Dr. Godwin Jude Irokaba

MBBS (Sydney), FRACS (Paediatric Surgery)

Dr. Godwin Irokoba is a Lecturer in Special Education in the University of Calabar – Nigeria. He holds a PhD in Special/Inclusive Education from Masaryk University, Brno, Czech Republic. His Doctoral dissertation assesses methods of facilitating academic achievements in deaf and hard of hearing learners in inclusive education programmes using bilingual educational methodologies. He obtained his Master of Arts (MA) degree in Deaf Education from Gallaudet University, Washington DC. He also has a Bachelor of Education (B.Ed) degree in Special Education from University of Jos, Nigeria. Godwin’s work experience has been in teaching, teacher training, research, and consultancy. Godwin’s research interests are in teaching methodologies, inclusive education, and reforms in special education (with focus on Nigeria). Godwin has won numerous prizes and awards for excellence. He is a member of national and international professional associations in special education. The Washington Post (February 18, 2007) called him an agent of change, and the Woodrow Wilson Centre for Scholars, Washington DC, named him a face of the future. Godwin was also a face of Gallaudet University from 2006 – 2007. Dr. Irokaba is passionate about introducing global best practices into the Nigeria education system. His desire to have Nigerians obtain international education experiences led him to link University of Calabar to a multilateral international cooperation with six universities in five European countries under the Erasmus Mundus exchange programme. The project benefitted 15 Nigerians, 90% of whom were drawn from the University of Calabar community. Godwin has travelled widely. He has attended high profile international education and leadership events in the United States, Ghana, Norway, Cote d'Ivoire, Kenya, Czech Republic, Slovakia, and others. He was decorated with a “Team Gallaudet” pin by Dr. Robert R. Davila, a Professor and President of Gallaudet University, in February 2007. He earned distinction in the National Teachers’ Professional Qualifying Examination – Nigeria and is a registered member with the Teachers Registration Council of Nigeria. He has published articles in both local and International journals. Dr irokaba has attended many academic conferences where he presented papers. He is happily married. .