J. Tochukwu Omenma holds a PhD in Comparative Politics from the University of Nigeria, Nsukka, where he currently serves as the Director of the Institute of African Studies. As a full Professor at the Institute, specialising in conflict and security studies, deliberative and participatory democracy, electoral adjudication, and democratic consolidation, Tochukwu has co-published and co-edited five books, authored 40 peer-reviewed journal articles, and delivered ten academic and policy-related presentations across 13 countries. He is the co‑author of The Civilian Joint Task Force in Nigeria:Counterterrorism from the Below (Routledge, 2026), and co-editor of Ten Years of Boko Haram in Nigeria: The Dynamics and Counterinsurgency Challenges (Palgrave Macmillan, 2023). He was an Alexander von Humboldt Scholar at Technische Universität Berlin from December 2022 to May 2025. Prior to that, he held a GES Postdoctoral Fellowship at the University of Johannesburg, South Africa, where he currently serves as a visiting professor in the Department of Politics and International Relations. He is also working on the ASB&LCB Space Project under the sponsorship of IHE Delft in the Netherlands and has provided consulting services to numerous international agencies, including UNESCO and the UK Department for International Development (DFID). Professor Omenma is a member of a ten-member international research consortium comprising scholars from SOAS, University of London, the University of Essex, Heriot-Watt University, the University of Edinburgh, and the Protestant University of Central Africa, Cameroon. The consortium is undertaking a collaborative research projecton language and conflict resolution in the Lake Chad region. Professor Omenma has over a decade of experience in journal management. He serves as Co-Editor of Governance Review and Associate Editor of Security Journal, and has held associate editorial positions with several other reputable peer-reviewed journals.
Chima J. Korieh is a professor of African and African Diaspora History. He holds a First Class Bachelor’s degree in History from the University of Nigeria, a Master’s degree in Education and North American Studies from the University of Helsinki, Finland, an MPhil in History from the University of Bergen, Norway, and a PhD in African History from the University of Toronto, Canada. He has taught at several universities, including the Central Michigan University, Rowan University, and Marquette University, and served as an Adjunct Professor in the Peace and Conflict Program at the University of Manitoba, Canada. He was a visiting professor at the Admiralty University of Nigeria, where he served as Dean of the Faculty of Arts, Management and Social Sciences in addition to occasionally acting as the Vice-Chancellor.
Professor Chima J. Koriehhas published over 100 articles and essays in academic journals and scholarly collections. He also authored, edited, or co-edited more than 20 volumes, including The Land Has Changed: History, Society and Gender in Colonial Eastern Nigeria (2012); "Life Not Worth Living": Nigerian Petitions Reflecting an African Society's Experiences During World War II (2014); The Nigeria-Biafra War: Genocide and the Politics of Memory (2012); Olaudah Equiano and the Igbo World: History, Society and Atlantic Diaspora Connections (2009); Gendering Global Transformations: Gender, Culture, Race, and Identity (2009); and Missions, States, and European Expansion in Africa (2007). His most recent books include Nigeria and World War: Empire, Colonialism and Global Conflict (Cambridge University Press, 2020), New Perspectives on the Nigeria-Biafra War: No Victor, No Vanquished (Lexington Books, 2021), and Chinua Achebe and the Igbo-African World: Between Fiction, Fact, and Historical Representation (Lexington Books, 2022).
Professor Korieh has received many awards, including the Thabo Mbeki Award for Research Leadership from the University of Texas at Austin; Award for Excellence and Outstanding Contribution to the Growth of Tertiary Education in Nigeria from Federal Polytechnic, Oko, Nigeria; Award for Excellence in Scholarship from Alex Ekwueme Federal University, Nigeria; Award for Distinguished Contribution to the Development of Education in Nigeria from Institute of Management and Technology, Enugu, Nigeria, and Rowan University Achievement in Research Recognition.
A recipient of the Way Klinger Distinguished Research Award, Professor Korieh is a fellow of the African Studies Centre, Leiden, Netherlands, and a British Academy Fellow at the University of Oxford. He is the editor-in-chief of the Oxford Bibliographies, and Ikenga: International Journal of the Institute of African Studies, as well as the editor of Igbo Studies Review and Nigerian Studies Review. His current research focuses on urban history and labour history.
Professor Nkiru C. Ohia
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Professor Nkiru Christiana Ohia holds a Bachelor of Education (B.Ed.) in Adult Education/English, a Master of Education (M.Ed.) in Sociology of Education/Gender Studies, and a Doctor of Philosophy (PhD) in Sociology of Education/Gender Studies, all from the University of Nigeria, Nsukka. She joined the services of the University of Nigeria, Nsukka, as a Research Fellow/Lecturer at the Institute of African Studies, with a parallel appointment in the Department of Educational Foundations in 2008. She has 17 years of teaching and research experience in gender studies, sociology of education, and African cultural dynamics. Committed to exploring and addressing gender-based violence, girl child education, and evolving social values in African societies through interdisciplinary and transformative scholarship. Prof. Ohia’s academic and activist work directly contributes to understanding and combating sexual harassment and gender-based violence in higher education settings. Her sustained research, publication record, and institutional engagement position her as a vital voice in shaping the research agenda for inclusive, safe, and equitable academic spaces.
Professor Ifeanyichukwu Emmanuel Iwundu
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Ifeanyichukwu Emmanuel Iwundu is a Professor of Financial Management and serves as a Research Professor at the Institute of African Studies, University of Nigeria, Nsukka. He also holds a parallel appointment at the Department of Public Administration and Local Government. Professor Iwundu holds a Doctor of Public Administration (DPA) and a Doctor of Philosophy (PhD) in African Studies. His academic qualifications also include a Master of Science (MSc), a Master of Public Administration (MPA), a Postgraduate Diploma (PGD), a Bachelor of Education (B.Ed.), and both a Diploma and a Postgraduate Diploma in Election Administration,all awarded by the University of Nigeria, Nsukka. His research interestss include Financial Conflict and Leadership, Traditional Approaches to Peace and Conflict Management, Human Resources Management, and Financial Administration/Management. He has authored 35 peer-reviewed articles published in reputable indexed journals, and has attended both international and local conferences. Professor Iwundu chaired the Curriculum Committee of the Institute of African Studies that reviewed the African Studies Curriculum on the establishment of Peace and Conflict at the Institute. He served as a member of the Board of the College of Postgraduate Studies / Institute Representative from 2012 to 2025, and several other committees of the university. He also supervises both first and postgraduate degrees. He has served as a member of the editorial committee of Ikenga journal, an Associate Editor of Ikoro journal and Good Governance journal of the IAS. He is a Deacon of the Nigerian Baptist Convention.
Dr. Ikpechukwuka E. Ibenekwu (he/him)
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Ikpechukwuka E. Ibenekwu holds PhD in Peace & Conflict and an MSc in International Relations from the University of Nigeria, Nsukka, and a BSc in Political Science from the University of Benin, Nigeria. He is a member of the academic staff of the Institute of African Studies with a parallel appointment at the Department of Political Science, University of Nigeria, Nsukka. His research interests span a broad spectrum of micro and macro levels of conflicts and conflict management in Africa. Dr Ibenekwu has authored 30 peer-reviewed articles, published in high-rated and indexed journals, and attended many local and international conferences in different places, including the United States of America. He served as Associate Editor of the Ikenga International Journal of African Studies as well as the Editor of Ikoro Journal, both belonging to the Institute African Studies. Dr Ibenekwu held other prestigious positions outside of his academic work, such as the President General of Ezi-Ukehe Town Union, Igbo Etiti L.G.A., Enugu State, Nigeria (2010-2022); the Executive Secretary, Igbo Etiti Local Government Education Authority (2000-2003); and the Principal, Premier Secondary School, Ukehe, Igbo Etiti LGA, Enugu State, Nigeria (1995-1997), as well as a member of the Enugu State Library Board (1991-1993).
John Chidubem Nwaogaidu is a Senior Research Fellow in the Institute of African Studies, with a parallel appointment as a Senior Lecturer in the Department of Sociology and Anthropology, all at the University of Nigeria, Nsukka. He teaches both undergraduate and postgraduate students. He holds a PhD in Sociology from the Westfälische Wilhelms-Universität, Münster, Germany, and a PhD in Systematic Theology from the Katholische Universität, Eichstätt-Ingolstadt, Germany. He also has a Postgraduate Diploma in Education (PGDE) from the National Open University of Nigeria, Abuja. He is an ethnographer and qualitative research analyst, specialising in African sociocultural heritage and religious rituals. His works focus on different forms of social integration and interaction that sustain society's institutional structures and development, with a particular focus on Africa. He has authored and co-authored 30 peer-reviewed articles in journals and book chapters, published in high-ranking, and indexed outlets. He has also attended many local and international conferences, which has taken him to nine countries in Africa, as well as other countries in Europe, North America, and South America. He is a two-time award winner of the PhD Thesis Publication by Verwertungsgesellschaft WORT (VG WORT) Rechtsfähiger Vereinkraft Verleihung, 2013 and 2016. He also won the Cardinal Arinze’s Academic Award as the best graduating student of Bigard Memorial Seminary, Enugu, in 2003. He was the local organising chairman of the 4th Chinua Achebe International Conference of the Institute of African Studies in 2022, as well as the 1st International Museum Day of the same institute. He is currently the editor of Ikenga, International Journal of African Studies, published by the IAS.
Dr. Ijeoma P. Ogbonne is a Senior Research Fellow at the Institute of African Studies, University of Nigeria, Nsukka. She served as the IAS’s Museum Curator for about a decade. Dr Onyejegbu specialises in African history and Environmental Studies. Her research interests focus on African history, culture, African environmental studies and artefacts preservations. She teaches and supervises both PhD and MA students at the IAS. Dr Onyejegbu has published in peer-reviewed journals. She has attended many conferences on African Studies and other related subjects. Dr Onyejegbu is committed to research in African Studies and the history of Africa and the wider world.
Dr. Maureen Nwando Onyejegbu is a Senior Research Fellow at the Institute of African Studies, University of Nigeria, Nsukka. For about a decade, she served as the Institute of African Studies’ Museum Curator. Dr Onyejegbu specializes in African history and Environmental Studies. Her research interest focuses on African history, culture, African environmental studies and artefacts preservations. She teaches and supervises both Ph.D and M.A students at the Institute. Dr. Onyejegbu has published in peer reviewed journals She has attended many conferences in African Studies and other related subjects. Dr. Onyejegbu is committed to research in African Studies, history and the wilder world.
Dr. Happiness Kodichinma Ogiri is a Research Fellow I at the Institute of African Studies with Parallel appointment at the Department of Religious and Cultural Studies University of Nigeria, Nsukka. She holds Ph.D in African Studies., her research focused on Masculinity and Insecurity in Igbo Society. Her masters research focused on Problems and Prospects of Intercultural Marriage. She is passionate about the interface of African Indigenous Religion on the Nigeria Society with specific attention on African Religion and Philosophy and Women in fragile communities especially in the context of violence. Dr. Happiness has authored ten journals both with impact factor and without. She has attended many conferences in African Studies and other related areas.
Rev. Fr. Dr. Matthew IK. Eze is a Senior Research Fellow at the Institute of African Studies, University of Nigeria, Nsukka, with a parallel appointment as a Senior Lecturer in the Department of Religion and Cultural Studies. His research interests focus on African traditional religion, philosophy, society and cultural identities. In addition to his academic roles, he is a Roman Catholic priest serving with the Catholic Diocese of Nsukka. This combination of religious commitment and scholarly expertise positions him as a significant figure in the study and promotion of African religions and cultural heritage. He has supervised many Master’s degree students in African Studies, published 15 articles in renowned peer-reviewed journals and attended many conferences.
Dr. ThankGod Chukwuemeka Ikenegbu is an academic staff member of the University of Nigeria, Nsukka with a parallel appointment in the Department of Psychology and the Institute of African Studies.. He holds a PhD in African Psychology, an MSc in Social Psychology, and BSc in Psychology, all from the University of Nigeria, Nsukka. As a vibrant young research fellow and lecturer,his research area covers African psychology, sexuality in African culture, adolescent sexting, and risky sexual behaviour. He teaches and supervises undergraduate and postgraduate students of the University of Nigeria, Nsukka. Dr Ikenegbu has published papers in peer-reviewed impact factor journals. He has also attended numerous conferences/symposiums in African studies and psychology.
Dr. Godstime Eze is a Research Fellow at the Institute of African Studies and a Lecturer in the Department of Theatre and Film Studies at the University of Nigeria, Nsukka. She holds both a PhD and an MA degrees in Theatre and Cultural Administration, and a Bachelor of Arts degree in Theatre and Film studies, all from the University of Nigeria, Nsukka. Her research interests include African Drama and Theatre, Cultural Management, and Gender, and Performance Studies. Dr Eze has published well-researched journal articles and contributed various book chapters in reputable publications, sucha as the Routledge Handbook of Contemporary African Women. She has attended up to 26 conferences and seminars, exclusive trainings and workshops in and outside the University, such as the Transnational Education (TNE) workshop by the British Council in partnership with the Federal Ministry of Education and National Universities Commission; Train-the-Trainer capacity training organized by CcHUB, British Council and De Montfort University, Leicester on Enhancing Entrepreneurship Education in Nigeria; and the British Council Workshop on Curriculum Development & Teaching Methods in Nigerian Universities. She participated in the international survey research on the Igbo Political System by the Institute of African Studies in collaboration with the Harris School of Public Policy, University of Chicago, USA.
Dr. Ogochukwu Agbo is a Research Fellow in the Institute of African Studies and a lecturer in the Department of Theatre and Film Studies, both at the University of Nigeria, Nsukka. She obtained her PhD degree in Dramatic Literature and Criticism from the Department of Theatre and Film Studies at the University of Nigeria, Nsukka, in 2024. She has published articles in high-rated indexed journals and has attended numerous conferences, seminars and academic workshops. With passion for teaching and learning, Dr Agbo teaches courses on theatre history, dramatic theories and criticism, and gender studies. Her research interests include sexuality and gender, literature and criticism.
Mr. Uzodigwe Nnamdi Adolphus is a Research Fellow and Lecturer in the Institute of African Studies and Department of Political Science, respectively, at the University of Nigeria, Nsukka. He is currently a PhD student and staff member of the IAS. His research interests cover conflict management, informal economy, human security, conflict resolution, Peace and conflict studies, research methodology, and developmental studies.
Jephthah Elochukwu Unaegbu (Jeff Unaegbu) is a Research Fellow at the Institute of African Studies, University of Nigeria, Nsukka. He holds an MA degree in African Studies and specialises in paremiography and ethnographic history. Prior to his conversion to academics, he was an Assistant Chief Cinematographer, and the Head of the Cine and Technical Services Unit of the IAS from 2008 to 2021. Jeff Unaegbu has authored and co-authored 37 books (with three more at the press), including Braving the Stars: The biography of Prof. P.N. Okeke of Physics (adjudged by BookAuthority as one of the four Best Nigerian Biography eBooks of All Time); Freedom in Our Bones: The History of the Students’ Union Government, 1960-2004 (which won 3rd Prize in the Arts/ Humanities (Research) category in the 3rd NUC-organized Nigerian Universities Research and Development Fair (NURESDEF) in UNILAG in 2008); Ode on Lagos (which was second runner-up for the 2000 Dollar ANA/Cadbury poetry prize in 2011 and won 2nd prize in the 5th NUC-organized Nigerian Universities Research and Development Fair (NURESDEF), Arts/Humanities (Research) Category in FUT, Minna in 2012) and, Fifty Years of African Studies: The History of the Institute of African Studies, University of Nigeria, Nsukka (1963-2013) co-authored with Prof. Sam Onuigbo. Mr Unaegbu has also published 12 academic articles and six book chapters within the field of African Studies. He has attended many conferences, workshops and research fairs. Mr Unaegbu was a recipient of the African Studies Association of the United Kingdom (ASAUK) Travel Fellowship for the ASAUK Writing Workshop for African Scholars held at Osun State University in 2011. He was also the OCDI ambassador to the DACIT All Africa Village Thematic Park Residency in Zimbabwe, funded by Culture at Work Africa and the European Union in 2019.
Dr. Kenneth Chinedu Asogwa earned his PhD in Political Theory from the University of Nigeria, Nsukka, where he currently serves as a Research Fellow at the Institute of African Studies. His master’s thesis examined state-building and the evolution of Machiavellianism in Nigerian politics, while his doctoral research focused on the nexus between competitive authoritarianism and state failure in Nigeria’s Fourth Republic, highlighting how authoritarian approaches to conflict resolution, characterised by the criminalisation of social protests and the capture of democratic institutions, have undermined state capacity to deliver essential public goods. Dr Kenneth Chinedu Asogwa specialises in political theory, democratic theory, and African political thought. He teaches both PhD and MA students at the IAS. Dr Kenneth has published in peer-reviewed journals. He is an active member of the Nigerian Political Science Association, and participates regularly in academic conferences.
Leonard Ifeanyi Ugwu, Jr. holds both a PhD and an MSc in International Relations from the University of Nigeria, Nsukka, and a BSc in Political Science, from Caritas University, Enugu. He is a Lecturer at the Institute of African Studies with a parallel appointment at the Department of Political Science, University of Nigeria, Nsukka,where he teaches undergraduate courses. His research interests cover a broad spectrum of issues relating to international conflicts and conflict management, as well as the Nigeria-African regional dynamics. Dr Ugwu has authored over nine peer-reviewed articles published in high-rated and indexed journals, and attended many local and international conferences. He is an editorial board member and journal correspondent for the International Journal of Functional Research in Arts and Humanities, as well as a member of the editorial crew of the Journal of Functional Research in Science and Engineering. Before joining academia as a full-time lecturer, Dr Ugwu gained valuable administrative experience, serving as a Higher Technical Officer for three years. He is also a literary enthusiast who addresses who examines Africa's social and political realities through through the lens of literature and creative writing.
