History Made as Man, Emmanuel Ikechukwu, Becomes First Official Igbo Lecturer at Oxford University

History Made as Man, Emmanuel Ikechukwu, Becomes First Official Igbo Lecturer at Oxford University

  • A Nigerian man has entered the history books of Oxford University, England as he became the first official Igbo language lecturer of the institution
  • The excited Igbo lecturer, Emmanuel Ikechukwu, took to social media to announce the development
  • Emmanuel's historic feat at the prestigious university has stirred nationwide celebrations and excitement

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The Igbo language (one of Nigeria's major languages) has gained notable recognition at the University of Oxford as it has now become a course that can be studied and given a certificate like every other course and a Nigerian man entered the history books in the light of this.

Emmanuel Ikechukwu, a Nigerian man, has been inducted as an official Igbo language lecturer at the prestigious university.

Nigerian man Emmanuel Ikechukwu becomes first official Igbo language lecturer at Oxford University
He was recently inducted Image: LinkedIn/Emmanuel Ikechukwu U.
Source: UGC

By his induction, Emmanuel becomes not only the first lecturer to teach the course but the first Nigerian to do so.

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Sharing the feat on LinkedIn, the overjoyed lecturer appreciated God for the opportunity.

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He makes a promise

Emmanuel noted that it is the first time the Igbo language will be taught at the university and promised to make the language and culture known to the world.

His post read in part:

"It is official that I am the first official Igbo Language lecturer at the number one university in the world, the University of Oxford.
"...This became possible in account of the James Currey Society. This is the first time Igbo language will be taught at the university. History has been made.
"I am so happy and grateful for this opportunity. I promise to make the Igbo language and culture known to the world.
"First class starts next week Thursday, 3-4pm, on 12 Woodstock Road."

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Emmanuel was inducted to take the course on Thursday, February 17 by Marion Sadoux, Head of Modern Language Programmes, University of Oxford Language Centre, England.

Social media users celebrate him

Ngozi Iroanyah stated:

"I was never taught my language by my father or mother. He insisted that my siblings and I only learn English as he didn't want us to be disadvantaged in Canadian society. There was and isn't a chance to learn Igbo in a school setting.
"My father did his Masters in England in the 1960s and the stigma and challenges he faced with his thick accent; he didn't want his children to go through that in Canada. I am so happy to hear of this!! I hope this becomes accessible across the pond one day. God Bless."

Andrew Othieno wrote:

"Congratulations, Comrade Ikechukwu! it would only be fitting for a Swahili language lecturer to join you in the same endeavour at the same institution of learning! Best Wishes..."

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Togobo, Lord-Gustav said:

"Well deserved, my brother Emmanuel Ikechukwu U.! Congratulations! Folks back home must be celebrating under the moonlight while listening to stories of the hunter (lol). BRs."

SA matriculant accepted at Oxford University

Earlier, Briefly News reported that just because you live in South Africa does not mean the doors of the world are shut. Lwandle Ntshangase is proof of this as he packs his bags to attend the prestigious Oxford University.

While the 2021 matric year was filled with hurdles due to the global pandemic, this young man did not let it stop him from achieving greatness.

Lwandle did his matric at St John’s College and managed to achieve an average of 91.2% overall, which was made up of seven distinctions, as well as coming in the top 1% for English and Life Orientation, reported News 24.

Source: Briefly News

Authors:
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Kelly Lippke (Senior Editor) Kelly Lippke is a copy editor/proofreader who started her career at the Northern-Natal Courier with a BA in Communication Science/Psychology (Unisa, 2007). Kelly has worked for several Caxton publications, including the Highway Mail and Northglen News. Kelly’s unique editing perspective stems from an additional major in Linguistics. Kelly joined Briefly News in 2018 and she has 14 years of experience. Kelly has also passed a set of trainings by Google News Initiative. You can reach her at kelly.lippke@briefly.co.za.

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Tshepiso Mametela (Head of Current Affairs Desk) Tshepiso Mametela is a seasoned journalist with eight years of experience writing for online and print publications. He is the current affairs Head of Desk at Briefly News. He was a news reporter for The Herald, a senior sports contributor at Opera News SA, and a reporter for Caxton Local Media’s Bedfordview and Edenvale News and Joburg East Express community titles. He has attended media workshops, including the crime and court reporting one by the Wits Justice Project and Wits Centre for Journalism in 2024. Email: tshepiso.mametela@briefly.co.za