FUPRE 11th Inaugural Lecture: Prof. Chinelo Nwokolo Explains How Nigeria is Expanding English Language Lexicon
By Wilson Macaulay
At the 11th Inaugural Lecture of the Federal University of Petroleum Resources Effurun (FUPRE), Guest Lecturer Prof. Chinelo Anthonia Nwokolo stated that creativity and linguistic innovation of Nigerians have significantly expanded the English language lexicon. She highlighted terms such as “Area Boy,” “Agbero,” “Eba,” “419” etc as examples of Nigerian-originated words that have found their way into the Oxford English Dictionary.
Delivering her lecture titled “Disconnection, Distortion, and Disruption of English in the Nigerian Communication Setting” at the university’s new auditorium, Prof. Chinelo Nwokolo emphasized that the inclusion of these words reflects not only Nigeria’s dynamic linguistic identity but also the global adaptability of English as a living language.
She traced the origin of English as a blend of Anglo-Saxon and various European languages and urged the audience to celebrate linguistic diversity and promote cultural respect. According to her, “Words matter—they shape our identity, tell our stories, and connect us to others around the world.”
Prof Chinelo Anthonia Nwokolo stated that in a world constantly evolving, where trends shift and technology transforms how we live, there remains one timeless source of empowerment – books. She stressed the power of books, saying that books are more than ink on paper; they are vessels of memory, wisdom, and transformation. Prof Chinelo Anthonia Nwokolo to buttress her view quoted the renowned Senegalese writer Mariama Bâ in her novel titled So Long a Letter, saying: “Books knit together generations in the same continuing effort that leads to progress. They enable us to communicate with the past in order to better understand the present.” Moving on during the lecture, she explained that the quote on the power of books is not only profound but it is a timeless call to action. She pointed out that through books, we gain access to the thoughts of those who came before us. We learn from their struggles, draw strength from their resilience, and shape a clearer vision for our own future. Prof Chinelo Anthonia Nwokolo encouraged her audience and any one who will come across this lecture all over the global community through any medium to cultivate the habit of continuous reading, writing, and to share knowledge. Because in doing so, we do not only preserve our heritage—we are also building the foundation for a lasting progress. Prof. Chinelo Nwokolo during the lecture asserted that Nigeria’s growing influence on global English is just the beginning of a broader journey of linguistic and cultural integration. Despite the ongoing challenges of “disconnection, distortion, and disruption” in English usage within Nigeria, the country has achieved global recognition for its contributions to the language. However, she warned that without intervention, future generations of Nigerians particularly the Genzies may lose the ability to spell, punctuate, and construct sentences accurately. She proposed a series of recommendations, including aiding Nigerian English users—regardless of educational level—to understand and apply the various forms of English in both spoken and written formats. She also emphasized the importance of staying updated on new vocabulary trends, especially within the digital and social media contexts. Prof. Chinelo Nwokolo called on Nigerians at home and in the diaspora to educate the global community that these Nigerian-originated words do not define Nigerians as criminals, but rather showcases the country’s creativity and linguistic richness. The theoretical foundation of her lecture was rooted in Albert Bandura’s Social Learning Theory (1977), which emphasizes the influence of environmental factors and social context on learning. She also referenced the Hypodermic Needle Theory (HNT) to underline how media messages can shape public perception, particularly regarding language adaptation among youths. The Vice Chancellor, Prof. Ezekiel Oghenenyerhovwo Agbalalagba, who had earlier declared the event opened, in his remarks on the Inaugural lecture commended the Lecturer , Prof Chinelo Anthonia Nwokolo for clearly articulating the significance of Nigerian English and its growing influence in global discourse. He buttressed the postulations of the lecturer by affirming that the Warri Pigeon English is already a course of study now in the United Kingdom. Prof. Agbalalagba the FUPRE Vice Chancellor stated that Language apart from oil has placed Warri on the global map, he concluded.
PROFILE OF PROF CHINELO ANTHONIA NWOKOLO
Professor Chinelo Anthonia Nwokolo is a renowned scholar of English and Literary Studies, with over two decades of experience in academia, administration, and interdisciplinary research. She currently serves as Professor of English and Dean of Students Affairs, Federal University of Petroleum Resources, Effurun (FUPRE), Delta State, Nigeria. Born in Enugu, Nigeria, Prof. Chinelo Nwokolo hails from Abagana by Birth and Nimo by marriage both in Njikoka LGA of Anambra State. Her passion for education began early, culminating in the award of a Ph.D. in English from the University of Nigeria, Nsukka (2010), after earning her M.A. and B.A. degrees in English from Nnamdi Azikiwe University, Awka. She also holds an N.C.E. in English/French from Anambra State College of Education, Nsugbe. Prof. Chinelo Nwokolo’s academic journey has spanned multiple institutions. She began her teaching career at Madonna University, Okija, where she rose from Graduate Assistant to Senior Lecturer, serving as Acting Head of of General Studies, Dean of Students’ Affairs, Member of Senate and others. She later held significant positions at Tansian University where she served as Dean of Students’ Affairs, and Member of the University Senate and Management Board. Chinelo Nwokolo spent her sabbatical at Admiralty University, Nigeria. In recognition of her trailblazing and excellent track record in academia, as well as her selfless conscientiousness in the discharge of her duties, the university bestowed upon her several key responsibilities including: Dean of Students’ Affairs, Member, University Senate, Member, University Management Board, Student Disciplinary Committee, Ceremonial Committee and other committees which she chaired, such as: Admission Committee and others. Since joining FUPRE in 2010, Prof. Chinelo Nwokolo has distinguished herself through dynamic leadership and excellence in teaching. She has served as Head of the Department of General Studies, Director of the Directorate of General Studies, and Acting Director of the Centre for Safety Education. A versatile academic, she has contributed significantly to institutional development through numerous committee roles including Senate Representative on Research Team, Senate Committee on Sports, Senate Committees, chairing the University Anthem Committee, (due to her level of involvement and commitment one can say that Prof Chinelo Nwokolo is the face of FUPRE Anthem) She is also a member of the Technical Committee on the Establishment of FUPRE Staff School, the Editorial Committee and others. Her academic contributions are extensive, with over 50 peer-reviewed journal articles and several books to her credit. Prof. Chinelo Nwokolo is the editor of multiple international journals and has attended and presented scholarly papers at prestigious conferences in the UK, USA, and across Africa. She is widely respected for her work on language pedagogy, literary analysis, and educational development. Prof. Chinelo Nwokolo is a recognized external examiner and Assessor before Sfaff are recommended for Promotion . Her commitment to academic excellence is matched by her active involvement in professional bodies, including the English Language Teachers Association of Nigeria, International Association of Teachers of English as a Foreign Language (IATEFL, UK), several international development and policy groups. A dedicated scholar and mentor, Prof Chinelo Nwokolo is also a creative writer and has authored works such as A Chance for Joy, The Silver Lining, and Nigerian Peoples and Culture, Who Next. Her academic leadership and service have earned her multiple commendations. Prof. Chinelo Anthonia Nwokolo is married and blessed with four children; Roy, Osita, Barr. Frances, and Dr. Ebuka, One son and 3 daughters in law, with seven grandchildren. She enjoys reading, writing, and following global news.
