Godwin I. Akper, MNAL
Professor Godwin Iornenge Akper, born on July 19, 1969, in Mbagen, Buruku Local Government Area, Benue State, Nigeria, currently serves as the Deputy Vice-Chancellor (Technology, Innovation, and Research). A distinguished academic, Professor Akper is married to Eunice Mbapasen Akper, and they have two children.
His educational background spans several esteemed institutions, including N.K.S.T. Primary School, St. Murumba‘s College, King‘s Comprehensive College, Reformed Theological College of Nigeria (now Reformed Theological Seminary), Westminster Theological Seminary, and the University of Stellenbosch, South Africa. His academic qualifications include G.C.E. O‘ Level, Dip. Theol., M.A., M.Th., PGDE, and D.Th.
Professor Akper completed a post-doctoral research fellowship at Stellenbosch University (2004-2005) and is a member of numerous prestigious scholarly organizations, such as the Nigerian Academy of Letters (NAL), Nigerian Association for the Study of Religions (NASR); Theological Society of South Africa (TSSA); New Testament Society of Southern Africa (NTSSA); Readers Association of Nigeria, and the Global Network of Public Theologians (institutional). In addition to his academic roles, Professor Akper has held various administrative positions, including Dean of Students Affairs at the University of Mkar, Mkar; Visiting Scholar at VU University, Amsterdam, Netherlands; and at the National Open University of Nigeria (NOUN); Acting Dean of the then School of Arts & Social Sciences, Pioneer Dean of the Faculty of Arts, Director of the Directorate of Examination and Assessments, and Director of Academic Planning. Currently, he serves as the Deputy Vice-Chancellor (Technology, Innovation, and Research). In this capacity and others mentioned earlier, Professor Akper plays a pivotal role in shaping the academic and research landscape of his university.
Education.
DTh, Stellenbosch University, Stellenbosch, Republic of South Africa (2004).
MTh, Stellenbosch University (2002); MA, Westminster in California USA (1999).
PGD (Distance Education) National Open University of Nigeria (2019). Dip. in Theol. RTCN Mkar Benue State (1995). General Certificate in Education (G.C.E.) Ordinary Level, King’s Comprehensive College, Mkar, Benue State
Relevant Short Trainings & Courses/Certification
- PFacilitative Leadership Course, Stellenbosch University (2005);
- PQuality Assurance in Open and Distance Learning. African Council for Distance Education/NOUN (ACDE) (2015);
- PIntegrated Examination Security Management and Delivery Premier Knowledge, South Africa (2018);
- PAssessment in Higher Education in Africa, Strathmore University, Nairobi/Association of African Universities (2019);
- PEffective Leadership Skills for Academic administration, Public/Client Relations NOUN (2021);
- PTheory, Practice, and the Future of Academic Planning in University Education, VICBHE-NUC/NOUN (2022);
- PAuthentic Assessment for eLearning, Commonwealth of Learning (COL) (2022);
- PResource Mobilization and Management course, Asset Africa, Nairobi Kenya (2023);
- PAdvanced Statistics in Data Processing and Management, Assets Africa, Nairobi Kenya (2024).
Scholarship/ Distinction
Post-doctoral Research Fellowship, Stellenbosch University South Africa (2004 -2005)
Research Projects/Grants.
- PReligion and Public Morality in the Nigerian Context. Senate Research Project (2022) Research Grant Amount: N2, 500,000.00 only
- PNOUN Stakeholders’ Readiness for deployment of Authentic Assessment. Senate Research Grant (2023). Research Grant Amount: N2, 500,000.00 only.
- PAssessment of Stakeholders Readiness to deploy TPACK 21st century Skills for deployment of Authentic Assessments (2023). African Centre for Technology Enhanced Learning/National Universities Commission & World Bank. Amount N9, 800, 000. 00 only.
Working Experience.
- Director, Academic Planning, National Open University of Nigeria from September 2021 to December 2023. Responsible for Planning of academic activities for the University, ensuring quality in the delivery of university education through ODL to all desiring persons. Also, serving as a link between the University and regulatory bodies like National Universities Commission and National Council on Education. Drafting of Academic Briefs and Strategic Planning for the University. Collation and processing of data on all indicators for quick decision making, ranking and submission to NUC.
- Director, Examination and Assessments, National Open University of Nigeria 2017 to 2nd September 2021. Responsible for planning, managing and administration of examination and assessments nationwide. During this his time, quality of the process was greatly enhanced. Results are released within 14 days after the last paper of examination for the semester. AI proctored virtual examinations were conducted during COVID-19 lockdown, the only such examination in Africa (going by reports submitted during AAU meeting on quality assurance in 2020). Over 80, 000 students graduated in 3 convocations (8, 9 & 10) during his tenure (i.e., more than three times the number that graduate during 2nd -7th convocations).
- Pioneer Dean, Faculty of Arts, National Open University of Nigeria (2016-2017). Had the responsibility of setting up of the Faculty. The Faculty now has 3 departments. Also, from inception of the Faculty, the Faculty had 5 Professors. The number was increased to 8 with 5 Associate professors and 4 Senior Lecturers. All Associate Professors are now Professors and the Senior Lecturers, Associate Professors.
- Director, Makurdi Study Centre, NOUN. The main responsibility here was to deliver academic programmes to students of the Centre. The student population grew from 1300 in 2014 to 3, 600 in 2016 when he left the Centre to become pioneer Dean, Faculty of Arts.
- Acting Dean, then School of Arts and Social Sciences, NOUN (2011-2013). The main purpose of his appointment as Acting Dean was to prepare programmes for NUC’s first Accreditation Exercise in NOUN. All the 4 progrmmes presented received accreditation.
- Pioneer Acting Dean, Student Affairs, University of Mkar, Mkar, Benue State (2005-2008). The main responsibility was to establish and manage Student Affairs Division of the University. The Division was fully established by January of 2006.
- Postdoctoral Research Fellow, Bayers Naude Centre for Public Theology, Stellenbosch University South Africa. The main responsibility aside research and publication were to recommend resources for building library collection for Public Theology, assist then Director of the Centre, Professor Nico Koopman in day-to-day activities of Centre. This was done till September 2005.
- Visiting Scholar, VU University, Amsterdam, The Netherlands. The Main responsibility here was to conduct research as part of research project funded by European Union on Religion and State in Search for the common good in Pluralistic Societies – Netherlands, Nigeria and South Africa. The Research was concluded and published in 2012.
- External Examiner: University of Stellenbosch, University of Forte Hare, University of KwaZulu Natal & VU University, Amsterdam (2007-2020).
Community Service
a. Member, Police Community Relations Committee “B” Division, Nigerian Police, Gboko Area Command, Benue State (2013-2016)
b. Member, Boys’ Brigade – Nigeria, 1983 to date
c. Member, Committee on the Review of Grant-in-Aide/Handover of School to Voluntary Agencies setup by Benue State Governor.
d. Within the University System:
e. Member, Senate of NOUN (2008- date)
f. Member, Committee of Deans and Directors of NOUN, 2008- 2013; 2016 to date.
g. Member, Committee on the Review of Promotion Criteria for Academic Staff, NOUN (2012, 2014 & 2021)
h. Member, Research and Publication Committee, Faculty of Arts, NOUN (2016 – date)
i. Member, Research and Publication Committee (University wide) 2022-
j. Chair, Examinations Committee, NOUN (2017- 2021)
k. Member, Postgraduate School Board, NOUN (2011-2013, 2016-date)
l. Member, University Senate, University of Mkar, Mkar (2005-2008)
m. Chair, Students Disciplinary Committee, University of Mkar, Mkar (2005-2008).
Letters of Commendation.
5 commendation letters received as at February 10, 2022
Publications.
CHAPTER IN BOOKS
Akper, G.I. (2015) “Of what is a citizen in Nigeria, Today? Citizenship in the Nigerian South African Contexts”, In: The Relevance of Critical Citizenship Education in the African Context Stellenbosch University Media.: PP.53 – 57
Akper, G.I. (2014), “Academic Theology and the Church: A West African Perspective”, in: Isabel A. Phiri & Dietrich Werner, Handbook of Theological Education in Africa. Pietermaritzburg South Africa: Cluster Publications, pp. 869-874.
Akper, G.I. (2012), “A Stranger in my own Country: Alienation and Public Theology in South Africa”, in: Joel Carpenter (ed.) Walking Together: Christian Thinking and Public Life in South Africa. Abilene, Texas, USA: Abilene Christian University Press, pp. 89-101.
Akper, G.I. (2011), “Dialogue and an advocate of Dialogue, Dirkie Smit on Dialogue”, in: Len Hansen, Robert Vosloo and Nico Koopman (eds.) Living Theology, Essays Submitted to Dirk J. Smit on his Presented Birthday Wellington South Africa: Bible Media, pp.159-169.
Akper, G.I. (2008), “Engaging the Three Publics for Development: A Nigerian Reformed Perspective”, in: Education for Development and Nation-building: Perspectives from Theology, Development and Education edited by G.I. Akper & J.I. Antyo, Makurdi-Nigeria: Maxson Press, 2008, pp. 1-11. A Collection of referred essays read during collaborative research project between Stellenbosch University, University of Mkar and VU University Amsterdam, The Netherlands in 2006-2007.
Akper, G.I. (2007), “Christianity or African Christianity? On Christian Identity in Sub-Saharan Africa”, in: Christian Identity edited by Eddy Van der Borght Leiden: Brill, pp. 405-420.
Akper, G.I. (2006), “Oom Bey for the Future: Beyond Resistance and Hope” in The Legacy of Beyers Naude: Beyers Naude Series on Public Theology, Stellenbosch, Sun Press, pp. 69 -79
PEER-REVIEWED JOURNAL ARTICLES I
Akper, G.I., Antyo Joseph, Brinkman, M.E., Van der Borght, E.A.J & Nierder-Heitman (2012), “Introduction: Religions and the Search for the Common Good in Pluralistic Societies”, Neg Geref Teolohiese Tydskrift Supplementum 2, Volume 53, pp. 5-15.
Akper, G.I. & Smit, D.J. (2005), “Jesus’ Cross and Human Suffering in African Christologies”, Dutch Reformed Theological Journal 46(1&2), pp. 39-54.
Akper, G.I. & Koopman, N.N. (2005), “Where Do We Go from Here: The Role and Status of the ‘Past’ in Contemporary African Theological Scholarship”, Dutch Reformed Theological Journal 46(1&2), pp. 7-21.
Akper, G.I. & Koopman, N.N. (2005), “The Bible and African Experience: Contending Authorities in Black and African Theologies?”, Dutch Reformed Theological Journal 46(1&2), pp. 22-38.
Akper, G.I. (2018), “Globalisation in the Service of Resistant Discourses: Towards ‘Reading’ with Volker Küster. Scriptura 117 (1). pp. 1-13.
Akper, G.I. (2018) “Is God in Nigeria? Of Land Dislocation and the Challenge of Confessing Belhar in Nigeria Today”, Stellenbosch Theological Journal Vol. 4 n.I. (http://dx.doi.org/10.17570/skj.2018.v4n1.a03)
Akper, G.I. (2015), “An Ethos of Hospitality: Can it serve as a Veritable Public Morality in the Face of Disorderly Process in Nigeria Today?” Stellenbosch Journal of TheologyVol.1No.2; pp.283-298,
Akper, G.I. (2014), “A Mirage Called African Hospitality”, African Journal of Local Societies Initiative (LOSI) Vol. 3(1) pp. 173-178.
Akper, G.I. (2014) “The Impact of the Heidelberg Catechism on Ecclesiastical and Social Life of Christians in Contemporary Nigeria” Mkar Journal of Inter-disciplinary Studies Vol. 5 (1) (2014), pp.1-13.
Akper, G.I. (2014) “Dialogue as Conversation? An Analysis of Four Views on Dialogue”, African Journal of Cultural, Religious, Educational and Environmental Sustainability Vol. 2 (2) (Forthcoming December 2014).
PEER REVIEWED JOURNAL ARTICLES
Akper, G.I. (2007), “Prosperity Gospel: A Case Study of Benue State in North-Central Nigeria”, Journal of Reformed Theology 1, pp. 41-49.
Akper G.I & Gire, T.T. (2007), “Gender as a Challenge to Educational Development in Nigeria: Ubuntu as an Ethic for taking up the Challenge”, Journal of National Association for Women Academics NAWACS, pp.316-324.
Akper, G.I. (2007), “Charles Nyamiti’s Christology in its African Context” Theologia Viatorum Journal of Theology and Religion in Africa vol. 31/1, pp. 23-42.
Akper, G.I. (2006), “From Multiculturality to Interculturality: Locating the Ongoing African Agency Discourse in the Debate”, Scriptura: International Journal of Bible, Religion and Theology in southern Africa, 91:1, pp. 1-11.
Akper, G.I. (2005), “Towards a Hermeneutic for African Theologies: A Reformed Perspective”, Ned Geref Teologiese Tydskrif (Dutch Reformed Theological Journal) 46/ 3&4, pp. 293-313.
Akper, G.I. (2005), “A Decade of Democracy in South Africa and the Vocation (Task) of the Nigerian and South African Theologian at the Beginning of a New Millennium”, Scriptura: International Journal of Bible, Religion and Theology in Southern Africa 89:2, pp. 420-481.
Akper G.I. (2005), “The Role of the Ordinary Reader in Gerald O. West’s Hermeneutics”, Scriptura: International Journal of Bible, Religion and Theology in Southern Africa 88:1, pp. 1-13.
PEER REVIEWED JOURNAL ARTICLES
Akper, G.I. (2013), “The Ideological Use of Religious Laws, Human Dignity and Ubuntu”, AJCREES 1(2). Pp. 83-88.
Akper, G.I. (2013), “Dialogue and an advocate of Dialogue – Dirkie Smit on Dialogue”, Ned Geref. Teologiese Tydskrift 54, (November) 3 & 4, 1-8, Also available as open Educational Resources on http://ngtt.journals.ac.za.
Akper, G.I. (2013) “Christianity Viewed as Poisonous Onion, Icon and Witchcraft: The Reception of Christianity in Oral and Residual-oral Sub-Saharan Africa”, African Journal of Cultural, Religious, Educational and Environmental Sustainability {hereafter AJCREES} 1(2), Pp. 20-29.
Akper, G.I. (2012), “Participating in God’s Mission of Reconciliation: Nigerian Churches’ Response to Ethnic Conflicts”, Neg Geref Theologiese Tydskrif Supplementum 2 Volume 53, pp. 89-102.
Akper, G.I. (2011), “Different but One? A Regional Application of an Ecumenical Debate” Journal of Reformed Theology 5, pp.45-62. VU University, Amsterdam.
Akper, G.I. (2009), “We the poor must abandon our wheelchairs and begin to walk unaided: On African Agency Discourse”, Scriptura: International Journal of Bible, Religion and Theology in Southern Africa 100, pp.108-120.
Akper, G.I. (2009), “Belhar Beyond Southern Africa: A Nigerian Reformed Perspective” Journal of Theology for Southern Africa 135, pp. 1-21.
Akper, G.I. (2007), “The Person of Jesus Christ in Contemporary African Christological Discourse”, Journal of Religion and Theology, 14, pp. 224-243.
Referees.
Professor Dirkie Smit
Princeton Theological Seminary
P.O. Box 821 64 Mercer Street Princeton, NJ 08542-0803
Phone: +1 609.497.7952
Email: dirk.smit@ptsem.edu
Professor Iyabode Nwabueze
Dean, Faculty of Arts
National Open University of Nigeria
Abuja, Nigeria
Phone: +234 (0) 8035984870
Email: inwabueze@noun.edu.ng