Zephrinus Chidubem Njoku

Prof. Zephrinus Chidubem Njoku
Born	May 1959 (age 64) Ahiazu-Mbaise
Nationality	Nigerian
Occupation	academic
Academic background
Alma mater	University of Ibadan, University of Nigeria, Nsukka
Thesis	Effects of Practical Work under Different Sex Groupings on Students’ Skills Acquisition and Interest in Chemistry Practical Activities. (1998)
Academic work
Discipline	Educator
Institutions	St. Jude’s Primary (now, Central School), Amuzi, Community Secondary School, Amuzi University of Ibadan, Ibadan University of Nigeria, Nsukka

Zephrinus Chidubem Njoku is a Professor of science education, an educator and former Head of the Department of Science Education, University of Nigeria, Nsukka (2014 to 2016). He was resource person for UNESCO's Education for Sustainable Future Programme. in 1999 and author/ co-author of more than one hundred publications (including five books in science education) and over 440 total citations.

Early life and education

Zephrinus Njoku was born on May 15, 1959. He hails from Umuodu-Amuzi, Ahiazu-Mbaise, in Imo State. In 1973, he obtained his First School Leaving Certificate (FSLC) from St. Jude's Primary (now, Central School), Amuzi. He then attended Community Secondary School, Amuzi and graduated with the West African School Certificate (WASC) in 1978. Prof. Njoku gained admission into the University of Ibadan to study Science Education, majoring in Chemistry/ Zoology. He obtained a Bachelor of Education (B.Ed.) (Chemistry/ Zoology) in 1982.

Career

From 1983 to 1988, he was employed as Senior Science Master, (Chemistry & Integrated Science), at Premier Secondary School, Ukehe. From 1989 up until 1992, he was Senior Science Master at Queen of the Rosary Secondary School, Nsukka, 1989–1992. In those days, his unique teaching skills placed him ahead of many in the secondary school teaching circle. In 1990, he obtained the Master of Education (M.Ed.) degree in Science Education from the University of Nigeria, Nsukka. He was employed as lecturer in the Department of Chemistry, Federal College of Education, Eha-Amufu. He was appointed Head of Department of Chemistry on assumption of duty at the Federal College of Education, Eha-Amufu. This was from 1992 to 1994, and again from 1996 to 1998. Prof. Njoku was promoted to Principal Lecturer, Department of Chemistry, Federal College of Education, Eha Amufu, Enugu State in 1996. In 1998, he bagged a Doctor of Philosophy degree (PhD) in Science Education (Chemistry) from the same University of Nigeria, Nsukka. His PhD thesis was entitled, “Effects of Practical Work under Different Sex Groupings on Students’ Skills Acquisition and Interest in Chemistry Practical Activities”. He left as Principal Lecturer at the Department of Chemistry, Federal College of Education, Eha Amufu, Enugu State in year 2000. That same year, he was employed in the University of Nigeria, Nsukka as Senior Research Fellow/Lecturer in the Institute of Education, University of Nigeria, Nsukka. In 2006, he was promoted to Professor of Science Education, Department of Science Education, University of Nigeria, Nsukka. Njoku was appointed Head, Department of Science Education, University of Nigeria, Nsukka, in 2014, and he served until 2016. Professor Njoku delivered the l82nd Inaugural Lecture of the University of Nigeria, Nsukka on June 22, 2023. The Lecture is entitled, abstractions and misconceptions: pedagogical approaches towards reducing students’ learning difficulties in school chemistry.

Specialization

Prof. Njoku is a Research Specialist in Science & Technology Education; Gender Studies; Gender Issues in Education and Training. He is also a specialist in Education Sector Strategic Planning and Operational Planning. Njoku is a Technology Education Consultant in Basic Education and Science, and, in Education, and Educational Interventions on HIV/AIDS Control Efforts. Njoku is also an expert in Project Planning and Execution; an expert in Project Monitoring and Evaluation; and a Behaviour Change communicator.