Professor Chukwuemeka Vincent Ike, fondly remembered as Eze Ikelionwu XI, was a towering figure in African literature, education, and public service. Born on April 28, 1931, in the royal family of Ndikelionwu, a village in Anambra State, Ike lived a life filled with intellect, leadership, and creativity.
From an early age, Chukwuemeka Ike showed signs of brilliance. He attended the prestigious Government College Umuahia, a breeding ground for many notable Nigerian minds. He later studied at University College Ibadan, where he majored in History, English, and Religious Studies. His thirst for knowledge took him overseas to Stanford University in California, USA, where he earned his Master’s Degree.
Upon returning to Nigeria, Ike dedicated his life to public service and education. He worked as a schoolmaster and served in various administrative roles, including Registrar at a university and Provincial Refugee Officer during the Nigeria-Biafra War (1966–1970). One of his most notable contributions came in 1970, when he was appointed Chairman of the Planning and Management Committee that helped rebuild the University of Nigeria, Nsukka after the war.
From 1971 to 1979, Ike became the Chief Executive of the West African Examinations Council (WAEC), headquartered in Accra, Ghana. Under his leadership, the organisation strengthened its regional impact and educational integrity across West Africa.
Literary Contributions
Chukwuemeka Ike was a prolific writer who used fiction to explore deep themes such as tradition, education, colonialism, corruption, and modernity. He published 11 novels, numerous short stories, and several important non-fiction works. His novels include:
- Toads for Supper (1965)
- The Naked Gods (1970)
- The Potter’s Wheel (1973)
- Sunset at Dawn (1976)
- Expo ’77 (1980)
- The Chicken Chasers (1980)
- The Bottled Leopard (1985)
- Our Children Are Coming (1990)
- The Search (1991)
- To My Husband from Iowa (1996)
- Conspiracy of Silence (2001)
In addition to his fiction, he also wrote valuable non-fiction works such as:
- University Development in Africa: The Nigerian Experience
- University of Nigeria 1960–1985: An Experiment in Higher Education (with E. Obiechina and J.A. Umeh)
- How to Become a Published Writer (1991)
Personal Life
In addition to his professional achievements and literary inputs, Ike was also a traditional ruler. After the death of his father, he was crowned Eze Ikelionwu XI, the king of his community in Ndikelionwu, where he served with honour until his death in 2020.
He was married to Professor Adebimpe Olurinsola Ike (née Abimbolu), and they had a son, Osita Nnanyelugo Adeolu Olusanya. Sadly, Osita passed away in 2016, leaving behind a son, Chukwuemeka Ike Jr., to carry on the family name.
Death
Eze Chukwuemeka Ike passed away on January 9, 2020, at the age of 88.
Related:
- 8 Must-Read Novels by Chukwuemeka Ike (With Themes That Still Matter Today)
- A Review of Chukwuemeka Ike’s EXPO ’77
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[…] Chukwuemeka Ike was a renowned Nigerian writer, traditional ruler, and educationist who, more importantly, left behind a literary legacy that captures the soul of postcolonial Africa. […]