Profile of Prof. tyohdzuah Akosu, BSU's DVC Academic

[michael atovigba]

Profile of
Prof. Tyohdzuah Paulinus AKOSU
Deputy Vice-Chancellor (Academic)
Benue State University, Makurdi


NAME - AKOSU, Tyohdzuah Paulinus DATE OF BIRTH 30th November, 1952
PLACE OF BIRTH Mbawuar, Vandeikya Local Government
NATIONALITY Nigerian STATE OF ORIGIN Benue

PERMANENT ADDRESS No. 021, BSU Quarters,Benue State University Campus, Makurdi

PRESENT ADDRESS Department of English Benue State University Makurdi
Email bsuma...@hotmail.com LANGUAGES SPOKEN Tiv, English, French
and Hausa KNOWLEDGE OF COMPUTER Competent and efficient. Speed: 30
W.P.M.

MARITAL STATUS Married (Spouse: Ashichivir Scholastica Akosu)
NUMBER OF CHILDREN Eight

SECONDARY EDUCATION
St. Andrew’s Secondary School, Adikpo WASC 1967 - 1971

POST-SECONDARY EDUCATION
St. Louis College (HSC), Jos Higher School Certificate 1971 - 1972

DEGREES
Ahmadu Bello University, Zaria B.A. (Hons) English 21 1974 - 1977
Ahmadu Bello University, Zaria M.A. Literature 1978 - 1983
Ahmadu Bello University, Zaria Ph.D. English1984 - 1989
Togo. Lomé, Village du Bénin Certificate de Stage - 1975

RELATED WORK EXPERIENCE & APPOINTMENTS
TEACHING
i) Tutor, Commonwealth College of Commerce, Jos 1973 - 1974
ii) Tutor (NYSC), Government Secondary School, Jalingo 1977 - 1978
iii) Graduate Assistant, Department of English, A.B.U., Zaria 1978 - 1980
iv) Assistant Lecturer, Department of English, A.B.U., Zaria 1980 - 1981
v) Lecturer II, Department of English, A.B.U., Zaria 1983 - 1985

vi) Lecturer I, Department of English, A.B.U., Zaria 1986 - 1989

vii) Senior Lecturer, Department of English, A.B.U., Zaria 1990 - 1992

viii) Associate Professor, Department of English Benue State
University, Makurdi 1992 - 2002

vix Professsor of English 2003 - date

ACTING
i) Igwezu in The Strong Breed by Wole Soyinka (H.S.C, Jos, 1973)
ii) Lakunle in The Lion and the Jewel by Wole Soyinka (A.B.U, Zaria, 1976)


APPOINTMENTS
i) Examination Officer, Dept. of English, A.B.U. Zaria, 1981-1982
ii) Head, Literature Section, Dept. of English, A.B.U. Zaria, 1987-1989
iii) Library and Book Officer, Dept. of English, A.B.U. Zaria, 1989-1990
iv) Head, Literature Section, Dept. of English, A.B.U. Zaria, 1991-1992
v) Assistant Dean, (PG) Faculty of Arts & Social Sciences, A.B.U. Zaria 90-92
vi) Moderator, (Literature) NCE, Institute of Education, A.B.U.,
Zaria, 1981-1987
ii) Chief Moderator, (English) National Certificate of Education,
Institute of Education, A.B.U., Zaria, 1988-1990
viii) Ag. Dean, Faculty of Arts, Benue State University, 1992 – 1994
ix) Dean, Faculty of Arts, Benue State University, Oct. 1994 – Oct. 2000
x) Ag. H.O.D., Dept. of English, Benue State University, Feb. 1993 - May, 1997
xi) H.O.D., Dept. of Languages and Linguistics, B.S.U., June, 1997 -
31st Oct. 2000
xii) Coordinator, General Studies (English), Benue State University, 1993
xiii) Chairman, Benue Valley Journal, Benue State University, 1994
xiv) Representative of the Vice-Chancellor, Benue State University,
Governing Council, Benue Institute of Management and Technology,
Gboko, 1996 – 1999

xv) Representative of the Vice-Chancellor, Benue State University,
Meeting of the Executive Secretary (N.U.C.), with Chairmen of NuNet
Committees, Sheraton Hotel, Abuja, 3 Sept., 1998

xvi) Representative of the Vice-Chancellor, Benue State University,
Meeting of Committee of Vice- Chancellors of State Universities,
Victoria Island, Lagos, Monday, 8th November, 1999
xvii Chairman, Sports and Recreation Facilities, Benue State
University, 2001 – 2008
xviii Coordinator, GST 104: English for Academic Purpose, B.S.U.
Remedial Proramme, 2002 - 2005
xix Vice-Chancellor’s Representative, Senior Staff Appointment and
Promotions Committee, Akperan Orshi College of Agriculture, Yandev,
Benue State, 1997
xx Coordinator, Remedial English, Benue State University, 2003 – 2005.
xxi H.O.D., Dept. of English, Benue State University, August, 2003 – 2006
xxii Deputy Vice-Chancellor (Academic) Bemue State University, 2008 - Date

MEMBERSHIP OF PROFESSIONAL BODIES/ORGANIZATIONS
Member, Association of Nigerian Authors
Member Fulbright Association of Nigeria
Member, Association of Tiv Authors

SERVICES TO GOVERNMENT AGENCIES
Student Volunteer, Operation Feed the Nation Training Programme,
A.B.U., Zaria, July, 1976
Part-time Instructor, Medical Records Department. Ahmadu Bello
University Teaching Hospital, Zaria. 1980 – 1982
Workshop Administrator, NIPRANET’S Training of Trainers Programme,
Pope John Paul II Pastoral Centre, Makurdi, June 14th - July 4th ,
1999.
Member, Squash Racket Association, Benue State Sports Council, 1993
Panel Member, NUC Accreditation:
Delta State University, Abraka, November,2002.
Ambrose Ali University, Ekpoma, November, 2002.
Abia State Universiy, Uturu, February, 2005.
Ebonyi State University, Abakaliki, April, 2005.
Anambra State University, Uli, April, 2005.
Assessment Panel Member, Nigerian Television Authority (Research
Unit), Kaduna, 1981
Discussant, Benue State Vision 2010 Seminar, Benue State Gov’t., Gov’t
House, Makurdi, 1997


MEMBERSHIP OF UNIVERSITY COMMITEES
Member, Faculty Board of Studies, Arts & Social Sciences, A.B.U.
Zaria, 1984-1986
Member, Faculty Admissions Committee, Arts & Social Sciences, " "
1984-1986
Member, Faculty Orientation Committee, Arts & Social Sciences, " "
1985-1986
Member, Faculty Management Committee, Arts & Social Sc., A.B.U Zaria 1990-92
Member, Committee on 30 Years of Research at A.B.U. Zaria, 1992
Chairman, Advisory Committee, Benue State University Computer Unit, 1997
Chairman, Benue State University Internet Connectivity Committee, 1998
Chairman, Citation Committee, Special Convocation/Endowment Fund, B.S.U., 1993
Chairman, Convocation Lecture Committee, B.S.U Convocation Ceremony, 1997
Chairman, Benue Valley Journal, Benue State University, 1994
Member, Convocation Committee, Benue State University, 1997
Member, Committee on Affiliation of Diploma Programmes of Institute of
Christian and Management Studies, Mkar, 1998
Member, Advisory Committee, Benue State University Computer Unit, 1997
Member, Committee on Affiliation of Diploma Programmes of St. Thomas
Aquinas Major Seminary, Makurdi, December, 1994
Member, Transport and Organisation Committee Special Convoc./Endowment
Fund, B.S.U., 1993
Hall Adviser, Benue State University, 2000 - 2003.
Member of Governing Council, Benue State University, Makurdi Feb.,
2002 –June 2005.
Member, B.S.U. 10th Anniversary Celebrations Implementation Committee, 2000
Chairman, Citation and Convocation Lecture Committee, B.S.U. 10th
Anniversary
Celebrations Committee 2000
Member, University Board of Research, Complex A, Benue State
University, 2001- date
Member, Faculty of Arts Post-Graduate Committee, B.S.U. Makurdi, 2000 - date
Member, University Council Sub-Committee on Hotel & Conference Centre.
September 2003.
Member, Student Welfare Committee, Benue State University, Makurdi, 2003 - date
Member, Committee on the Commissioning/Hand over of Lawn Tennis and
Basket Courts. Benue State University, Makurdi. 2003
Chairman, Citation and Convocation Lecture Committee, B.S.U 6th
Convocation, 2005
Member, B.S.U. Affiliation Committee, July, 2004 – date
Representative of the Vice-Chancellor from time to time at official
functions 1992-2005
Member, Senate Committee on ICT Centre, 26th January, 2006 – date
Member, Post-Graduate School Board Committee on Review of Tuition Fees
and Modalities of Admission, 2006 – date
Vice Chancellor’s Representative, Benue State University Post-Graduate
Board, 2006 – date
Chairman, Board of Governors, Benue State University Technical
College, 22nd May, 2006 – 2005
Member, Board of Governors, Centre for Continuing Education, BSU, 31st
August, 2006 - date
Member, Council Ad-hoc sub-Committee on Evaluation of Standards,
Reputation and Relevance, December, 2005.
Chairman, Senate Ad-hoc Committee on Enhancing Reading Culture in
Benue State University, 26th January, 2006.
Chairman, Board of the Benue State University Press, 2nd April, 2008.
Member, Meeting of out-of-court Settlement between Benue State
University and Socketworks, 15th January, 2008.
Member, Minor Works Committee, Benue State University, Makurdi, 5th
February, 2008.
September, 2008.
Chairman, Senate Business Committee, 17th March, 2009
Chairman Special Admission Committee, 17th March, 2009
Chairman, Post-UME Screening Committee, 17th March, 2009.
Chairman, Board of Governors (CCE), 17th March, 2009.
Chairman, Inaugural Lectures Committee, 17th March, 2009.
Chairman, Research Development & Training Committee, 17th March,
2009.Chairman, Accreditation Committee, 17th March, 2009
Chairman, Affiliation Committee, 17th March, 2009.
Member, Honorary Degrees Committee, 4th March, 2009.
Member, Staff Disciplinary Committee, 4th March, 2009.
Member, Endowment Trust Fund Committee, 4th March, 2009.
Member, University Library Committee, 4th March, 2009.

COMMUNITY SERVICE/PUBLIC ENLIGHTENMENT
“Beyond Graduation”, Text of a lecture delivered at the Graduation,
Speech and Prize Giving
Ceremony of Queen of the Rosary Secondary School, Gboko, 17th July,
1993
“Nurses, Unionism and Nation Building”, Keynote address delivered to
the National Conference of the National association of Nigerian Nurses
and Midwives (Benue Chapter). Makurdi, 20th October, 1999.
“Priesthood, the Priest and Society: The Need for an understanding”,
being the text of a lecture delivered on the occasion of 25years of
Priestly Ordination of Very Rev. Fr. Simon Ivever, St. John’s Parish,
Gboko. December, 1996.
“Building our Mansions and Roofing God’s Secretariat: The Difference”
delivered at St. Stephen’s Catholic Church Bazaar, Lessel, Benue
State, 1997.
“Achievers, Receptions and the Public” being a Keynote address
delivered at the Reception of Three Members of the National
Association of Nigeria Nurses and Midwives appointed into the Benue
State Executive Council, Makurdi, 23rd October, 1999.
“Chaos and Confusion: The relationship Between the Adolescent and his
Society” being the text of lecture delivered at the First Speech and
Prize Giving Ceremony of Jato Achaver Memorial Secondary School, Mase,
Benue State, July, 2000.
“Home and Away: The Relationship between Students, Teachers and
Parents” Being the text of a lecture delivered to the 26th Speech and
Prize-Giving Ceremony of N.K.S.T. Secondary School, Adikpo. Friday,
20th July, 2001
“Literature and Development”. School of Languages Literary Week.
College of Education, Oju. 24th July 1994.
“The True Meaning of Giving and Sharing”, Talk delivered at The Good
Shepherd Chaplaincy, Benue State University Bazaar,
December, 2001.
“Assault of Igbo Masquerades: Cultural Insensitivity and the Rule of
Law”. The Voice, November 30, 1994.
“Forty-Three Years Of Independence: What Legacy? What Children? What
Future?”. 43rd Nigeria Independence
Celebration, Benue State, Makurdi. IBB Square, 1st October, 2003.
“Issues in the Study of Tiv Language and Literature”. Paper delivered
at the Launching of the Book, Orvanger Gbilin Zoho Ormbatsav, by
Tsenzughul Kanan. NUJ House, Makurdi, 8th November, 2003.
“Reputation of the Benue State University”. Commissioned paper.
Council Ad-hoc sub-Committee on Evaluation of Standards, Reputation
and Relevance, December, 2005.
“Nursing Profession and Practice in Nigeria: The Public View”, Paper
delivered to the National Conference of the National association of
Nigerian Nurses and Midwives (Benue Chapter). Aminu Isa Kontagora
Indoor Theatre Complex, Makurdi. 11th – 13th April, 2006.
“Patience, Hard work, and Dedication: Front doors and Backdoors”,
Talk delivered at the Thanksgiving Service of Mr. Joseph Shaashie
(ICAN), Tombu, Buruku Local Governmnet, April, 9, 2006.
“Jerry Agada, Association of Nigerian Authors and the Writers’
Political Party”, Talk delivered at the Reception of Dr. Jerry Agada,
ANA Vice President. Association of Nigerian Authors, Benue State
Chapter, Aminu Isa Kontagora Indoor Theatre Complex, Makurdi. 21st
December, 2005.
Assistant Examiner, (Literature) West African School Certificate
Examination 1979-1985
Assistant Examiner, (Literature) Interim Joint Matriculation Board
Examination 1985-87
Moderator, (Literature) Joint Admission and Matriculation Examination 1992-1993
Chief Examiner, (Literature) Interim Joint Matriculation Board
Examination, 1989-1992
Sports Secretary, Benue State University Senior Staff Club 2002 - date
Vice National President, Mbaduku Development Association 2002 - date
Citation on late Maj. Gen. John Mark Inienger (RTD). Read at a
reception ceremony organized
for him by the Tiv Area Traditional Council.
Council Chambers, Gboko, 21st August, 1999
Citation on Late Mr. Aper Appolos Aku (First B.S.U. Convocation, 1997
Citation on Professor Jibril Aminu (4th Combined B.S.U. Convocation, 2002)
Citation on Professor Martin Joseph Dent (4th Combined B.S.U. Convocation, 2002)
Citation on Hajia Laila Dogonyaro (4th Combined B.S.U. Convocation, 2002)
TEACHING & RESEARCH EXPERIENCE AT UNIVERSITY
Courses Taught – Ahmadu Bello University, Zaria & B.S.U., Makurdi

Undergraduate Level:
1. English Language
2. Introduction to Literature
3. African Poetry
4. Twentieth Century European and American Novel
5. Special Author (Ngugi Wa Thiong’o, Alex La Guma, Elechi Amadi, &
Ezekiel Mphahlele)
6. Introduction to African Poetry
7. Prose Fiction I: West Africa
8. Prose Fiction II: East and Southern Africa
9. English Poetry 1600 – 1900
10. Modern Fiction
11. Oral Poetry
12. African Fiction
13. Selected Nigerian Writing
14. Projects

Post-Graduate Level:
1. East, Central and Southern African Literature
2. Research Methods
3. The Novel and Society
4. Studies in Poetry
5. Oral Literature

Research Interests:
1. Ethnic Language Literatures
2. South African and African American Autobiographies
3. South African Literature

Post-Graduate Supervision: Masters Dissertations (Defended)
1. Regina Yashim The Treatment of Religion in Ngugi’s Writing (1984)
2. Mohammed Dandibi The Fiction of Peter Abrahams(1989)
3. Pricilla Nguema Politics and the Cameroonian Novel (1992)
4. Uffot Bassey Stylistic Criticism of Wole Soyinka’s Prose Works (1992)
5. Keston Odiwo The Writer and Commitment: An Examination of Meja
Mwangi`s
Works (1993)
6. Abubakar Liman Violence in Ngugi’s Fiction (1993)
7. Shima Atimga Horse Songs of the Tiv: An Exploration of Oral Tiv
Panegyric Poetry (2001)
8. Tsenongo Moses Tales the Tiv Perform (2001)
9. Shirga Nave The Lament Motif in Obadia Kehemen Orkor’s Songs (2000)
10. Emmanuel Amase Elegiac Poetry in Tiv (2001)
11. Josephine Ameh Adaptation of oral forms in J.P. Clark’s Ozidi and
E.T. Sutherland’s The Marriage of Anansawa (2003)
12. Andrew Agera The Oral Poetry of Tiv Female Composers: A Study of
Choloko (2003)
13. Fidelis Usar Moral and Aesthetic Commitment in African Orature: A
Study of Anche Igbaadze’s Poetry (2003)
14. Sarah Shittu Music in Selected Plays of Soyinka
15. John Asema Folk Wisdom in Tiv Oral Traditions
16. Maria Ajima Ihi: Igede Women’s Oral Songs
17. Alexis Tsavmbu The Portrayal of Tiv Worldview in Fiction: A Study
of Genger Tange’s The Legitimate Candidate and Suemo Chia’s Adan-Wade
Kohol Ga.

Post-Graduate Supervision: Ph.D Theses (Awarded)
1. Tonia Umoren The Portrait of Womanhood in Elechi Amadi’s Works,
A.B.U. (1993)
2. Lucy Vajime Conscientization in Ayi Kwei Armah’s Two Thousand
Seasons, The Healers and Osiris Rising, B.S.U. (2002)
3. Yina Godwin Poetry as Discourse: A Semiotic Interpretation of
Tiv Oral Poetry, B.S.U. (2003)
4. Josephine E. Odey Reader-Response Enquiry into Gender Semiosis of Selected
Plays of Tess Akaeke Onwueme, B.S.U. (2005)
5. Terhemba Shija The Poetry of Tanure Ojaide, (2005)
6. Mathias Nder Theme and Technique in Ngugi wa Thiong’o’s Novels (2005)
7. Andrew Aba Post-Colonial Re-reading of Chinua Achebe’s Novels (2005)
8. Shimawua Atimga Madness in African Literature: A Reading of some
Authors (2005)
9. Leticia Nyitse Gender Relations in African and African-American
Female Fiction (2007)
10. Godwin Ogar White and Black Relationships in the Short Stories
of Gordimer (2007)
Post-Graduate Supervision: Ph.D Theses (Ongoing)
1. Isaac Yongo An Investigation into the use of Rhetorical Devices in Tiv Song
2. Amase Lanior The Functions of Oral Literature in Traditional Africa

EXTERNAL EXAMINATION
i) External Examiner (Liberal Studies) – Kaduna Polytechnic 1991
ii) External Examiner (Undergraduate) – University of Jos 1998 – 2000
iii) External Examiner (Undergraduate) – University of
Abuja 2003 (nominated)
iv) External Examiner (2 M.A. Literature Dissertations)
University of Abuja, 2-3 Oct. 2003.

i) External Examiner (Ph.D. Thesis) James Akroma, Themes and
Revolutionary Aesthetics in the Poetry of Tanure Ojaide University
of Abuja. 30th January, 2005.
ii) External Assessor, Dr. E.T. Jenkwe, University of Abuja. Assessed
for the position of Professor. March, 2006.
iii) External Assessor, Dr. (Mrs.) Sabina H. Gomwalk, University of
Jos. Assessed for the position of Associate Professor. July, 2006.
iv) External Assessor, Dr. Wole Ogundele, Obafemi Awolowo University,
Ile-Ife. Assessed for the position of Professor. August, 2007.
v) External Assessor, Dr. O.J. Abah, University of Maiduguri,
Maiduguri. Assessed for the position of Professor. March, 2008.
vi) External Assessor, Dr. Imo B. Eshiet, University of Calabar,
Calabar. Assessed for the position of Reader. October, 2008.

PUBLICATIONS

i) Thesis
1. Akosu, Tyohdzuah Love as a Response to Apartheid: A Study of the
Poetry of Dennis Brutus (M.A. Dissertation, 1983
2. Akosu, Tyohdzuah Literature, Culture and Politics: A Study of the Works
of Ezekiel Mphahlele. (Ph.D Thesis submitted to the Department of
English, Ahmadu Bello University, Zaria, 1989)

ii) Books
1. Akosu, Tyohdzuah The Writing of Ezekiel Mphahlele, South African Writer,
New York, Mellen University Press, 1995. 318pp.
2. Akosu, Tyohdzuah The Story of Adan Wade (trans:Adan Wade Kohol Ga)
Makurdi, Abagom Press, 2001. 215pp.

iii) Chapters in Books
1. Akosu, Tyohdzuah Self-Characterization in Prison Literature: Ken Saro-Wiwa’s
A Month and a Day: A Detention Diary. P.O. Dada (ed.)Makurdi Studies
in Arts. Ibadan, Sam Bookman Publishers, Vol. 1, 2001. pp. 217 – 233
2. Akosu, Tyohdzuah Professor David Iornongo Ker: Friend, Teacher and
Colleague. Charity Angya and Shittu Abimbola (eds.), As Huge as his
Heart. Makurdi, Aboki Publishers, 2001. pp. 33-41.
3. Akosu, Tyohdzuah Staff Welfare: Training and Development. Tony
Edoh, J. Samba and A. Adejoh (eds.), A Decade of Academic Excellence:
Benue State University at Ten (1992-2002). Makurdi, Return Press,
2002. pp.81-95.

iv) Contribution to Books
1. Akosu, Tyohdzuah Differences in Background, Setting, Subject Matter
and Poet’s
Attitude Between British and African Poetry. NCE/DLS Course Book
English Language, Cycle 3. Kaduna, National Teachers Institute, 1992.
pp.53-58.
2. Akosu, Tyohdzuah Two Poems by John Keats For Features of Content
and Style. NCE/DLS Course Book English Language, Cycle 3. Kaduna,
National Teachers Institute, 1992. pp.1-7.
3. Akosu, Tyohdzuah Rhyme, Rhythm, Metrics and Versification in Early
British Poetry and Free Verse in African Poetry. NCE/DLS Course Book
English Language, Cycle 3. Kaduna, National Teachers Institute, 1992.
pp.59-66.
4. Akosu, Tyohdzuah Two Poems by S.T. Coleridge For Features of
Content and Style. NCE/DLS Course Book English Language, Cycle 3.
Kaduna, National Teachers Institute, 1992. pp.8-15.
5. Akosu, Tyohdzuah Two Poems by William Wordsworth For Features of
Content and Style. NCE/DLS Course Book English Language, Cycle 3.
Kaduna, National Teachers Institute, 1992. pp.16-22.
6. Akosu, Tyohdzuah Content and form in British Ballads, Lyrics,
Sonnets and Traditional African Poetry. NCE/DLS Course Book English
Language, Cycle 3. Kaduna, National Teachers Institute, 1992.
pp.67-72.
7. Akosu, Tyohdzuah Two Poems by J.P. Clark For Features of Content
and Style. NCE/DLS Course Book English Language, Cycle 3. Kaduna,
National Teachers Institute, 1992. pp.23-29.
8. Akosu, Tyohdzuah Two Poems by Wole Soyinka for Features of Content
and Style. NCE/DLS Course Book English Language, Cycle 3. Kaduna,
National Teachers Institute, 1992. pp.30-37.
9. Akosu, Tyohdzuah Two Poems by Okot p’Bitek for Features of Content
and Style. NCE/DLS Course Book English Language, Cycle 3. Kaduna,
National Teachers Institute, 1992. pp.38-45.
10. Akosu, Tyohdzuah Two Poems by L.S. Senghor for Features of Content
and Style. NCE/DLS Course Book English Language, Cycle 3. Kaduna,
National Teachers Institute, 1992. pp.46-52.
11. Akosu, Tyohdzuah Introducduction to Hamlet – The Story. NCE/DLS
Course Book English Language, Cycle 3, Module 7. Kaduna, National
Teachers Institute, 1991. pp.10-16.
12. Akosu, Tyohdzuah The Language of Hamlet. NCE/DLS Course Book
English Language, Cycle 3, Module 7. Kaduna, National Teachers
Institute, 1991. pp.23-29.
13. Akosu, Tyohdzuah Consolidation. NCE/DLS Course Book English
Language, Cycle 3, Module 7. Kaduna, National Teachers Institute,
1991. pp.68-74.
Edited Works
14. Akosu, Tyohdzuah (ed.) Saiwa: Journal of Communication: A Journal
of Communication. No. 5, Department of English, Ahmadu Bello
University, Zaria, 1988. pp. 1 – 97.
15. Akosu, Tyohdzuah (ed.) The Dramatic Structure of Shakespeare’s
Tragedies. NCE/DLS Course Book English Language, Cycle 3, Module 7.
Kaduna, National Teachers Institute, 1991. pp.1-9.
16. Akosu, Tyohdzuah (ed.) Tragic Elements in Hamlet. NCE/DLS Course
Book English Language, Cycle 3, Module 7. Kaduna, National Teachers
Institute, 1991. pp.17-22.
17. Akosu, Tyohdzuah (ed.) The Dramatic Structure of Shakespeare’s
Comedies. NCE/DLS Course Book English Language, Cycle 3, Module 7.
Kaduna, National Teachers Institute, 1991. pp.30-35.
18. Akosu, Tyohdzuah (ed.) Introduction to The Merchant of Venice –
The Story. NCE/DLS Course Book English Language, Cycle 3, Module 7.
Kaduna, National Teachers Institute, 1991. pp.36-44.
19. Akosu, Tyohdzuah (ed.) The Comic Elements in The Merchant of
Venice. NCE/DLS Course Book English Language, Cycle 3, Module 7.
Kaduna, National Teachers Institute, 1991. pp.45-52.
20. Akosu, Tyohdzuah (ed.) The Tragic Elements in The Merchant of
Venice. NCE/DLS Course Book English Language, Cycle 3, Module 7.
Kaduna, National Teachers Institute, 1991. pp.53-58.
21. Akosu, Tyohdzuah (ed.) The Relevance of Shakespeare’s Studies to
Nigerian Culture and Literature. NCE/DLS Course Book English Language,
Cycle 3, Module 7. Kaduna, National Teachers Institute, 1991.
pp.59-67.

v) Journals
1. Akosu, Tyohdzuah Poetry and the Repressive State: The Example of
Dennis Brutus. O.S. Asein (ed.) Review of English and Literary
Studies, vol. 3, No. 1, 1987. Also in E.Odumuh, M. Mzamane and J.
Haynes (eds.), Images of the Voiceless, Zaria. Dept. of English,1984.
2. Akosu Tyohdzuah Creative Autobiography in South Africa: Mphahlele`s Down
Second Avenue. D. Ker and Y. Nasidi (eds.), The African Writer and
Commitment: Essays in Memory of Essays Kolawole Ogungbesan, 2001.
3. Akosu Tyohdzuah Patriotism in the Poetry of Dennis Brutus: The
Struggle for a Birthright. Yakubu Nasidi, Sanni Aliyu and Philemon
Gomwalk (eds.), Work in Progress, Journal of the Department of
English, No. 5, Zaria, Ahmadu Bello University Press, 1987.
4. Akosu Tyohdzuah Love and the Struggle against Alienation and
Insecurity in the Poetry of Dennis Brutus. Herzberger-Fofan (ed.),
Critical Perspectives on African Literature, West Germany, Union
Aktuell Publishers,1990.
5. Akosu, Tyohdzuah The Criticism of Ezekiel (Es`kia) Mphahlele`s
Writing: The Need for a Reappraisal. Aderemi Bamikunle (ed.),Work in
Progress, Journal of the Dept. of English, No. 7, Zaria, Ahmadu Bello
University Press, 1990.
6. Akosu, Tyohdzuah Blood Knot or Racial Parasitism: The Treatment of
Racial Relationships in Es`kia Mphahlele`s Short Stories. G.A. Gundu
(ed.), Liwuram: Journal of the Humanities, University of Maiduguri,
Vol. 6/7, 1991.
7. Akosu Tyohdzuah Songs of Hope: The Poetry of Olu Obafemi. Muyiwa P. Awodiya
(ed.), Olu Obafemi: Intepretive Essays, (Accepted)
8. Akosu Tyohdzuah Ethnic Language Literature: A New Tiv Novel. J.A.
Ohiare (Ed.),
Abuja Journal of Humanities, Vol. 3, No. 3, Abuja,University of Abuja, 1998
9. Akosu and Abah The Novel in Africa: Yesterday and Today. L.A. Ega &
Others (Eds.) The Benue Valley, Journal of Interdisciplinary Studies,
Vol. 1, No.1, Makurdi, Benue State University, 2002.
10. Akosu Tyohdzuah Perspectives of the Unsaid: A Demonstrative Essay.
New Frontiers Department of Theatre Arts, University of Abuja, 2004.
11. Akosu, Tyohdzuah Funeral Songs of the Tiv. Idris Amali & Others
(Eds.), A Rainbow Beyond Its Colours: Essays in Honour of Professor
Shamsudeen O.O. Amali. Ibadan, Kraft Books Limited, 2007.
12. Akosu Tyohdzuah The Ethnic Language Novel in Tiv. Saleh Abdu &
Mohammed Bhadmus (eds.), The Novel Tradition in Northern Nigeria,
Kano, Department of English and French, Bayero University Kano, 2007.
13. Akosu Tyohdzuah The Humaties, Democracy and the Rule of Law.
Julius B. Ashiko (ed.), Faculty of Arts Journal, Benue State
University, Vol. 5, 2008.

vi) Book Reviews
1. Akosu Tyohdzuah Toryima, Jenkwe. Ruminations: A Collection of
Poems. In Kuka:
A Journal of the English Literary Association, A.B.U. Zaria, 1990.
Also in Arts and Leisure: Sunday Voice, January, 11th 1987. p. 11.
2. Akosu Tyohdzuah James Ademola. A Man of Conscience. In Daily
Sketch, July 12, 1983; Sunday New Nigerian, July 17th, 1983. p.12.
3. Akosu Tyohdzuah Toryima, Jenkwe. Yanmoel Yashi: A Study of Tiv Oral
Poetry. Book Launch, Benue State University Auditorium, 1999.
4. Akosu Tyohdzuah Suemo Chia. Adan-Wade Kohol Ga. Book Launch, Makurdi, Tarka
Foundation, November 12, 1999.
5. Akosu Tyohdzuah The New Wigs: Pictorial Memory-Trace of the Pioneer
Class Faculty of Law Graduation Week, Makurdi, Benue State
University, Nov., 1998.
6. Akosu Tyohdzuah Toni Akuneme (Ed.), The Migrant: A Quarterly of the Nigera
Immigration Service. Maiden Edition. The Tribes Plaza, Victoria
Island, Lagos., 2000.
7. Akosu Tyohdzuah David I. Ker (ed.), Beyond Gold and Other Stories.
ANA-Benue Literary Week, Makurdi, Benue State University, 14th –
16th August, 2003. In BSU News: A Publication of Benue State
University, Makurdi, Vol. 1 (43), October, 2003. p.7.
8. Akosu Tyohdzuah Foreword in Isaac Lar. Great Expectations: A
Critical Approach for University Students. Lagos, 2004.
9. Akosu Tyohdzuah Shija’s Serenades of Zaki-Biam and other Stories
(2005); Whispers of Distant Drums(1990); Post-coloniality And the
Poetry of Tanure Ojaide(2006): A Review. Presented to The Launching of
Three Books: Post-coloniality And the Poetry of Tanure Ojaide,
Serenades of Zaki-Biam and other Stories And Whispers of Distant
Drums. Benue Hotels, Makurdi. Thursday, 17th May, 2007.
10. Akosu Tyohdzuah Forward in Ray Opega, When the Gods Belch. Makurdi, 2008.

vii) Editorial Membership
1. Editorial Consultant, New Frontiers in the Humanities, Department
of Theatre Arts, University of Abuja, 1999
2. External Assessor/Editorial Adviser, Katsina Annals of Nigerian
Languages and Cultural Studies: Journal of the Department of Nigerian
Languages and Cultures (KANLACUS), College of Education, Katsina-Ala,
1996 – Date
3. Adviser, (Fiction Manuscripts), Northern Nigerian Publishing
Company, Zaria 1982-83
4. Assessor, Abuja Journal of English and Literary Studies (AJELS),
Department of English and Literary Studies, University of Abuja,
Abuja.
5. Editorial Board Member, The Benue Valley: An Interdisplianary
Journal of Benue State University, 1994
6. Ag. Editor, The Benue Valley: An Interdisciplinary Journal of
Benue State University, 1994
7. Editorial Board Member, NAWACS, Benue State University, Makurdi, 2001
8. Editorial Board Member, Benue Journal of Language and Literary
Studies (BEJOLS), 2006

viii) Conference Papers
1. `Poetry and the Repressive State: The Example of Dennis Brutus`,
Popular Culture and the Media Conference, Department of English,
Ahmadu Bello University, Zaria, 1984.
2. `The African Predicament and African Literature Today`, National
Association of African American Studies Annual Conference, Virginia
State University, Virginia, U.S.A, 1994.
3. `Sources, Content and Form of Nigerian Literature`, International
Studies Senior Seminar School of Liberal Arts, University of
Wisconsin-Parkside, Kenosha, U.S.A., 1994.
4. ‘Ethnic Language Literature: A New Tiv Novel’, presented at Faculty
of Arts First Annual National Conference, Benue State University,
Markurdi, 24th-29th August, 1998.
5. ‘Researching Black South African and African-American Image of
Self: Motives, Problems and Prospects’, Presented to the African
Studies Program, University of Wisconsin, Madison, U.S.A., May, 1994.
6. ‘Dearth of Books and Piracy in Nigeria’, presented to the
Association of Nigerian Authors (Benue) Literary Week, NUJ House,
Makurdi, 6th - 10th October, 1997.
7. ‘The Tiv: Their Image and their Neighbours’, presented at the Tiv
Cultural Week, Benue State, Gboko, December, 1995.
8. ‘Re-searching African-American and Black South African
Autobiography: Preliminary Investigations’, presented to the Faculty
of Arts Seminars, Benue State University, Makurdi, November, 1994.
9. ‘Literary Criticism, Rote-learning and the Nigerian Student of
Literature Today: The Interim Joint Matriculation Board Examination
Example’, presented to the Workshop on The Teaching and Examination of
Lit. in English in the IJMB, Ahmadu Belllo University, Zaria, 11th -
13th 1993.
10. ‘Literature in Nation Building: A Mounting Challenge’, being a
lead paper presented at the First Annual National Conference
(Language, Literature and Education for National Development), College
of Education, Katsina-Ala, Benue State, 25th - 28th May, 1998.
11. ‘Eevmbuliamev Mbu Tiv: Mlu u mbu, Mzehemen man Itesen (Tiv
Literature: Nature, Development and Teaching)’, presented at a
conference (Teaching Tiv Language in the Junior Secondary Schools)
organized by the National Institute for Nigerian Languages, Aba
Outreach Programme. Gboko, 21st - 23rd February, 2000.
12. ‘Igbinda i Eevmbuliamev mbu Tiv mbu lu a iwasen hen Avese yo(An
Indigenous Tiv Literature and its Uses)’, presented at a conference
(Teaching Tiv Language in the Junior Secondary Schools) organized by
the National Institute for Nigerian Languages, Aba Outreach Programme.
Gboko, 21st - 23rd February, 2000.
8. ‘The Arts, Society and Democracy in Nigeria’. A lead paper
presented at the 2nd Annual National Conference of the School of Arts,
College of Advanced and Professional Studies, Makurdi. Main
Auditorium, 7th -9th May, 2001.
9. ‘Of Poetry and Poetry in Nigeria’. A paper read at the Flagging off
of 500 Nigerian Poets Project Launch. Benue State University, Makurdi.
12th August, 2004.
10. Tyohzuah Akosu & Terhemba Shija. ‘The Criticism of Tanure Ojaide’s
Poetry: The Efficacy of the Leftist Approach’. Paper presented at
Ojaide International Conference. Delta State University, Abraka, July
1 – 9, 2005.
11. ‘Nigerian Education and Development: Quagmires and Paradoxes’. A
lead paper presented at the 3rd National Conference, Federal College
of Education, Obudu, Cross River State. 3rd – 7th July, 2006.
12. Images of Womanhood in Tiv Literature: A Reading of The Story of
Adan-Wade’. Paper Presented to the Fourth Conference on Northern
Nigerian Literature, Department of English and French, Bayero
University, Kano, Nigeria. 15th – 17th November, 2006.
13. ‘Sustaining Creative Writing in Northern Nigeria’. Being a Lead
Paper presented at First Northern Nigerian Writers Summit (Minna
2008). Gidan Matasa, Off Okada Road, Minna, Niger State. 4th – 7th
May, 2008
14. ‘ICT, Research and Development: The Benue State University
Experience’. Being a paper presented to the 8th Annual Conference of
Fulbright Alumni Association of Nigeria. Julius Berger Hall,
University of Lagos, Akoka-Yaba, Lagos. 22nd – 25th September, 2008.
15. ‘Avershigh wase sha Gbenda u Mzehemen hen Ayange aa Kohol se Uma
ne (The Millennium Development Goals)’. Paper presented at the One Day
Sensitization Programme on theMillennium Development Goals [MDGs],
organized by The National Orientation Agency, Benue State, PTA Hall,
Government College, Katsina-Ala. Friday, 18th April, 2008.
16. ‘Where Do We Go From Here?: Cultural Imperatives and National
Development’. A Lead Paper presented at the National
Colloquium on 40 years of Paul Unongo’s Where Do We Go From Here? J.S.
Tarka Foundation, Makurdi, 22nd – 23rd October, 2009.

ATTENDANCE AT CONFERENCES/WORKSHOPS
1. Conference on Marx and Africa: A Hundred Years After, Zaria, 1983
2. Conference on Popular Culture and the Media, Zaria, 1984
3. Annual Conference of the Nigerian Folklore Society, Zaria, 1985
4. International Workshop on Culture and Democracy, Zaria, 1989
5. Communication Skills Project Workshop, Zaria, 1989
6. Nigeria Certificate in Education by Distance Learning Systems:
Writers Workshop,
National Teachers` Institute, Kaduna, 1991
7. Editing Workshop, National Teachers` Institute, Kaduna, 1991
8. African Studies Association Annual Conference, Boston,
Massachusetts, U.S.A, 1994
9. National Association of African American Studies Annual Conference,
Virginia State University, Virginia, U.S.A, 1994
10. Faculty of Arts First Annual National Conference, Benue State
University, Markurdi, 24th-29th August, 1998
11. Conference on Ayi Kwei Armah: The Man, His Ideas, His Works and
Impact. Ford Foundation and Department of English, University of
Ibadan, Ibadan. 4th – 7th November, 2001.
12. International and Stewardship (FCCS) Training Workshop on
Fundraising Capital Campaigns for Educational Institution, Ken Nnamani
Centre for Leadership and Development, Abuja, 6th – 7th October,
2008.
13. Discussant, Evolution and Development Potentials of Benue State by
Prof. Armstrong Adejo. Birthday Anniversary Lecture in Honour of His
Excellency, Rt. Hon. Gabriel Torwua Suswam, Governor, Benue State.
CHS Auditorium, 13th – 14th October, 2009.
14. 1st National Transparency Summit of Heads of Higher Institutions
of Learning in Nigeria, Area 10, Garki, Abuja, 1st and 2nd December,
2009.
15. Information Technology Transfer to Developing Nations Conference
in Abuja, The Mediterranean Hotel and Suites, 42 Hon. Justice Mamman
Nasir Cresent, Asokoro, Abuja, 7th January, 2009.
16. One-Day Sensitization Workshop on the Provisions of the
Procurement Act 2007. Aper Aku Auditorium, North Core, University of
Agriculture, Makurdi, 25th January, 2010.

Academic Award
Fulbright Senior African Research Award, September, 1993 - May, 1994
Department of African Languages and Literature
University of Wisconsin
866 Van Hise Hall
Madison, WI 53706

Honours
Title: Architect of Progress
Honouring Body: Union of Nigerians, Madison Area, (UNIMA),
Madison, Wisconsin, U.S.A., July 27th, 1995.

Hobbies
Football (Playing & Refereeing). Lawn Tennis. Squash. Table
Tennis. Darts.

Referees
Professor Akase Paul Sorkaa
Vice-Chancellor, Benue State University Makurdi

Justice Margaret Igbetar
President, Customary Court of Appeal, Makurdi.

Professor Armstrong M. Adejo
Dept. of History, Benue State University, Makurdi.