikiwe University and Akwa Ibom State University of Technology).

Early life

Professor Mobisson was born in Port Harcourt, Rivers State, Nigeria. He grew up with his family in Umu Ezike, Edenta in Awo Idemili, the son of a palm wine tapper. As a young boy, he attended St. Matthews Primary School (now known as Pioneer Primary School) in Imo State and went on to the Christ the King College (CKC) in Onitsha. His excellence in academics caught the attention of local US Peace Corps volunteers who recommended that he pursue University studies in the United States or UK. He reluctantly agreed, having reservations about the role of the US and UK in colonial Africa. Ultimately, the Nigerian Ministry of Education granted him a fellowship to attend the Massachusetts Institute of Technology (M.I.T.) in Cambridge, Massachusetts.

College Life and Activism

Mobisson enrolled at M.I.T. in 1965 just before the beginning of the vicious Nigerian-Biafran War. Being of Igbo descent, the homeland of the Biafran movement, he was forced to choose between finishing his graduate school program and devoting all his efforts to the Biafran cause^[2]. His studies gave way to organizing around the Boston Area, where he formed a group of Biafran secessionists. Together, they funneled funds and resources to Biafran rebels back home and performed protests that encouraged the US and other Western countries to recognize Biafra as an autonomous nation. With his wife, Tama, he founded a humanitarian organization, Lifeline For Biafra. When the war ended in 1970, Professor Mobisson opted to remain in the States so he could gain the technical knowledge that could be used to rebuild Nigeria.

Return to Nigeria & Introduction of the ASUTECH Computers

He decided to leave the US in 1981 when he was called upon by the late Professor Kenneth Dike to return to Nigeria and help found the first computer technology university in Africa: Anambra State University of Science & Technology, ASUTECH. At ASUTECH, he served as head of the Industrial Development Centre (IDC) and it was at the IDC in 1983 that Prof. Mobisson introduced the first commercially produced line of personal computers and servers in Black African history, an effort described by then Head of State, General Muhammadu Buhari as "blazing the trail for Nigeria’s quest for technological development". Commissioned by Governor Jim Nwobodo, Prof. Mobisson employed and empowered undergraduates at ASUTECH to help in the development of the ASUTECH 800 and 8000 series of PCs.

Later career

While teaching at ASUTECH, Prof. Mobisson went on to work in Nigerian telecommunications industry with NITEL. With the assistance of ASUTECH graduates, NITEL engineers, and former President Ibrahim Babangida's financial support, he constructed a communications system that was capable of connecting every Nigerian via telephones.

Medical Issues and Death

He continued his work with NITEL until 1995, when Mobisson suffered a massive stroke, which forced him into retirement. He lived in Norwood, MA until he died due to a heart attack on February 18, 2010^[3].

Other information

Mobisson was appointed a chief (Eze) in Awo Idemili in 2005.

References

1. ^ Dr. ENEH, Joseph .O. "History and Philosophy of Science: An Outline", University of Nigeria, Nsukka, 2000. Retrieved on 2010-05-20.
2. ^ THISDAYonline. "Rise of the Biafran Spirit", THISDAYonline, Lagos, January 25, 2004. Retrieved on 2010-05-20.
3. ^ Oliver Mobisson Memorial "Oliver Mobisson Memorial", Oliver Mobisson Memorial, Boston, April 3, 2010. Retrieved on 2010-05-20.

Persondata
Name	Mobisson, Oliver
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Date of birth	April 23, 1943
Place of birth
Date of death	February 18, 2010
Place of death