PROFESSOR (CHIEF MRS.) Ifeoma Mabel Onyemelukwe, BA (Hons.) French (UNN), DEF (Senegal), ZDAF (W. Germany), MA (ABU), PGDE (ABU), PhD (ABU), WMGA, FCIA, FIMC, FNAL

About

ACADEMIC PROFILE OF PROFESSOR (CHIEF MRS.) IFEOMA MABEL ONYEMELUKWE, WMGA, FCIA, FIMC, FNAL

Professor Ifeoma Mabel Onyemelukwe, BA (Hons.) French (UNN), DEF (Senegal), ZDAF (W. Germany), MA (ABU), PGDE (ABU), PhD (ABU), WMGA, FCIA, FIMC, FNAL third of seven daughters and sons of late Mr. John Hilton Genegbo Nwakalor and late Mrs. Catherine Agbomma Nwakalor (Nee Onwumbiko) of Umubele village, Awka; born on 23rd September, 1950; had primary education in C.M.S. Central School, Onitsha, Girls’ School, Onitsha, and St John’s C.M.S. Central School, Otuobosi, Onitsha (1955-1962);  Secondary education in Girls’ Secondary School, Ogidi (1962-1971); University education in University of Nigeria, Nsukka (1972-1976), University of Dakar, Senegal (1974-1975), University of Tours, France (July, 1975), Goethe Institute, Murnau, West Germany (August, 1975).

She earned a Distinction in Primary School Leaving Certificate (1962) and Distinctions in Post Graduate Diploma in Education (ABU) (1982). She had Grade One and the best result in WASC Examination in her school in 1970/71 and earned a BA (Hons.) degree in French with a Second Class (Hons.), Upper Division (1976). She became Professor of French (with specialisation in African Literature of French Expression) in 2005 in Ahmadu Bello University, Zaria; and has to her credit 159 publications: 129 articles in peer-reviewed national and international journals/ books; 3 articles in official conference proceedings and 27 books. It is significant to note that Professor Ifeoma Onyemelukwe’s career experienced an  academic “open fire” as her researches and publications took a quantum leap at her appointment to the rank of Professor. She has 94 additional publications since she became a Professor. She participated actively in international and national conferences with a record of 42 international and national conference/seminar papers. She also participated actively in several workshops. Her well researched publications, as can be gleaned from Researchgate attract wide readership from the international community and help boost the visibility of Ahmadu Bello University, Zaria, the great institution she served for the past 42 years. Her publications are also referenced in Google Scholar, Orcid and Academia.

Having completed her National Youth Service Corps Programme (NYSC) in Kaduna State in 1977, she got appointment with the Ahmadu Bello University, Zaria on 6th February, 1978 with initial posting to ATC/ABU, Zaria (1978- 1991); later to Institute of Education, ABU, Zaria (1992-2001), and finally to Department of French, Faculty of Arts, ABU, Zaria (2002 till her mandatory retirement in 2020).

Professor Ifeoma Mabel Onyemelukwe was sent on scholarship to University of Applied Linguistics in Besançon in France in 2001 and University of Nantes in France in 2012 by the French Government in recognition of her excellent scholarship, productivity and development of French in Nigeria and internationally. Notice that the widely travelled scholar was in Dakar in Senegal, Tours in France and Murnau in Germany for her French as well as German immersion programmes. Her numerous researches and academic endeavours have taken her, at various moments, to various parts of the globe: Great Britain, United States of America, Austria, and Francophone countries like Togo,  Benin Republic and Côte d’Ivoire.

This astute academic administrator has served as Head of Department of French, Kaduna State University, Kaduna while on Sabbatical appointment (2009-2010) leading to their obtaining full accreditation; Member of Academic Monitoring Committee of ABU, Zaria (2011-2015); Appointed Chairperson, Academic Monitoring Committee of Faculty of Arts to ensure quality control (2011-2015); Head of French, Languages and Publications Division, Institute of Education, ABU, Zaria (1992- 1994); Head of Languages, Distance Education Division, Institute of Education, ABU, Zaria (1998-2001); Acting Head, Distance Education Division, IOE, ABU, Zaria (1996); Coordinator of Diploma in French Language Education, Institute of Education, ABU, Zaria (1998-2001). She also served as Senate Representative, Kaduna State University Board of Research (2009-2011).

This illustrious professor has been a prominent member of Professional  Associations  viz.:  University  French  Teachers’ Association of Nigeria (1990-date); Modern Languages Association of Nigeria (1990-date); Counselling Association of Nigeria, CASSON (1990-1994); National Association of Women Academics (1999-date); Professional Women’s Advisory Board (2003-date); International Women’s Review Board (2008-date); Linguistic Association of Nigeria (1999- date); Systemic Functional Linguistics Association of Nigeria (SYSFLA) (2004-date).

She has served as Editor-in-Chief of reputable academic journals viz.: Kaduna State University Journal of French (KASUJOF), founder and pioneer Editor (2009-2011); Northern Inter-University Journal of French (NUFJOL) (2010-2012); and Associate Editor to Ahmadu Bello University Department of French Journal (ABUDoF) (2007-2008). She also served as Editor-in-Chief to Woman the Catalyst (2011-2014) and The Pillars (2011-2016).

She has functioned as Editorial Consultant to some reputable academic journals viz.: Calabar Journal of Liberal Studies (CAJOLIS) (2011- date); Journal of Modern European Languages and Literatures (2014-date); FASMEN Educational Research Publications (1998-date); Journal of Research in Special Education (1996-date), Ahmadu Bello University Journal of Vocational Studies (ABUJOVS) (2004-date), Northern Inter-University Journal of French: NUFJOL (2012-date and Nsukka Journal of Foreign Languages and Literary Studies: NJOFLALS (2018-date).

Professor Ifeoma Onyemelukwe has served: i) As External Examiner to several Institutions of tertiary education including her Alma Mater, ii) As External Assessor of  some colleagues for promotion to Associate Professorial and Professorial cadres and iii) In panels of accreditation of the French programmes in several institutions of tertiary education in Nigeria.

This renowned and internationally acclaimed Professor of French and African Literature of French expression, on 14th October, 2015,  gave an inaugural lecture, which was very well attended by very important dignitaries especially His Excellency, Dr. Alex Ekwueme, GCON, former Vice President of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, Prof. Ango Abdullahi, CON, and Prof. S. U. Abdullahi, former Vice Chancellors of Ahmadu Bello University, Zaria,  Prof. Adamu Baikie, CON, former Vice Chancellor, University of Benin, Benin City, University of Lesotho, South Africa, Nasarawa State University, Keffi and former Consultant to the university Administration/ Director, Institute of Education, Ahmadu Bello University, Zaria; Prof. Naya Sada, the Deputy Vice Chancellor (Administration), who ably represented the Vice Chancellor, Ahmadu Bello University, Zaria, Professor Ibrahim Garba; and the Representative of His Highness, Alhaji Dr. Shehu Idris, CFR, Emir of Zazzau, Prof. S. Abdullahi. Professor Ifeoma Mabel Onyemelukwe spoke on a topical issue which captured the rapt attention of an exceptionally large audience from beginning to the end of the lecture. It was entitled: Heroism and Antiheroism in Literature in French: Can You See? And all who attended the inaugural lecture, whether sitting or standing inside or outside the jam-packed ABU Assembly Hall could indeed see.

In Community Service, ebulient Professor Ifeoma Mabel Onyemelukwe has held leadership positions and impacted tremendously on individuals and groups, particularly women viz: Treasurer, National Association of Women Academics (NAWACS), ABU Chapter (1999-2001); Chairperson, Faith Management Board, Zaria (2004-2006); President, Aguata Development Union, Women’s Wing , Zaria (1994-1998); Chairperson, Library Board, Aguata Development Union, Women’s Wing, Zaria (1995-2003); President, Women’s Wing of Igbo Senior Staff Association (WWISSA) ABU, Zaria (2007- 2015); Chairperson, Loans Board, Women’s Wing of Igbo Senior Staff Association ((WWISSA), ABU, Zaria (2008-2015); President, Orumba North Progressive, Union, Women’s Wing, Zaria (2007-2014). The aforementioned Library Board was her initiative to academically empower women under her leadership while the Loans Board was another scheme founded by her to encourage industry among members.

The positive impact made by Professor Ifeoma Onyemelukwe in various quarters in Nigeria and internationally has earned her several decorations and recognitions viz.: Woman of Merit Gold Award in recognition of her contributions to National Development in the sphere of Higher Education (November 24, 2012); Award of Honour by Aguata Development Union, Zaria in recognition of outstanding contributions towards the upliftment of the Union (October 2011); Award of Mother of Honour for selfless service for Christ and Humanity from Mothers’ Union/Women’s Guild of All Saints’ Anglican Church, Zaria (2nd March, 2009); Merit Award for Exemplary Leadership by Zaria Diocese, Anglican Communion (May 12, 2012);  Grand Achiever in Public Service Award for Excellence in recognition of her meritorious service, Exemplary Leadership and Developmental initiative towards the advancement of education in Nigeria  (July 27, 2013); East Central State of Nigeria Scholarship Award (1973); French Government Scholarship Award (based on Merit following an Aptitude Test) to study French in Dakar, Senegal (1973); University of Nigeria, Nsukka Scholarship Award (1973); German Government Scholarship Award (based on Merit following an Aptitude Test) to study German in Goethe Institut, Murnau, West Germany (1975); French Government Scholarship Award for significant contributions to the progress of French Language Teaching and Learning in Nigeria (July, 2001). She was decorated with a traditional title “Lolo” (December, 2007) with her husband’s coronation as Chinyelugo of Nanka and “Lady” following her husband’s investiture into the order of the Knighthood of St. Christopher (April, 2009). Professor Ifeoma Mabel Onyemelukwe received A Great Teacher Merit Award for committing her life to Educating, Encouraging and Empowering the Students of our World (6th July, 2013); Century Continental Legacy Maker Award (CCLEMA) (October, 2014) and A Merit Award of Honour for being a Resource Person and External Moderator/ Examiner and for painstakingly establishing the Igbo Department, Federal College of Education, Zaria (May, 1999). She received Vocational Service Award from Rotaract International Club, Imo State University Branch, Owerri (August 30, 2008); Distinguished Diamond Mother of the Year, 2015 by the Cathedral Church of St. Georges, Zaria Diocese (October, 2015) and 2019 Outstanding Professors of the Year Award by Africa Brands Review (31st Oct, 2019). Her community decorated her with the title: “Okammuta Ada-Beleanwunya”, an honour bestowed on her for being an Outstanding Individual in the Spotlight, whose Attitude, Initiative and Performance reflect the spirit of the community (27th Dec.2016). His Majesty, Onyeso of Nri crowned her female king, honouring her with the title: “Nne Ora Ndi Igbo” (28th Dec. 2016).

Professor Ifeoma Onyemelukwe is an inducted member of the Nigerian Academy of Letters (9th August, 2018). The erudite professor has been admitted into a number of Fellowships. She is a: Fellow of Chartered Institute of Administration (FCIA) (March13, 2014), Fellow of the Institute of Management Consultants (FIMC) (21 Nov.2018) and Fellow of the Nigerian Academy of Letters (FNAL) (8^th August, 2019). She is cited in Contemporary Who is   Who   (2002-date),   and   International   Who   is   Who of Professional and Business Women (2002-date).

The avid researcher, committed and innovative writer has published actively, immensely and prolifically books in French which are revered and used in primary, secondary and tertiary institutions within and outside Nigeria, for example: French for All Beginners (1998) and Fast French (1999). It is important to note that this 21st Century icon of African Literature has churned out an impressive number of books relevant to the study of African Literature, be it Colonial, Postcolonial or Postmodern, well revered and sought after in universities and other tertiary institutions in Nigeria and other parts of the world, for example: The French Language and Literary Creativity in Nigeria: Nigerian Writers in French (2004), Colonial, Feminist and Postcolonial Discourses: Decolonisation and Globalisation of African Literature (2004), The Theme of Madness in African Literature (2009), Violence and Politics in Postcolonial Literature (2009), Histoire de la Littérature Nigériane d’Expression Française and the pioneering and collaborative work, L’oralité nigériane en langue française (2020) edited by I. M. Onyemelukwe, M. A. Tijani, S. I. Oloyiwola and P. I. Ohanma.

Professor (Chief Mrs.) Ifeoma Onyemelukwe’s literary thrust is postmodern feminism which recognises man at the hem of affairs in the home; recommends the complementarity of man and woman and respect for woman’s traditional roles as a wife, as a mother and also as one who works outside the home to contribute her quota to nation building. This is the position of a rare gem.

The versatile scholar recognized early her talent of literary creativity and writing in general and used it profusely to edify: i. the Church of God as in her publication of gospel plays such as King Solomon’s Judgment (2000), ii. Women with her editing of Functional and Effective Womanhood (1995), Women in the 21st Century (1998), the magazines Woman the Catalyst (2011-2014), The Pillars (2012-2015), publication of her novel, Uwaoma et le beau monde (2003) and iii. Children with her publication of The Wicked Step-mother (2009), Une énigme (2011), The Tortoise and the Lioness Princess (2020). Ifeoma Onyemelukwe is a poet, a short story writer, a novelist and a playwright. She has a collection of poems, notably: “Ma mère” and “Le combat perpétuel”. Her “Piercing the Storm’s Eye” which appeared in 2008 is an autobiographical work in poetry form.

Professor Ifeoma Mabel Onyemelukwe is a committed Christian; she professes Christ readily even in her writings. Remarkable in this vein are: King Solomon’s Judgement, Hannah and Peninnah and Discovering the Truth. Ifeoma Onyemelukwe plays an active role in the Church of God: She is an active member of Women’s Guild and Mothers’ Union of the Anglican Communion; an invited Guest Speaker for Women and Youth Programmes (1992-date); Lieutenant Officer of the International Organisation, The Girls’ Brigade (1990-date); Captain, St. Andrew’s Girls’ Brigade, Zaria (1990-1991); A Lady of the Knighthood of St. Christopher (April 2009-date); Leader, Dorcas Group, All Saints’ Anglican Church, Samaru, Zaria (2007-date); Matron, Ladies’ Club International, Kongo Campus, ABU Chapter (1996-2001); Coordinator, Publications Committee, Mothers’ Union/ Women’s Guild, Zaria Diocese, Anglican Communion (2011-2016); Chairperson, Bus Committee, Mothers’ Union/ Women’s Guild, Zaria Diocese, Anglican Communion (2009-2011); Member, Parochial Church Council (PCC), All Saints’ Church, Samaru, Zaria, Anglican Communion (2011-2014); Matron, Provincial Girls’ Guild, Anglican Communion (2013-date), Matron, Anglican Students’ Fellowship (ASF) (2015-2016), Chairperson, Action and Outreach, Mothers’ Union/Women’s Guild, Zaria Diocese, Anglican Communion (2016-2020), Chairperson, Fund Raising Committee, All Saints’ Church, Samaru, Zaria Diocese, Anglican Communion (2018-date) and Diocesan Endowment Fund Committee, Zaria Diocese, Anglican Communion (2020).

The outstanding scholar is a professionally trained teacher who teaches with great passion and commitment at both undergraduate and postgraduate levels. In mentorship and reproduction of creative scholars, the seasoned and experienced academic has trained teachers and lecturers some of whom have risen to become professors and come to the zenith of their careers within ABU and outside. This mentor extraordinaire has supervised with thoroughness about 200 undergraduate projects. Furthermore, 49 PhD and Masters Candidates have successfully completed their theses and dissertations under her expert supervision.

Professor Ifeoma Mabel Onyemelukwe is married to the renowned, internationally acclaimed Prof. G.C. Onyemelukwe, MON (Professor of Medicine and Immunology). The couple is blessed with children both biological and by marriage, viz.: Onyekachi {BSc Civil Engineering, ABU, Project Manager (Prince 2), UK}; Obiageli, (MBBS, Nigeria,  FCAL, MSc, AFMCP, FWACP, Consultant Cardiologist, Ahmadu Bello University, Zaria, Nigeria); Mma (BSc Economics, ABU, MBA, UniLag, Risk and Compliance Specialist); Toochukwu (BSc Business Administration, ABU,  MD/CEO, Hausbar Smart Homes, Abuja, Nigeria); Ikechukwu (BSc Chemical Engineering, ABU, MSc Chem. Engineering, UK, PhD Chem. Engineering, UK); Engineer (Mrs.) Adenike Onyemelukwe (BSC Chemical Engineering, MSc Occupational Safety and Health UK) and Barr. (Mrs.) Ifeoma Onyemelukwe (LLB Igbinedion University, Okada, Nigeria, Certified Mediator and Balanced Scorecard Professional). The couple is also blessed with many grand-children.

The illustrious Professor of French gives all the glory to The Almighty God Who, according to her, has been the Source of her success story in Jesus’ glorious and mighty Name.

Website Address: www.imonyemelukwe.com

Email Addresses: ionyemelukwe@gmail.com

ifeoma@imonyemelukwe.com

imonyemelukwe@abu.edu.ng

Orcid ID: 0000-0002-6016-5099

Phone Number: 09090859885

Recent Updates

October 12, 2015 |

Inaugural Lecture: Heroism and Antiheroism in Literature in French; Can You See?

Professor Ifeoma Onyemelukwe cordially invites you to her Inaugural lecture titled: Heroism or Antiheroism...