By Charles Igwe
In a significant academic milestone, the Catholic community and academia in Nigeria have reason to celebrate as Very Rev. Fr. Dr. Dominic Nonso Obielosi has been elevated to the rank of a Professor at the prestigious Nnamdi Azikiwe University, Awka. The announcement, which came on Friday, September 27th, marks the culmination of Fr. Obielosi’s distinguished academic and religious career, particularly in the Department of Religious Studies, Faculty of Arts and Humanities. As an expert in Hebrew, Greek, and New Testament Studies, his contributions to both theological scholarship and Catholic education have been immense.
Fr. Obielosi, a priest of the Archdiocese of Onitsha, Anambra State, brings a wealth of knowledge and experience to his new role. He has dedicated years to both pastoral duties and academic pursuits, successfully balancing his commitments as a cleric and a scholar. His journey into academia has been marked by numerous achievements, including his role as the Rector of the Holy Family Youth Village in Amansea, Awka, a position he continues to hold.
His academic pedigree is as impressive as it is diverse. Fr. Obielosi’s foundation in religious studies began with his first degrees in Philosophy and Theology, obtained from the esteemed Seat of Wisdom Seminary, Owerri, and Bigard Memorial Seminary, Enugu. His quest for knowledge took him beyond Nigerian borders, with a Master’s degree in Education from St. John’s University, New York, USA, where he specialized in School Leadership. This was followed by advanced theological training, including a Licentiate in Scriptures from the Pontifical Biblical Institute, Rome, a Diploma in Jewish Religious Studies from the Hebrew University of Jerusalem, and a PhD in Biblical Theology from the Pontifical Gregorian University, Rome.
In addition to his robust academic background, Fr. Obielosi has made substantial contributions to various academic and administrative roles at Nnamdi Azikiwe University. His current responsibilities include chairing the Departmental Lecture Series Committee and undergraduate admissions, as well as serving as Deputy Director II for the Directorate for Community and Rural Development. He has also been instrumental in ensuring academic integrity, having chaired the Faculty of Arts exam misconduct panel from June 2023 to March 2024.
Throughout his academic career, Fr. Obielosi has demonstrated a deep commitment to teaching and mentoring, particularly in the fields of Hebrew, Greek, and New Testament Studies. Since joining Nnamdi Azikiwe University as a Senior Lecturer, he has taught and supervised postgraduate students, coordinated postgraduate programs, and served as an editor for multiple academic journals, including the International Journal of Religion and Human Relations* and the African Journal of Multidisciplinary Research.
His scholarly contributions extend beyond the classroom. He has authored numerous books that reflect his expertise in biblical studies and religious education. His works include The New Testament Background (2020), Understanding The Kingdom Of Darkness And The Authority Of The Believer (2019), and Biblical Greek Grammar For Beginners (2014), among others. His publications are widely respected and have become essential resources for both students and fellow scholars in religious studies.
In his pastoral capacity, Fr. Obielosi has also served various communities in Nigeria and abroad. Notably, he was the Parish Priest of St. Stephen’s Catholic Church, Federal Housing Estate, Onitsha, and St. Mary’s Catholic Church, Nzam. He has also been involved in seminary education, lecturing at Pope John Paul II Major Seminary, Tansi Major Seminary, and Nwafor Orizu College of Education. His pastoral assignments have taken him as far as New York, USA, where he served at the Holy Spirit Church in Brooklyn and lectured at the Pastoral Institute of the Diocese of Brooklyn.
Beyond his academic and pastoral duties, Fr. Obielosi has taken on leadership roles in various ecclesiastical and community-based organizations. He has chaired the Holy Family Neighbourhood Security Organization, served on the Nnobi Welfare Organization Peace Committee, and contributed to numerous Archdiocesan projects, including serving on Cardinal Arinze’s Golden Jubilee Committee and chairing the Periti (Group of Experts) for the Onitsha Archdiocesan Second Synod.
Fr. Obielosi’s elevation to the rank of Professor epitomizes his tireless dedication to the advancement of religious education and his commitment to the Catholic Church. His dual role as a religious leader and academic scholar has earned him widespread respect both within the Archdiocese of Onitsha and the broader academic community. As he assumes his new responsibilities, Fr. Obielosi is poised to continue shaping the next generation of scholars and clergy through his exemplary scholarship and service.
