Chukwuemeka Ike

Vincent Chukwuemeka Ike, born in Anambra state, Nigeria is a Nigerian writer known for a mixture of lampoon, humor and satire. He owes a little bit of his style to his Igbo cultural upbringing. He studied history, English and Religious Studies at the University of Ibadan and earned a masters degree at Stanford university. Among many youths, he is popular as the author of Expo '77, a critical look at academic examination abuses in West Africa.

Early years

Ike was given the Christian name of Vincent but later chose his Nigerian name, Chukwuemeka as his preferred choice (meaning "God has done great"). He was raised in a strict home. His father was a farmer, civic leader and disciplinarian who instilled in his son the necessity of civic duties and education. Chukwuemeka started early education at an Aro school in his native town. He left his town for further education at Ife-Mbaise and Umuahia. Eminent Nigerians who attended the same school includeChinua Achebe, Christopher Okigbo, and Ken Saro Wiwa. After completing his secondary education, he studied at the University of Ibadan. He currently holds the title of "Ikelionwu XI" in his hometown of Ndikelionwu in Anambra State.

Novels

Expo 77

In later years, expo in Nigeria became synonymous with academic cheating. In Expo 77, Ike tackles the issue of examination abuses. He explores cheating through the eyes of a university registrar who is forced to hire a detective due to the lack of trust he has in some of his applicants résumés because test questions have been leaked. The detective later discovers a wide variety of examination abuses; from the parents who demand new test results for their children, to principals who allow students to bring in text books for closed examinations. The author believed it was partly the corruption of the nation's leaders which had permeated the society and led to the rampant unethical excesses.

His hometown of Ndikelionwu is featured regularly in his works notably Potter's Wheel, Toads for Supper and Bottled Leopard

Works

• Toads for Supper (London: Harvill Press, 1965)
• The Naked Gods (London: Harvill Press, 1970) ISBN 0-00-271555-4
• The Potter's Wheel (London: Harvill Press, 1973) ISBN 0-00-271620-8
• Sunset at Dawn (Collins & Harvill Press,, 1976) ISBN 0-00-261807-9
• Expo '77 (Fontana, 1980) ISBN 0-00-616063-8
• The Chicken Chasers (Fontana, 1980) ISBN 0-00-615947-8
• The Bottled Leopard (1985) ISBN 978-154-778-2
• Our Children Are Coming (Ibadan: Spectrum Books 1990) ISBN 978-246-021-4