DO YOU KNOW THAT THE FIRST Ph.D HOLDER IN NIGERIA IS FROM NNEWI, ANAMBRA STATE!?: DR NNODUM OKONGWU OF THE BLESSED MEMORY.(1920-1947)

Dr. Nnodu Okongwu was a Nigerian who made history as the first person from Africa to earn a Ph.D. at the age of 26 years, (Born in 1920 and died in 1947), from an American institution. He is from Nnewi, the second largest city in Anambra state, Nigeria. He was also the first Igbo person from Nnewi town to obtain a doctorate. His 1946 doctoral dissertation at New York University was on the “History of Education in Nigeria; Both Pre and Post European Influence”, 1842-1942.

Dr. Nnodu ended his first phase of formal education in 1932 at the CMS central (elementary) school and began the second phase of his education the next year at the Dennis Memorial Grammar school, Onitsha, Nigeria, from which he graduated in 1937.

Dr. Okongwu was awarded his bachelor’s degree from Lincoln in 1942 and registered at Teachers college, Columbia university, in September of that year. He won his master’s degree in school administration in February, 1943. He entered New York university the following fall for a doctorate in education and was awarded the Ph.D. in New York University. He is the first Nigerian to receive a Ph.D. from any American university. His doctoral thesis was on certain problems of Nigerian education, with recommendations for a future program.

Dr. Joel Nnodu Okongwu accepted an appointment to teach in the department of education of Atlanta university following his doctorate in philosophy at New York university

Dr. Nnodu Okongwu was indeed a trailblazer and a pioneer in many ways. As the first PhD holder in Nigeria from Nnewi, Anambra State, he set a high standard for academic excellence and paved the way for future generations.

His achievement was not only a testament to his hard work and dedication but also a source of pride for the entire nation. Dr. Okongwu’s legacy continues to inspire and motivate people, especially those from Nnewi and Anambra State, to strive for academic excellence and make a meaningful impact in their respective fields.

At the time he died, Dr. Nnamdi Azikiwe was still a student overseas. When the incident occurred, Azikiwe sent a message to Nigeria government saying “Okongwu dead, diagnosis unknown”

In 1948, the first secondary school in Nnewi was erected and named Okongwu Memorial grammar school, in memory of the late scholar.

May his memory continue to be a blessing and an inspiration to all. His contributions to Nigeria’s academic and intellectual heritage will never be forgotten.