Is Philip Emeagwali A Media Hype?

@ Anthonio, not sure of where you want to go with this, but above are my comments on Oyibo, who you so eloquently have tried to defend. No where there did I disparage Oyibo's efforts, but simply put his achievements in the context in which they should be understood.

GAGUT, as I had inferred, was mathematically plausible, but physicists reject it on the grounds that it really does not satisfy established criteria for sound physical theory - e.g. Einstein's work was established long before any actual experiments/ observations through his use of thought experiments (like the 'twin paradox') and postulates (like the existence of 'black holes').

Not wanting to exchange comments with you on this, because I am not certain at what level you are qualified to understand these details. If however you are a theoretical physicist or classical mathematician (possibly at post-graduate level), please indicate as much and we can start a private conversation on this. If however, you fall into the category of those who just post a comment on issues they do not or cannot comprehend, then you can be forgiven.

Ama Nduka taught me Quantum Physics at the UNIFE in 1980, before moving to the then FUTO, and up to the time I left core theoretical physics to industry (but still as a physicist), without boasting, I was one of the new generation of Nigerian physicists being lauded by Professors (Animalu, Maduemesie, Allotey, Nduka, Oluwole, Ade Amusa, the Chike-Obi sons) across the country, for my early work in quantum physics. I also worked my a$$ off on several areas of mathematical physics and at 24 was already lecturing post-graduate quantum mechanics at both ABU Zaria and later Imo State University.

In my current subject matter (Petroleum Engineering - rock physics), I am recognised as a global expert and have been selected for the 2007 Marquis' Who's Who in Science & Engineering.  You can verify this by sending a mail to my private mail box, after which I can send details that you may cross-check.

SO, I HAVE NO NEED TO BE JEALOUS OF EMEAGWALI OR OYIBO!!!!!!!!!

Now, to your issues of questioning the GAGUT - I can post to you detailed rebuffals of the GAGUT (hope you can follow the 'speak' of advanced mathematics and theoretical physics) by very notable scientists - which is why Oyibo no longer gloats about his Nobel Prize nomination.

Please also note, that, like in all human endeavour, a nomination for such a prize does not neccessarily carry the toga of approval/ confirmation that most Nigerians assume it does.

It simply is a recognition by some of your peers on work you have done. To my knowledge, thousands of scientists are nominated every year for the Nobel prizes, but the short list finally contains only a few. If Oyibo's claims had been as a leading physicist, there would have been no uproar, but our people are wont to exaggerate any recognition by going on a media circus. I do not recall any Nobel laureates who behave in this manner.

We can rightfully be proud of achievement (we afterall have Wole Soyinka, Chinua Achebe, Animalu, Oluwole, Chike Obi), but must ensure that we are not seen, in the scientific community, to be commiting 'intellectual 419' - obtaining recognition for our academic work under false pretenses: Emeagwali is guilty of this and, to some extent, Oyibo as well.

PS - since you ask, in my chosen field I have well over 40 references to my work (which span a period of about 20 years -published my first scientific article in 1986), and I am still working. You may be right that Oyibo is not my 'mate', as you so immaturely put it, but we do not usually use 'mate' as defence in responding to scientific critique.

AnthoniO, you are absolutely right. What we believe and accept to be true today can turn out otherwise. Not too long ago, people were jailed/maimed/killed for saying the earth was round and revolves around the sun but now we know better.

ugwumba

good post(s) . One of the few mature and brilliant people on Nairaland .