- University of Nigeria, (UNN), Nsukka, Enugu
Professor Joy Chinwe Eyisi is a distinguished Nigerian academic, renowned author, educationist, and philanthropist of Igbo heritage. A trailblazer in English language education, she served as Head of the Department of English Language and Literature at the Faculty of Arts, Nnamdi Azikiwe University (UNIZIK), Awka, Anambra State, from 2006 to 2011, leaving a lasting legacy of academic excellence and leadership.
Table of Contents
- 0.1 Early Life and Education
- 0.2 Academic Career
- 0.3 Publications and Literary Contributions
- 0.4 Advocacy for English Language Proficiency
- 0.5 Awards and Recognitions
- 0.6 Memberships
- 0.7 Personal and Marital Life
- 0.8 References
- 0.9 Related posts:
- 1 Chukwuebuka Anozie Obi (Evangelist Ebuka Obi)
- 2 Chinedu Okoli (Flavour)
- 3 Destiny Etiko
Early Life and Education
Professor Joy Chinwe Eyisi was born on September 3, 1969, in Eziora Village, Adazi-Ani, in Anaocha Local Government Area of Anambra State, Nigeria. She began her early education at Central School in Nnewi before transferring to St. Jude’s Central School in Adazi-Ani, where she completed her First School Leaving Certificate in 1981.
She proceeded to Girls’ High School, Agulu, completing her secondary education in 1986. From 1986 to 1989, she earned a National Certificate in Education (NCE) at Anambra State College of Education, Awka. She then attended the University of Nigeria, Nsukka (UNN), graduating with a Second-Class Upper Division in Education and English. Following her national service in 1994, she completed a master’s degree in Educational Administration and School Supervision at Nnamdi Azikiwe University, Awka, in 1995. Between 1997 and 2000, she returned to UNN for an MA/Ph.D. program.
Academic Career
Professor Eyisi began lecturing part-time at Nwafor Orizu College of Education, Nsugbe, and later at Nnamdi Azikiwe University. She became a full-time lecturer at UNIZIK in 2000 and rose to professorial rank by October 1, 2007, becoming the youngest professor in the university at that time.
She was pivotal in the construction of the Department of English Language and Literature through the support of Chief Godwin Ubaka Okeke (MON). She served as Head of Department from 2006 to 2011. Between 2015 and 2017, she was Director of NOUN’s Special Study Centre for the National Assembly, and in 2017, she became the first female Deputy Vice-Chancellor (Academic) at NOUN.
Publications and Literary Contributions
Professor Eyisi is a prolific writer with works focusing on phonetics, grammar, academic writing, and English language teaching. Notable publications include:
- Common Errors in the Use of English (2004)
- A Grammar of English: The Student’s Companion (2006)
- The Mechanics of Reading Comprehension and Summary Writing (2005)
- Phonetics of English: A Hands-on Guide to Correct Pronunciation (2008)
- English for Academic Purposes (2007)
- Modern English for Primary Schools (Books 1–6, 2007)
She has edited volumes like Paradise in the Arts and contributed to scholarly journals including the Jos Journal of Written and Oral Literature and the West African Journal of Flexible Learning.
Advocacy for English Language Proficiency
A passionate advocate for the correct use of English, Professor Eyisi promotes language laboratories, teacher training, and curriculum reforms. Her workshops emphasize that English proficiency is key to national development, governance, and global competitiveness.
Her popular quotes include:
- “Aspire to the zenith. Never look for Very Good where Excellent is possible.”
- “The noblest search is the search for excellence.”
Awards and Recognitions
Professor Eyisi has received numerous awards including:
- Best Paper Presenter Award, International Academy of Linguistics, USA (2010)
- Academic Excellence Award, Nnamdi Azikiwe University (2013)
- Leadership Merit Award, First Bank of Nigeria (2008)
- UN Ambassador for Peace
- Silver Jubilee Merit Award, Bishop Crowther Seminary (2004)
Memberships
She holds memberships in:
- National Association of Teachers of English (NATE)
- International Reading Association (IRA)
- Modern Languages Association of Nigeria (MLAN)
- Association of Nigerian Authors (ANA)
- English Language Teachers Association of Nigeria (ELTAN)
Personal and Marital Life
Professor Eyisi is married to Chief Ray Ifeanyichukwu Eyisi, a businessman and Knight of the Anglican Communion. They have children including:
- Noble Eyisi, former President of the Student Union Government (SUG) at UNIZIK
- Joy Eyisi Jr., a first-class English graduate and author of the novel Willy-Nilly
She is a devout Christian, moral advocate, and mentor to young scholars, especially women.
References
- Wikipedia – Joy Chinwe Eyisi: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Joy_Chinwe_Eyisi
- Official Website – https://eyisijoy.com
- Faculty of Arts, NOUN – https://www.foa.nou.edu.ng/professor-joy-chinwe-eyisi
- NOUN News – https://nounnews.nou.edu.ng/index.php/article/butswat-eyisi-bag-exemplary-participant-lifelong-learning-award
- Google Scholar Profile – https://scholar.google.com/citations?user=QrW2Ip4AAAAJ
Related posts:
Chukwuebuka Anozie Obi (Evangelist Ebuka Obi)
Chinedu Okoli (Flavour)
Destiny Etiko
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