Bureau of West African Scholars

About the Bureau 

A special initiative of the Graduate Theological Foundation, the Bureau of West African Scholars, was founded to serve as a networking mechanism for individuals seeking to learn more about, and contribute to, the study of West African religion and culture.  The GTF maintains one of the most extensive archives of scholarly research in the United States in the areas of West African religion and culture and the Igbo peoples of Nigeria. Members of the Bureau are graduates of the Graduate Theological Foundation’s academic programs who have successfully defended a doctoral thesis or completed a master’s project in these areas of study. The GTF encourages West African clergy, religious and the laity to pursue doctoral studies in our educational programs with focused attention upon issues related to religion and culture in West Africa generally, and Nigeria specifically.  
 
 
Mission
 
The Bureau of West African Scholars is dedicated to the dissemination of scholarly research on West African religion and culture and the fostering of scholarly exchange within the global academic community. 
 
 
How It Works
 
Graduates of the GTF are invited to participate as members of the Bureau of West African Scholars following the successful completion of their academic doctorate, professional doctorate, or master’s thesis in the area of West African religion and culture and/or the Igbo peoples of Nigeria. Members benefit from their participation through the networking possibilities that the Bureau provides. The Bureau strives to share scholars’ work with other members of the academic community and wider public. Each entry in the Bureau of West African Scholars includes the title of each work, the name of the author and the type of work (academic doctorate, professional doctorate, or master’s thesis).
 
Individuals who would like to communicate with a specific member of the Bureau are requested to submit an inquiry and to provide the following information: 
  • Your name, title (professor/pastor/etc.) and institutional affiliation (university/parish/etc.)
  • Your email address you wish the Bureau scholar to use when communicating with you
  • Title of thesis or project in which you are interested
  • Name of the author of the thesis or project
  • Brief message, if relevant
  • Your email subject line MUST read: Bureau of West African Scholars 
This information will then be forwarded to the identified Bureau member scholar. Communication with the inquirer is at the sole discretion of each Bureau scholar.  
 
Consulting Faculty
 
 
 
 
Publications of West African Scholars
  • To view publications of West African alumni and faculty, please visit Alumni and Faculty Publications.
  • To view thesis and project titles from GTF scholars in West African Studies, please visit our Thesis List by clicking here and our Project List by clicking here.
 

ACADEMIC DOCTORATES   

Abasilim, Maurice O., Ph.D. (2016)
Pastoral Understanding and Application of the Sacrament of Healing: Anointing of the Sick
 
Akin-Otiko, Peter, Ph.D. (2015)
Integrating the Personality Theories of Analytical Psychology in the Process of the Assessment of Suitability for Ecclesiastical Office in the Catholic Church in Nigeria 
 
Ugwu, Charles Nnaemeka, Ph.D. (2015)
Pastoral and Theological Perspectives of Marriage: The Case for Family Ministry Among the Igbo People of Nigeria
 
Abba, Matthew Odii, Ph.D. (2012)
Relevance of Ethics/Morality in Society
 
Aghoja, Joachim Aghoghovwia Joeterio, C.Ss.R. (2014)
The nature and Task of Spirituality in the Theology of Jon Sobrino: Towards a Contemporary Spirituality that does Justice in Nigeria
 
Akajiofor, Pius Nnorumka, Ph.D. (2016)
Violence Against Women and Children in Nigeria: A Psycho-Religious Perspective
 
Akpunonu, Raymond Chidum, Ph.D. (2012)
Zero Tolerance: The Fate of the Roman Catholic Clergy and Pastoral Care of the Accused
 
Amah, Godwin Kemjika, Ph.D. (2010)
The Eucharist in the Context of Meal: A Theological Enquiry
 
Archibong, Cosmas P. Ph.D. (2014)
Transforming Post Traumatic Stress Disorder into Post Traumatic Growth: Through Viktor Frankl’s Meaning-Centered Counseling.
 
Chigbo, Kenneth Okey, Ph.D. (2008)
The Unheard Cry of the Igbo People: A Study of Meaning in Abraham Joshua Heschel
 
Echekwu, Kyrian Chukwuemeka, Ph.D. (2016)
Nigerian Politics and Corruption: The Challenges Before the Nigerian Church as a Socio-Moral Actor
 
Egbeji, Jude  Ph.D. (2012)  Clergy – Laity Conflicts in Parish Setting in Igboland:  Strategies Towards Resolution and Management    
 
Eke, Anselm Kentus Chijioke, Ph.D. (2016)
Concept of Freedom: A Socio-Theological Inquiry
 
Enelichi, Alphonsus Ifeanyichukwu, Ph.D. (2014)
The Laity as Agents of Reconciliation and Social Transformation in Africa: A Case Study on the Laity Council of Nigeria
 
Ezeh, Christopher Osita, Ph.D. (2014)
Healing in the Pastoral Duties of Catholic Priests with Special Emphasis on their Eucharistic Healing Ministry
 
Ibeh, Valentine U., Ph.D. (2016)
Mediation and Igba-Ndu: An Igbo Concept of Conflict Transformation and Sustainable Peace
 
Igwe, Paschal Chikanele, Ph.D. (2010)
The Cosmological and Spiritual Perceptions of Suffering in African Culture
 
Igwilo, Peter C., Ph.D. (2009)
Examination of Factors Impeding Significant Reduction in Spousal Violence in Southeastern Nigeria: Pastoral Psychology Approach
 
Imo, Cletus Chukwudi, Ph.D. (2012) The Ministry of the Shepherd and the Church in Africa (A Cognitive Insight into the Pastoral Priorities of the Priest) 
 
Iromenu, Anthony, Ph.D. (2013)
Conflict and Dispute Resolution: The Case for Igbo Culture of Nigeria
 
Iwuji, Raymond Nduchijioke, Ph.D. (2011)
Alleviating the Traumatic Effects of Death and the Consequent Grief for the Bereaved through Communal Support and Rituals (The Igbo-African Perspective)
 
Iwuoha, Kevin Azubuike, Ph.D. (2011)
The Challenge of Philosophical Ethical/Moral Relativism: A Christian Perspective
 
Mbanefo, Anthony, Ph.D. (2010)
Grace and Nature, A Dialogue Between God and Humanity
 
Muorah, Charles C., Ph.D. (2010)
A Contextual Study of Exodus 1, 1-15, 21 from the Perspective of the Mission of the Catholic Church in Nigeria 2010
 
Nnaukwu, Alex Chitoolisa, Ph.D. (2010)
Religious Violence in Nigeria: The education, political, historical, socio-economic and psychological perspectives
 
Nwobi, Paul U., Ph.D. (2010)
Crisis in Priesthood and Spiritual Formation
 
Odikanoro, Vincent Ibe, Ph.D. (2009)
Culture Shock: The Challenges of living at the Crossroads of Two Cultures: Case Study
 
Ohanete, Michael,  Ph.D. (2012) Examination Security in Nigeria: The Search for a Model of Effective Practice
 
Okafor, Jerome N., Ph.D. (2010)
Priestly Formation in the Shade of the Council of Trent: Pitfalls in Igbo Experience
 
Okeke, Dilio Anselm, Ph.D. (2011)
The Onslaught of Modernism on the Priestly Healing Ministry-A Pastoral Restoration
 
Okere, Bartholomew N., Ph.D. (2010)
The Dilemma of the Growth of the Christian Faith in Igbo Land of Nigeria: A Psycho-Pastoral Perspective
 
Okereke, Joanna, Ph.D. (2013)
The Need for Pastoral Care Ministry in Nigeria: A Challenge for the Church
 
Okoli, Christopher Nwachi, Ph.D. (2016)
Alfred Adler’s Social Interest: Implication in Clinical Pastoral Education and the Nigerian Situation
 
Okonkwo, Charles Osita, Ph.D. (2016)
The Necessity of Christian Baptism: A Context Analysis of Pope John Paul II’s Call for Dialogue
 
Okoro, Alexander A., Ph.D. (2009)
A Survey of the Osu Caste System in Igboland as a Case of Persistent Dehumanization
 
Okoro, John C., Ph.D. (2010)
Evaluation of Possible Constraints to Effective Christian Religious Education in Secondary Schools: The Nigerian Experience
 
Omorogbe, Edwin, Ph.D. (2012)  The Dilemma of a Catholic Pastor in Nigeria in the Face of a Growing Demand for Instant Prosperity and Instant Healing: Integrating the Psychological Principles of Logotherapy
 
Onu Ekeh, Christiana, Ph.D. (2012)
Applying the Value of Psychology to Human Life: A Case for Counseling
 
Onyewuche, Christiana, Ph.D. (2010)
The Exodus of Nigerian Catholic Nuns
 
Osunkwo, Jude Thaddeus Ikenna, Ph.D. (2012)
The Theology of Environment: Issues in Nigeria and the Response of the Church
 
Otor, Patrick Akponevwe, Ph.D. (2010)
Church: A Reflection of the Triune God
 
Selemobri, M.S.P., Efiri Matthias, Th.D. (2016)
Gift and Challenge in Three New Testament Churches
 
Uchem, Rose Nkechinyere, Ph.D. (2000)
Overcoming Women’s Subordination in the Igbo African Culture and in the Catholic Church 

Udoekpo, Michael Ufok, Ph.D. (2016)
“Take Away from Me the Noise of Your Song” (Amos 5:23a): An Exegetical Re-evaluation of the Theology of Worship in Amos 5, for Today  

Las Ugoh,Ph.D. (2012)
The Arab Spring: Mediation and Peaceful Political Transition
 
Uwasomba, Benet Martin, Ph.D. (2010)
Openness in the Philosophy of Gabriel Marcel: Analyses of the Socio-Religious Dimension 
 
PROFESSIONAL DOCTORATES
 
Degree Initials:
 
Ed.D. – Doctor of Education
Psy.D. – Doctor of Psychology
D.Min. – Doctor of Ministry
D.S.M. – Doctor of Sacred Music
 
Adione, Joachim, D.Min. (2016)
Manifestation of God’s Love and Human Response: A Dimensional Approach
 
Alade, Peter ‘Femi, Psy.D. (2007)
Extent of Drug Abuse and Dependence Among in-School Adolescents in Ekiti and Ondo States of Nigeria: A Critical Evaluation
 
Amenzeh, Augustine, D.Min. (1989)
The Eucharist and Mass in Traditional Setting
 
Azah, Francis Perry, D.Min. (2012)
Toward the Wholeness of the Abused Children: Psycho-Pastoral Perspective, Dealing with Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD) in Ghanaian Society
 
Buabeng-Odoom, John Kweku, D.Min. (2012)
Pastoral Care for the Substance Abuse Youth in Ghana Methodist Church: The Spiritual Dimension
 
Chukwuka, Adolphus, Ed.D. (2012)
Denial of Formal education Opportunities for Igbo Women of Nigeria in Colonial and Post-Colonial Eras: A Narrative Inquiry into Victims’ Stories
 
Samuel Dua Dodd, D.Min. (2014)
New Trends in Liturgical Worship: The Methodist Church Perspective in Ghana
 
Ekezie, Paul U., D.Min. (1999)
Ministering in a local/rural church in Nigeria
 
Iwuala, Ishmael O., D.Min. (2009)
The Clergy and Trauma in Nigeria, with Particular Reference to the Igbo of Nigeria
 
Kiragu, Joseph Kahumburu, D.Min. (2006)
The Future of Liturgical Preaching in an African Context: The Challenge of Inculturation 
 
Mbaegbu, Innocent Chukwudi, D.Min. (2008)
Healing in the African Context: A Case of the Igbo of Nigeria
 
Nwachukwu, Anthony Odinakachi, Psy.D. (2008)
Expect the Unexpected in Healthy Human Relationships (Studies in Spiritual Psychology vis-à-vis Conscience in African Context)
 
Offor, Oliver Ifeanyichukwu, D.Min. (2011)
Providing an Effective Parish-based Pastoral Counseling to Families in Crisis: The Nigerian Case
 
Ogugua, Ernest Bart, Psy.D. (2007)
Psychotherapeutic Approach to Crisis in Adolescence
 
Olisah, Amaka F., Ed.D. (2006)
Teaching Moral and Religious Education to Students in Catholic Secondary Schools in Anambra State of Nigeria
 
Onwuasoanya, Christopher, Ed.D. (2013)
“Behavioral Intervention: A Case Study of Corporal Punishment in Marist Secondary Schools in Nigeria”
 
Onyenagubo, Ejike Innocent, Ed.D. (2004)
The Crises in the Nigerian university System: A Call to Action for the Democratic Government of Nigeria
 
Opara, Peter Ben, Ed.D. (2005) 
Collaborating: The Basis of Students’ Success (A Nigerian Case)  
 
Ozokpor, Vitalis O., D.Min. (2005)
Youth Ministry in the Sacred Heart Parish, Umuapu Ohaji, Ohaji/Egbema Local Government Area Owerri Archdiocese of Imo State, Nigeria   
 
Tuka, Cleophas Oseso, Ed.D. (2012)
Does Conflict Management Style and Team Effectiveness Matter in Ministry Teams?
 
Uchem, Rose, D.Min. (2000)
Experiencing Salvation as a Current Reality: African Women’s Leadership
 
MASTER’S THESES
 
Ekuban, Charles Aaron, M.Th. (2010)  
The Church: A Continual Incarnation of Jesus
 
Ikwueke, HHCJ, Catherine Omelebele, M.Th. (2009)  
The Dignity of Christian Marriage
 
Kaigoma, Donatian D., M.Th. (2013)
Effective Communication: Enhancing Pastoral Care in Hospital Visits
 
Okafor, Jude C., M.Th. (2013)
“Christ in the Eucharist: A Pastoral Approach to Spiritual Nurture”
 
Njokanma, Juliana Nwada, M.Th. (2011)
Finding God in Suffering: A Theological Approach
 
Nwokorie, Fabian Ihedi, M.P.C. (2013)
Conscience Formatin and Pastoral Care of the Youths: Need for the Catholic Diocese of Aba-Nigeria
 
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