Vicky Sylvester Mnguember

Vicky Sylvester Mnguember (Ph.D), born on 9th December, 1960; she is Professor of Humanities, department of English Language, University of Abuja, Nigeria. Born in Mkar, Gboko, she is from Adikpo, Kwande LGA, Benue state, Nigeria. Widowed since 2020 with three (3) children. Member of the Panel of Judges, Nigeria Liquefied Natural Gas (NLNG) Prize for Literature (2024), for Children Literature Prize. Chaired the LOC for the Nigeria Academy of Letters Creative Writing Empowerment Workshop hosted by the University of Abuja on the 1st- 7th March, 2024.

Educational Institutions, Qualifications and Dates

• M.Phil/PhD African Literature/Literary History – University of Jos – 1996 (with  researches at School of Oriental and African Studies (SOAS) and Cambridge University)

• Post Graduate Diploma in Education – University of Abuja – 1999

• M.A Literature- Bayero University Kano- 1986 (With researches at the School of Oriental and African Studies, London)

• MBA- University of Ibadan – 2005

• B.A English – University of Jos – 1980 (2nd Lower).

Teaching Experience

• Professor of Humanities Department of English, University of Abuja, 2008 – Present
• Associate Professor Department of English, University of Abuja, 2005-2008
• Senior Lecturer Department of English, University of Abuja, 2002-2005
• Lecturer I Department of English, University of Abuja, 1998-2002
• Lecturer II Department of English, University of Abuja, 1995-1998
• Graduate assistant(Ph.D), University of Jos(assistant to Prof. Olowo Ojoade), 1992-1995

Publications

Non-fiction

*Globalization, Language, Literature and Culture Milwauki, Wisconsin, 2019, Revised 2023

*Readings in Peace and Conflict Resolution Studies (A Manual) Sterling Horden Publishers 2006, Revised Edition, 2023

*Francis Fedode Tabai: A Providential Judicial Path (Biography, 2012), Lagos, Malthouse

*Kogi State Handbook: The Part of Progress, (2001) Abuja, Madol Press.

*Women’s Rights are Human Rights (2003) Abuja, Madol Press 2006

Fiction

*Happy Yellow (Children 4-6) Ibadan, Longitude Multimedia, 2021

*Beautiful Green (Children 4-6) Ibadan. Longitude Multimedia, 2021

*The Cabals and the Naked Dance (Short Stories) 2nd Edition. Ibadan. Bookgriots, 2019

*The Cabals and the Naked Dance (Short Stories) Bloomington, Authorhouse, 2015

*Long Shadows (a novel) Malt House, Lagos 2014

*Long Shadows 2nd Edition, Spectrum, Ibadan 2015

*Inikpi Om’Idoko (a play) Abuja: Chartered Graphics, 2008, 2017 and 2023

Poetry

*Frills and other Poems, Craftgriots, Ibadan, 2024

*Zuma Rock and Other Poems, Jos University Press, 1997

Literary Criticism

*Sylvester V.M (2014) Peter Abraham’s Mine Boy (A Review) in Master Pieces of African Literature Vol.1 (ed. Ebele Eko). Mace/Sunbird Africa Media, Ikeja, Lagos

*Sylvester V. M (2014) A Mourning Band for Maya Angelo and Nadine Gordimer (A Review) in AJELS Vol.4. In Honour of Chinua Achebe

*Sylvester V.M(2012) Gimbaconfab Book of Proceedings (The Writer, Creativity and National Development)

*Emerging Perspectives on Abubakar Gimba: Malthouse Lagos (ed.) 2014

*Perspectives on Odia Ofeimun. Lagos, Malthouse, 2014

*(ed) Entrepreneurship Development: Theory and Practice. Abuja. IGe Digital Systems Publishers. 2009

*(Review) Dazzle by Saratu Shaafi in Journal of Women Academics Vol.1 .No.

Books in Chapters

• Nigerian Literature in the Politics of Oil, Poverty, Environment and Ethno-Religious Conflicts in Critical Nationalism: Orature, Literature and Language edited by Adam Al- Amin Abdullahi et al. Abuja Chartered Graphics, 2023

• Mine Boy in Masterpieces of African Literature Vol.1 Ebele Eko (ed) Lagos, A Mace Books/Sunbird Africa Media Ltd, 2014

• Abubakar Gimba’s Epistles: A Moral Voice of Our Time in Perspectives on Abubakar Gimba ed. Lagos, Malthouse, 2012

• African Literature, the Environment and Dearth of Images of Neatness: Ofeimun’s Lagos of the Poets. Lagos Malthouse (75-98) 2011

• ‘Basic Concepts of Peace and Conflict Studies’ in Readings in Peace and conflict Resolution, Ibadan. Stirling Horden Publishers. 2006: 01-18,192-197

• ‘The Role of Women in Development: Curbing Corruptive Tendencies” in Towards a Corruptive Free Democratic Society (2003), W.S Tile (ed) Vaugasen Ltd. Enugu. 2000:114- 121

• “The Role of the Heroine in the Evolution and Development of the Nigerian Novel” in Nigerianness Vol.1 Vaugasen, Enugu 2000: 254-269

• The Female Minority Problem in Nigeria in Nigerianness Vol.1, Enugu, Vougasen. 2000:77- 84

• The Responses of Societies and Organizations to Women Rights in Women’s Rights are Human Rights. Madol Press, Abuja. 1999

• The Impact of Women’s Writings in Nigerian Society: McPherson N. Azuike (ed) Studies in Language and Literature in Honour of M.M Adekunle. 1998:54-62

Anthologies/Magazines

• A Plague of Many Colours, Spring Publications, Ibadan, 2022

• Abubakar Gimba: ‘A Legend Immortalized,’ in The Writer Vol. 9 Feb. 2018

• A Night and A Day in Fashola’s Lagos: A Diary in Lagos of the Poets, Odia Ofeimun (Ed) Ikeja, Lagos, Hornbill House of the Arts. 2010)

• Literature and the Advancement of Gender Balancing in Nigeria (2010:153-166) Abuja, National Commission for Museums and Monuments (2001p.22)

• Contemporary Women Writers: A Case for the Creation of Gender Literary Studies in Writa Scope, Vol.1 No.2 Dec.2001

Other Publications

• Teachers Manual: Peace and Conflict Resolution Studies in West Africa. Abuja, General Studies. 2006. Reprinted 2009, 2014 & 2021, 2023.

• Advanced Creative Writing (Study Material for CDL and CE)

• The English Novel, Two Units (study material for CDL and CE)

Administrative Positions Held

*Coordinator, Programmes, Academic Services, Universal Basic Education Commission(Sabbatical) (2014-2025)

*Chairman of the Ad-hoc Accreditation Panel, Accreditation of Academic Programmes in Nigerian Universities, Usman Danfodio University, Sokoto, (November 24, 2019).

*Chairman of the Ad-hoc Accreditation Panel, Accreditation of Academic Programmes in Nigerian Universities, Sokoto State University, (November 26, 2019).

*Director, Consultancy Services Unit, Uniabuja (2016-2018)

*Head, Department of English and Literary Studies (2010-2014)

*Director, General studies, University of Abuja (2005- 2009)

*Director, Centre for Entrepreneurship Development (2009)

*Deputy Director, Center for Gender Security and Advancement (2005)

*Member, Admissions Committee (2005)

*Member, Postgraduate Academic Board (2005)

*Member, Senate (2005)

*Member Committee on the Establishment of the Remedial Programme in English (2001)

*Programs Coordinator, Study Centers, Distance Learning, University of Abuja. (1998- 2002)

*Faculty of Arts Representative to College of Science and Agriculture (1996)

Membership of Professional Associations

• Member of STEAM Education (NAL Project team, 2023)
• Fellow, Association of Nigerian Authors (2021)
• Member, Nigeria Academy of Letters (Member 2019)
• Member, Nigeria Academy of Education (2015)
• Member, Alumni Relations Committee, University of Abuja, 2016
• Abuja Literary Society (Advisory Board Member 2016)
• Executive Board Member, Abuja Literary Society (2004-present)
• Nigerian Women Writers Forum (1998)
• Member, Peace Research Institute (1992)
• Member: Literary Prizes Panel of Judges of the Association of Nigerian Authors (ANA 1997)
• Member, National Association of Entrepreneurial Educators (2006)
• Member, General Studies International (2007)
• Member: Working Group on Higher Education of the Association for the Development of Education in Africa (2006)
• Fellow (Educational Administration), Institute of Corporate Administration of Nigeria (29th Nov.2008)
• Member, Nigerian Folklore Society (1998)

Awards/Honors (Selected)

• Benue State Education Quality Assurance Agency, Legacy Award for Prof. Mnguember Vicky Sylvester Short Story Prize (2024)
• Special Recognition in Education, National Assembly News (2021)
• 1st International Vicky Sylvester Conference and Hall of Fame, University of Abuja for Exemplary Performance (2019)
• Award of Exemplary Membership and Commitment to the Ideals of Abuja Jazz Club (2019)
• University of Abuja 36th Inaugural Lecture (May 2019)
• West African Women’s Association (WAWA) (Certificate of Commendation on International Conference on African Natural Resources Development and Utilization) 2019.
• Women Writers Award by the Association of Nigerian Authors (2016)
• Life-time Appointment Award, Abuja Literary Society (2016)
• Students of the Univ. of Abuja Good performance Award (2014)
• Kingsville College Graduation and Distinguished PTA Chair Award Recipient at Yar’Adua Center (2012)
• Olapeju Foundation, Idoani, Ondo State Distinguished Award recipient 2012 for Service and Commitment to the ideals of the Foundation (women empowerment)
• Abuja Rotary Club of Gwarinpa Award for Excellence for Contributions to the Educational Sector and Selfless Service to Community (2010)
• Students in Free Enterprise (SIFE)-for promoting SIFE on Campus and as Judge at National Competitions (2009)
• National Council for Arts and Culture- for Promoting the Inauguration of Abuja Poetry Society (1998) People State and Resource (PSR) Woman of Merit Award (2007)
• Woman of Merit Gold Award by the People, State and Resource in Recognition of contributions to the Development of the Federal Republic of Nigeria in the Sphere of Higher Education (2007)
• Institute of Corporate Administration (2006) Award Recipient
• Universal Peace Federation – Ambassador for Peace Award (2006)
• American Biographical Institute (Honorary Appointment) Professional Women’s Advisory Board (2005)
• Abuja Literary Society- Outstanding Contribution to the Literary Community in Abuja (2004)
• One of two Nominations for Commonwealth Universities on Women from the University of Abuja (2004).

University, Community and Professional Service

*Supervised Actionaid Nigeria/Canada sponsored Palliatives by NGOs to Keti, Kata Lafia, Kuje poor communities COVID 19(July 2020)

*Data Collection of Public Perception of the roles of Traditional Rulers in Nigeria North East Zone (December,2009-January 2010)

*Working Group on Higher Education for the Development of Education in Africa (Gender Mainstreaming in Higher Education in Africa) Ibadan (2006) and Lokoja (2007)

*Member, Post UME Examinations Committee (2007-2008)

*Member, Committee on Establishment of the Center for Entrepreneurship Development. (2005)

*Facilitator: Education Sector Analysis (ESA) National Integrative Data Collection (May 30th- June 8th, 2003) Abuja

*President, Catholic Women Organization, University Chaplaincy 1998-2000

*Three- month Train the Teacher Trainers Programme at the Catholic Victorine Community School, Keti (assisted by 3 staff from Faculty of Education) 2011.

*EXCO Member, Gwarinpa Security Committee

*EXCO Member, Make Jos Great Again Association

*Member, Kwande Sisters Foundation

*Director of Socials, Abuja Jazz Club (2016-2017)

*Chairman, P.T.A, Kingsville College, Gwarinpa, Abuja. Initiated a Computer Center funded by the PTA

*Judge, Association of Nigerian Authors (ANA) Annual Awards (2007-2010).

*Judge, Students in Free Enterprise (SIFE/ENACTUS) Nigeria First Round Competition (2007, 2009,) Abuja and Lagos (2014).

*Member, Committee on Cult Eradication on Campus (2007)

*President, National Association of Women Academics, Abuja Chapter (2006)

*Member, Dress Code Committee (2005)

*Member/Secretary, Law Accreditation Committee (2001)

*Member, Committee to Investigate Raped Student by 3 Cultists (2000)

*Member: Staff Reconciliation Committee (1999)

*Member Welfare Committee, College of Arts & Education (1998)

*Member, Convocation Committee (1996)

NGOs/Social Work Leadership

• Women’s Right to Education Program (WREP) Board Chair (2019)
• Make Jos Great Again Foundation (Member, Steering Committee, 2016-date)
• St. Louis College Jos Old Girls Association (President 2019-2022)
• Christian Women for Excellence and Empowerment in Nigerian Society (CWEENS), Member Steering Committee and Abuja Chapter President
• Christian Women Organization (CWO) Past President
• Women in Nigeria (WIN) (Coordinator, Abuja Chapter)
• Association of Entrepreneurship Educators (Coordinator North Central)
• President, National Association of Women Academics, University of Abuja Chapter,
• Public & Private Institutions Development Initiative, Registered 2008
• Matron – St Augustine Tiv Catholic Community, Asokoro – Abuja.

Conferences, Workshops, Colloquium and other Presentations

1. Nigeria Academy of Letters Creative Writing Capacity Building Workshop, on Empowering Creative Writers, Shaping the Future of Nigerian Literature, LOC Chair, University of Abuja. (March 2024)
2. 13th Northern Nigeria Conference on Literature and Environment in Northern Nigeria. Lead Paper: ‘Literature and Northern Nigerian Environment: Multiplier Effects.’ University of Abuja, (October 2023)

3. “The Dilemma of Zulu Sofola’s Readers” Fourth College of Arts and Education Seminar Series, University of Abuja. 1996

4. Chukwuemeka Ike. Moralist for Our Time: Paper read at the 8th Literary Society of Nigerian Conference, University of Jos, 8th-11th June.1991

5. Cultural Stereotypes of Women in Nigerian Literature, at the 9th Annual Conference of the Nigerian Folklore Society, University of Ibadan, 1st – 6th April.1991

6. Women’s Contribution to Peace and Development in Africa as Reflected in African Writings. Paper Delivered at the International Workshop on Peace and Political Stability in Africa Organized by Rotary International District 912 in Conjunction with Peace Research Institute of Nigeria and held at Durbar Hotel Kaduna, Nigeria: 29th May- 1st June.1990

7. Female Protest Against Slavish Treatment: A Case of Nigeria 1st Ahmadu Bello University History Week. April 10th.1990

8. Participant: International Workshop on: Entrepreneurship, Tertiary Education & Job Creation (2009), organized by University of Mkar, Mkar, Benue State – Nigeria in Collaboration with European Business School London & ETK. NUC, Abuja, 7th-9th November.

9. Participant 2-Day Advocacy Workshop on Open and Distance Learning in Nigeria organized by the Federal Ministry of Education. Abuja. 20th April. Participant 2009. One day NUC/British Council/Univ,of Essex sensitization workshop on Entrepreneurship Education and Research. Bayero University Kano. July 22. 2009.

10. Participant; 12th MIT Global Startup Workshop March 25-27th Cape Town, South Africa. 2009

11. Participant: F.C.T College of Education Zuba, 2nd Annual National Workshop on Consolidating Entrepreneurship Production for Self-Reliance. 5-7th August. 2009

12. A Two-Day Stakeholders’ Sensitization Workshop on Entrepreneurship Development in Nigerian Universities at Idris Abdulkadir Auditorium, National Universities Commission, Abuja. 21st-22nd May. 2008

13. Participant: Workshop on Financial Management Proposal Writing and Project Reporting for Campus Radio Stations, Asaba 21- 24th April. 2008

14. Role Modeling Entrepreneurship for the Youth organized by Mkar/ NUC/ Federal Ministry of Women Affairs/ ETK London.

15. 3-day International Workshop on Promoting Entrepreneurship Education among Nigerian Women: Issues and Approaches. Abuja NUC Audition, 22nd – 24th October 2008.

16. Participant: Management and Leadership Development for Good Governance of Nigerian Universities. Lokoja, 2008

17. ‘Self-Discovery and Self Actualization in Entrepreneurship among Polytechnic Students(Keynote): Evaluation visit to Auchi Polytechnic organized by the Federal Ministry of Education (Tertiary Education). 16th July, 2008.

18. Participant: 4th Nigeria Economic Summit (Resource Person): implementation of Vision 2010 (1997)

19. Participant: Federal Government/NUC 2week TOT Workshop on the Introduction/Curriculum of Entrepreneurship Development in HEIs, 16th November, 2006.

20. British Council, Nigeria, Continuing Professional Development (CPD) for Trainers of English Language/Literature Teachers, Kaduna, 2nd-8th October 2005.54. Participant: Association for the Development of Education in Africa University of Ibadan and the Working Group on Higher Education in Africa. Train the Trainers Workshop on Gender Mainstreaming in Higher Education in Africa, University of Ibadan Conference Centre, Sept 2006.

21. Civil Society Consultation Process. Organized by the British Council Nigeria on behalf of DFID/BHC, Jos, 28th Jan. 2000

22. Workshop on Media Strategies in Legislative Advocacy Campaigns to promote accountability and public participation to secure democracy. Organized by the International Law Group and Human Rights Monitor. Kaduna, Nigeria 9th-10th December.1999

23. Legislative Transparency and Advocacy Workshop: Organized by the International Human Rights Group and Human Rights Monitor. Hilton Abuja, 22nd July.1999

24. DFID’s Capacity Building for Decentralized Development, University of Wolverhampton, U.K November, 1999

25. Seminar on Media Contemporary Ideas and Current Technique, sponsored by Centre for Continuing Education. Dept of Media and Correspondence Media. University of Jos. 5-8th April. 1982.

Co-ordinated/Organized Conferences/Workshops, Exhibitions and Lecture Series

*Tor Tiv Maiden Lecture Series: A Walk Towards Identity and Unity (Kwande Sisters), Winika Hotel Gboko, Benue State, 14th June, 2018, 2019

*Chinua Achebe Confab (3rd Abuja International Conference on Language/Literature), Merit House 10th October 2013

*Gimbaconfab (2nd International Conference on Language/Literature) ETF Lecture Theatre 27- 29/11/2012

*Ofeimunconfab (1st Abuja International Conference on Language/Literature) Yar’Adua Center,15-18/09/2011

*General Studies Peace Conference, Convocation Square, 4th July, 2008.

*Centre for Entrepreneurship, University of Abuja’s 1st National Exhibition on Wealth Creation/Employment and Agriculture in collaboration with the National Universities Commission, Abuja, 4th-7th Feb 2009.

*Women in Nigeria (2008) Women’s Rights are Human Rights (USIS Sponsored), Abuja, Sheraton, Ladi Kwali.

*Organized the 3-day Teachers Workshop on the newly introduced course, Peace and Conflict Studies in West Africa at the University of Abuja Indoor Theatre 15th March.2006

*Women in Nigeria: Advocacy and Mobilization Strategies for Political Participation and Community Building (Henry Boll Foundation Sponsored), Abuja, Women Development Center. 1999

Interactive Sessions

• 1st National Assembly Open Week 2018. Day 4 Interactive Session with Women NGOs and Reps: Christian Women for Excellence and Empowerment in Nigerian Society (CWEENS) 19th July 2018. National Assembly Complex, 3 Arms Zone, Abuja
• 10th Wole Soyinka Centre Media Lecture Series: Sheathing the Drawn Daggers: Conversations on Investigative Reporting and Accountability in Times of Conflict. Friday 13th July, 2018, NECA House, Ikeja
• Veritas University, Bwari, Abuja, Centre for Peace and Development: Conversations on Curbing Hate Speech in Nigeria’s Public Space (Actionable Solutions to Eradicate hate speech in Nigeria’s Public Space) 18th July 2018
• Ahmadu Bello University Department of Sociology. Restructuring Nigeria: Wither Sociology. School of Post Graduate Studies Auditorium, Samaru, Zaria.

Guest Lectures

• 2nd National Development Summit of Traditional Rulers: Maximizing the Potentials and Functionality of Royal Authorities, 31st March – 1st April, 2009.

• St Louis College Graduation Guest Lecture and initiation of graduating Students into the Old Girls Association, Gwagwalada - Abuja 2014.
• Lead Paper, Abubakar Gimba Confab, IBB University, Minna.
• Key-note, Abubakar Gimba: A Legend Immortalized, The Capital Territory Book Convention, NUC Abuja and captured in The Writer Vol. 9 Feb. 2018
• Interactive Discuss: ‘Empowerment of the Youth & Women for Development’ at the Holy Cross Church Gwarinpa Laity Week 28/3/2019
• A two-day interactive Session by Christian Women and Actionaid’s Strategic Plans on protection of women and girls from violence, create opportunities for economic independence/decision making, strengthen mechanisms for institutional and social response on VAWG and increase women’s participation in decision making/leadership (2020).

Activities

*The Nigeria Liquefied Natural Gas (NLNG) Prize for Literature (2024); member of Panel of Judges for children literature prize

*Chaired the LOC for the Nigeria Academy of Letters Creative Writing Empowerment Workshop hosted by the University of Abuja on the 1st- 7th March, 2024

As Director, Uniabj Consult (2016 – 2018)

*Got the Uniabuja Consultancy Services registered with the CAC in my first year as Director. It had been on ground for twenty-six years without registration (2016).

*Got a sponsor (Chief Nwaora of EFAB Estates) to build a structure for the Consultancy Centre

*Initiated and ran a pre-degree programme with a high IGR

*Worked on a driving school project with Federal Road Safety Corps

Worked on a food court and water project

As Coordinator, Programmes, Academic Services, Universal Basic Education Commission(Sabbatical)

(2014-2025):

*Member of the six-member committee: Road Map for Universal Basic Education 2015-2020.

*Verification of study materials supplied by the Federal Government to Lagos State Junior Secondary Schools (Dec. 2014)

*Training of SUBEB desk officers in Kaduna (May 25-30 2015)

*Training of SUBEB monitors and desk officers Abuja (June 8-12 2015)

*Lime-Light on the Growing Profile of Basic Education (in progress)

As Head, Department of English and Literary Studies (2010-2014)

*Initiated the change of nomenclature from English and Literary Studies to Department of English in 2014.

*Organized three international conferences for the Department of English and published 3 Vols of Journals without support from the University.

As Director, General studies, University of Abuja (2005- 2009)

*Introduced the Peace and Conflict Resolution Studies and set up a team to produce the Programme teaching document which the Director Quality Assurance, NUC described as the best as at the time; which resulted in the Sultan Machido Centre for Peace Studies

*Edited the Journal of General Studies Vols. 1-3 (2006-2009)

*Initiated the General Studies Peace Program (2007), Association of the National Universities Commission (NUC) 2007

*Served as the coordinator (F.C.T) Federal/NUC Committee on Entrepreneurship Education Establishment in Nigerian Higher Institutions (2006)

*Developed Curriculum and Strategic Plan on Entrepreneurship for Nigerian Higher Education Institutions, organized by the Nigerian Labour Organization and Presidential Initiative on Entrepreneurship in Nigerian Higher Education Institutions. Abuja (November 8- 23. 2006)

*Founding member, Association of Entrepreneurship Educators of Nigeria

*Coordinated, North Central, National Association of Entrepreneurship Educators

*Served as the first Director, Division of General Studies (2005)

As Director, Centre for Entrepreneurship Development (2009):

*Set up the Entrepreneurship Programme and the Centre for Entrepreneurship Development and coordinated setups in North Central Universities; organized an exhibition supported by NUC and Road Safety.

*Started a journal, Abuja Journal of Entrepreneurship Development and was the Editor in chief

Deputy Director, Center for Gender Security and Advancement (2005)

*Actively participated in the setup of the Gender Security and Advancement Programme

Works in Progress

• Spotlight on UBEC’s Success Story
• The Missing Link (Collection of Short Stories)
• The Writings of Contemporary Nigerian Women Writers.