Anekwe shines UNIPORT’s torch with inclusive education

Professor Josephine Uzoamaka Anekwe, rising from her beginnings in Onitsha, Nigeria, to international recognition as a transformative educator, is redefining what it means to lead in education. As a professor of Educational Technology at the University of Port Harcourt (UNIPORT), her work is a beacon of innovation and inclusivity, bridging the gap between traditional learning and cutting-edge technological solutions.

Born and raised in Onitsha, Anekwe hails from Akwaeze, Anaocha Local Government Area, Anambra State. Her passion for learning was evident from an early age. She pursued her academic journey with unrelenting focus, earning a Ph.D. in Educational Technology in 2007, preceded by a Master’s degree in 2004 and a Bachelor’s in 1999 from the University of Port Harcourt. With her National Certificate of Education (N.C.E.) in English and French from Alvan Ikoku College of Education in 1984, she began a lifelong mission to elevate education. Starting her career as a high school French teacher in 1988, she transitioned into higher education in 2007, eventually becoming a full professor in 2020.

Throughout this journey, she has remained steadfast in her belief that technology can transform classrooms into spaces of limitless opportunity. Her work integrates digital tools into curricula, making learning more accessible, engaging, and inclusive. Anekwe’s influence is not confined to Nigeria; her voice resonates on global stages. She has delivered keynote speeches and presented groundbreaking research at conferences in the United States, United Kingdom, Canada, and beyond.
Through her research on digital pedagogy, inclusive education, and curriculum reform, she has become a thought leader, shaping educational policies and inspiring systemic change.

As a Fellow of the Institute of Corporate Administration and recipient of the Pillar of Nation Building Award, her contributions have been widely recognized. She was also honored as the Most Student-Friendly Lecturer at the University of Port Harcourt, an award that highlights her dedication to nurturing and mentoring students. But Anekwe’s legacy extends beyond accolades. As Chairperson of the Akwaeze Town Education Board and Vice Chairman of the Ezeani Dike Foundation, she advocates for educational opportunities in underserved communities. Her vision of inclusive education drives her initiatives, empowering marginalized youth and fostering a culture of learning that knows no bounds. Her achievements are matched only by her humility.

When asked about her most rewarding accomplishment, she often points to the success of the over 30 Ph.D. candidates she has supervised and the countless students and junior lecturers she has mentored. For her, education is not merely a profession but a calling—a way to ignite potential and build a better world. As the world grapples with challenges in equity and access to education, Anekwe stands as a leader with solutions. Her work exemplifies the transformative power of education, driven by technology, inclusivity, and a commitment to leaving no learner behind.
Her vision is clear: to create a global educational ecosystem that empowers every individual, regardless of background, to thrive.

This is not just her mission; it’s a movement. But her impact transcends professional spheres. As a devoted wife and mother of three, Anekwe embodies the balance of career excellence and personal fulfillment. In every lecture hall, conference stage, and community she touches, Anekwe leaves an indelible mark of progress and hope. A global force for change, she is not just an educator but a revolutionary, reminding the world that the true power of education lies in its ability to transform lives, one student at a time.

Anekwe is an active member of several esteemed professional organizations, including the National Association for Research Development (NAFORED), the National Association of Curriculum Theories (NACT), and the Nigerian Association for Educational Media and Technology (NAEMT).

She is also an international member of the World Council for Curriculum and Instruction (WCCI), including the Nigerian Chapter and Awka Chapter, and is a member of the International Association for Gender Equity (IAFGE).