Dr. Okechukwu  maurice Izunwa

Dr. Okechukwu  maurice Izunwa is a READER in HUMAN RIGHTS LAW Department, Faculty Of Law in Nnamdi Azikiwe University

Dr. Okechukwu  Maurice Izunwa

Staff Profile

Rev. Fr. Maurice Okechukwu Izunwa is a Senior Lecturer at the Faculty of Law, Nnamdi Azikiwe University (UNIZIK), Awka, specializing in Normative Jurisprudence, International Family Law, Human Rights Law and Medical Law. Ordained as a Catholic priest in 2001, he combines his vocation with a robust academic and legal career. He holds multiple advanced degrees in Religion, Theology and Education, including a Ph.D. in in Laws and another in Philosophy, reflecting his interdisciplinary expertise. Fr. Izunwa’s professional journey spans over 15 years in academia, beginning as an Assistant Lecturer at UNIZIK in 2009, rising to Senior Lecturer in 2020. He has also served in several administrative and advisory roles, including Examination Officer and Project Coordinator at UNIZIK, and as the Legal Adviser to the Vice Chancellor, UNIZIK (2024) and Director of Legal Services Catholic Diocese of Nnewi. He has been involved in the publication of numerous scholarly works, contributing to fields such as law, philosophy, and religious studies. An award-winning scholar, Fr. Izunwa has been recognized for his academic excellence, notably receiving the Cardinal Arinze Award and accolades for his excellence in philosophy and Theology. His commitment to both education and pastoral care underscores his dedication to societal betterment through faith, law, and education.

Personal Information

Email:
Phone:
Address:
Human Rights law, Faculty Of Law, Nnamdi Azikiwe University, Awka.
Faculty/Unit:
FACULTY OF LAW
Department/Sub-Unit:
HUMAN RIGHTS LAW

Academic Qualifications

Degrees / Basic Certificates
1Nnamdi Azikiwe University, Awka Anambra State. (Doctor of Philosophy, September, 2024)
February, 2017 to September, 2024
Doctor Of Philosophy In Laws Law
2Nnamdi Azikiwe University, Awka. (Master Degree, July, 2016)
September, 2014 to July, 2016
LLM Law
3Imo State University. (Master Degree, August, 2015)
September, 2014 to August, 2015
Educational Administration Education
4Nnamdi Azikiwe University, Awka. (Master Degree, August, 2013)
September, 2011 to August, 2013
Master Of Arts In Religion Religion
5Nnamdi Azikiwe University, Awka. (Doctor of Philosophy, February, 2011)
October, 2004 to July, 2010
Doctorate Degree In Philosophy (PhD) Philosophy
6Nigerian Law School. (Master Degree, August, 2008)
October, 2007 to August, 2008
Barrister At Law Law
7Nnamdi Azikiwe University Awka. (Bachelor Degree, July, 2007)
October, 2003 to July, 2007
LLB CIVIL LAW
8Imo State University. (Post-Graduate Degree, July, 2007)
September, 2005 to July, 2007
Post Graduate Diploma In Education Education
9Nnamdi Azikiwe University, Awka. (Master Degree, February, 2005)
October, 2003 to February, 2005
M.A (Philosophy) Philosophy
10Pontifical Urbaniana Rome. (Bachelor Degree, November, 2001)
October, 1997 to July, 2001
B.Th Theology
11Institute of Journalism Management and Continuing Education Enugu State University of Science and Technology. (OND, April, 1997)
October, 1995 to March, 1997
Advanced Diploma Journalism
12Bigard Memorial Seminary, Enugu, Enugu State Nigeria. (HND, February, 1997)
October, 1992 to July, 1996
HND Mass Communication
13Pontifical Urbaniana University Rome. (Bachelor Degree, January, 1997)
October, 1992 to July, 1996
B.Phil Philosophy
14Amakom Central School, Ukpor. (FSLC, July, 1984)
September, 1978 to July, 1984

Relevant/Working Experience

1Special Adviser (Legal) to the Vice-Chancellor, UNIZIK, Nnamdi Azikiwe University, Awka.
July, 2024 to Present
2Chairman of the Committee, Faculty of Law Committee on Educatial ICT training
July, 2023 to July, 2023
3Grants Proposal Committee, Faculty of Law, Nnamdi Azikiwe University, Awka
April, 2021 to Present
4Senior Lecturer, Nnamdi Azikiwe Uni, Awka
October, 2020 to Present
5Member Junior Staff Disciplinary Panel, Nnamdi Azikiwe University, Awka
November, 2019 to Present
6CEP Coordinator, Faculty of Law, Nnamdi Azikiwe University, Awka
November, 2016 to March, 2021
7Diploma Coordinator, Faculty of Law, Nnamdi Azikiwe University, Awka
October, 2014 to Present
8Member Accreditation Committee on Procurement and Fundraising, Nnamdi Azikiwe University, Awka
October, 2013 to Present
9Lecturer 1, Nnamdi Azikiwe University, Awka
October, 2013 to October, 2020
10Academic Adviser to the second year students, Faculty of Law, Nnamdi Azikiwe University, Awka
November, 2012 to Present
11Undergraduate Project Coordinator, Faculty of Law, Nnamdi Azikiwe University, Awka
November, 2012 to November, 2014
12Assistant Examination Officer, Faculty of Law, Nnamdi Azikiwe University, Awka
October, 2012 to Present
13Lecturer II, Nnamdi Azikiwe Uni, Awka
July, 2010 to October, 2013
14Member, Examination Misconduct Panel, UNIZIK, • Nnamdi Azikiwe University, Awka
October, 2009 to October, 2012
15Assistant Lecturer, Nnamdi Azikiwe Uni, Awka
July, 2009 to July, 2010

Creative Output

Books
1MO Izunwa, DR Izunwa (eds). (2016, July) Law and Ethics of Healthcare: Intervention for Improved Medicare in Nigeria Great M Prints and Ideas
2Obidimma E.O.C, Oragbunam I.K.E, Izunwa MO. (2015, June) Ideological Bases of the Presidential Constitutions Great M Prints and Ideas
3Izunwa MO. (2011, June) Readings in Spirit, Body and Nature: Christian Perspectives Nimo: Rex Charles & Patrick Ltd.
Book Chapters
1Izunwa MO, Arinze-Umobi C, Obi HO. (2022, May) Fundamental Principles of Marriages in Nigeria Eunique Press & Computers, pp 305 – 321
2MO IZUNWA. (2017, July) About the Honoree: Meeting of Law and Justice - A Brief Discursive Biography of Honorable Justice Okechukwu Joseph Okeke
3MO Izunwa. (2016, July) A Critique of the Notions of Law and Ethics as Regulatory Systems for Healthcare Great - M Prints & Ideas, Vol. 4, pp 3-30
4M.O. Izunwa. (2016, August) Sex-reassignment Surgeries and Transsexual Marriages: An Ethical Critique in the Light of Natural Law Great M Prints and Ideas
5M.O. Izunwa. (2015, June) Another look at Ilo-uwa and Ogbanje in Igbo cosmogony FAB Anieh Nig. Ltd, pp 330-356
6M.O. Izunwa. (2013, April) A Critique of Certain Aspects of the Grounds, Procedures and Reliefs Attaching to Customary Law Divorce in Southern Nigeria , pp 273-291
7M.O. Izunwa. (2013, June) An Appraisal of Divorce Provisions under Statutory Law in Nigeria , pp 627-643
8M.O. Izunwa. (2011, June) Priesthood and Public Service in Nigeria Goodmark Prints, pp 107-127
9M.O. Izunwa. (2011, August) Element of Jurisprudence in Archbishop Okeke's 'Person-Optimism' Theory in Legal Defence of Human Dignity , pp 81-112.
10M.O. Izunwa. (2011, June) Environmental Protection Laws: Critical Index for Sustainable Development in Nigeria Rex Charles & Patrick Ltd, pp 2-14
11M.O. Izunwa. (2009, March) Ideology, Religion and Formal Education in Nigeria: A Philosophical Appraisal Living Flames Resources, pp 280-291
12M.O. Izunwa. (2008, May) Disabling Uncritical Political Idioms: A Path from Ideological Packaging to Political Revolution in Nigeria FAB Educational Books, pp 779-804
13M.O. Izunwa. (2008, September) Understanding the Cardinal Problems of Nigerian Democracy FAB Educational Books, pp 30-45
14M.O. Izunwa. (2007, June) Identity Question in the Traumatic Days of Africa Trafford Publishing, pp 235-255
15M.O. Izunwa. (2007, September) Man's Death and Remains in the Kerygma of Resurrection Victoria BC: Trafford Publishing, pp 207-218
16M.O. Izunwa. (2007, June) Nze on Religion, Culture and Social Morality Victoria BC: Trafford Publishing, pp 458-464
17M.O. Izunwa. (2007, April) The Eloquence of a "Teacher-Witness": Fr. Val in the Classroom Context Nimo: Rex Charles and Patrick's Ltd, pp 58-71
18M.O. Izunwa. (2006, June) A Theological Proposal for Collaboration in the Pastoral Ministry of Healing Today Africana First publishers Ltd, pp 231-249.
19M.O. Izunwa. (2006, February) Utilitarianism, Democracy and Conflict Resolution in Igbo-African Sub-Region Lumos Nig. Ltd, pp 135-153
20M.O. Izunwa. (2002, July) The Collapse of the Moral Dyke: From Social Insecurity to the Scandal of the Bakassi Slaughter Snaap Press Ltd, pp 89-106
Journal Articles
1Izunwa MO, Arinze-Umobi C. (2024, May), "Reframing Reproduction: Theoretical Perspectives on Assisted Reproductive Technology", International Journal of Law and Clinical Legal Education (IJOLACLE), Vol. 5, pp 138-142
2Izunwa MO, Carol Arinze-Umobi. (2024, September), "A Critical Analysis of Legal Positivism and Legislative Nihilism's Role in the Development of Reproductive Technology", African Journal of Criminal Law and Jurisprudence, Vol. 9, pp 78-86
3M.O. Izunwa. (2024, September), "BEYOND THE EMBRYO: EXPLORING THE LIMITATIONS OF REGIONAL HUMAN RIGHTS INSTRUMENTS IN REGULATING ASSISTED REPRODUCTIVE TECHNOLOGIES", Nnamdi Azikiwe University Journal of Private and Property Law, Vol. 1, (Issue 2), pp 179-188
4Izunwa MO. (2023, April), "Voluntariety in Contract of Marriage and the Challenge of Duress", African Customary and Religious Law Review (ACARELAR), Vol. 4, pp 1-10
5M. O. Izunwa. (2018, July), "Sex-reassignment Surgeries and Transsexual Marriages: An Ethical Critique in the Light of Natural Law", PREORC Journal of Arts and Humanities, Vol. 3, (Issue 1), pp 45-80
6MO IZUNWA. (2017, January), "Natural Law Justification of Traditional Marriage", Bigard Theological Studies, Vol. 37, pp 69-99
7M. O. IZUNWA. (2016, January), "AN APPRAISAL OF DIVORCE PROVISIONS UNDER THE MATRIMIONIAL CAUSES ACT IN NIGERIA", Journal of Global Research in Education and Social Science, Vol. 7, (Issue 1), pp 1-8
8MO Izunwa. (2016, September), "An Appraisal of ideological inspirations of marriage redefinition in the 21st century legal regimes", Nnamdi Azikwe University Journal of International Law and Jurisprudence, Vol. 7, pp 144-151
9Maurice Okechukwu Izunwa. (2016, May), "Customary Right to Befitting Burial: A Jurisprudential Appraisal of Four Nigerian Cultures", OGIRISI: a New Journal of African Studies, Vol. 12, pp 122-145
10M. O. Izunwa. (2016, July), "A Critique of the Notions of Law and Ethics as Regulatory Systems for Healthcare", International Journal of Religion and Human Relations, Vol. 8, pp 208-228
11MO IZUNWA. (2016, July), "Utilitarianism, Democracy and Conflict Resolution in Igbo-African Sub-Region", INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF RELIGION & HUMAN RELATION, Vol. 8, pp 205-227
12IZUNWA M.O, Aniaka Oluchi, Arinze-Umobi N.C. (2016, August), "Examining the Consequence of Ebola Outbreak in Nigeria on Personal Rights and Commercial Transactions", Law and Ethies of Healthcare: Interventions for Improved Medicine in Nigeria, pp 233-246
13MO IZUNWA. (2015, November), "A Critique of Certain Aspects of the Grounds, Procedures and Reliefs Attaching to Customary Law Divorce in Southern Nigeria", Journal of Law and Conflict Resolution, Vol. 7, (Issue 5), pp 31-38
14MO Izunwa. (2015, November), "‘Jurisprudential Examination of the Polemics of Matrimonial Indissolubility in the Light of Lord Penzance’s Union for life Rule", Journal of Current Issues, Vol. 1, (Issue 1)
15Izunwa MO. (2015, November), "Divorce in Nigerian statutory and customary marriages: a comparative critique of grounds, procedures and reliefs attaching thereto", Peak Journal of Social Sciences and Humanities, Vol. 3, (Issue 6), pp 77-83
16MO IZUNWA. (2014, October), "Understanding the Nature and Branches of Philosophy", Journal of Current Issues in Nigerian Law, Vol. 2, (Issue 1), pp 216-234
17Maurice Okechukwu Izunwa. (2013, February), "Element of Jurisprudence in Archbishop Okeke’s ‘Person-Optimism’ Theory in Legal Defence of Human Dignity’", Journal of Law and Conflict Resolution, Vol. 5, (Issue 2), pp 16-23
18Nnabugwu, I. and MO IZUNWA. (2013, July), "An Examination of Section 15(2)(A) of Matrimonial Causes Act…Wilful and Persistent Refusal to Consummate a Marriage", Journal of Women and Minority Rights (JWMR), Vol. 3, (Issue 3), pp 126-141
19MO IZUNWA. (2013, February), "An Appraisal of Divorce Provisions under Statutory Law in Nigeria", Journal of Global Research in Education and Social Science, Vol. 7
20MO IZUNWA. (2013, October), "Certain Aspects of the Grounds, Procedures and Reliefs Attaching to Customary Law Divorce in Southern Nigeria", Journal of church and State Relations, Vol. 3
21MO IZUNWA. (2013, July), "A Critique of Certain Aspects of the Grounds, Procedures and Reliefs Attaching to Customary Law Divorce in Southern Nigeria", Journal of Current Issues in Nigerian Law
22MO Izunwa. (2012, September), "Right to Marry and the Revisionist’s Advocacy, A Fundamental Jurisprudential Re-reading", Nnamdi Azikwe University Journal of International Law and Jurisprudence, Vol. 3, pp 124-137
23Ifemeje Sylvia Chika, Izunwa Maurice. (2012, July), "A Critique of the Continued Retention of Absolute and Discretionary Bars in Nigeria Matrimonial Causes Act 1970", CONFLUENCE JOURNAL OF JURISPRUDENCE AND INTERNATIONAL LAW, Vol. 5, pp 145-151
24MO IZUNWA & SYLVIA IFEMEJE. (2012, October), "Right to Life and Abortion Debate in Nigeria: A Case for the Legislation of the Principle of Double-Effect", LAW ETHICS OF HEALTH CARE, (Issue 1)
25IZUNWA, M. O.. (2011, September), "Right to Life and Abortion Debate in Nigeria: A Case for the Legislation of the Principle of Double-Effect", Journal of International Law and Jurisprudence, Vol. 2, pp 123-140
26MO IZUNWA. (2011, August), "A Critical Appraisal of the Legal Framework for Banking Secrecy in Nigeria", UNIZIK Law Journal, Vol. 8, (Issue 1), pp 218-238
27MO IZUNWA. (2011, December), "Lawful and Ethical Use of the Media: A Veritable Tool for Good Governance in Nigeria", LASU Law Journal, Vol. 8, (Issue 283), pp 67-84
28MO IZUNWA. (2011, March), "Factors Responsible for Global Gender Based Violence: A Human Rights Perspective", Benue State University Journal of Private and Public Law, Vol. 1, (Issue 1), pp 95-113
29MO IZUNWA. (2011, July), "Demonstrating the Christian-Canonical Jurisprudence Grounding the Definition of Marriage in the English Case of Hyde v. Hyde’", Journal of Women & Minority Rights (JWMR), Vol. 2, (Issue 1), pp 292-327
30MO IZUNWA. (2011, January), "Rights to Life in Igbo Customary Law: A Jurisprudential Contribution to the Contemporary Debate on Legal Abortion and Capital Punishment in Nigeria", Confluence Journal of Jurisprudence and International Law, Vol. 4, (Issue 1), pp 79-94
31M.O. Izunwa. (2011, November), "Hermeneutics of Hypothesis and Jurisprudence of Social Contract in Rousseau: Composite Implications for Nigerian State and Laws", UNIZIK Law Journal, Vol. 8, (Issue 1), pp 57-84
32M.O. Izunwa. (2011, May), "A Review of the Concept of Recognition to the Sovereignty of the Vatican City", Journal of Public & Private Law, Vol. 4, pp 204-223
33MO IZUNWA. (2010, September), "Religion in a Scientific Society: Critical Considerations for Continued Relevance", Journal of Law and Diplomacy, Vol. 7, (Issue 2), pp 93-100
34MO IZUNWA. (2010, April), "Factors Responsible for Global Gender Based Violence: A Human Rights Perspective", Nigerian Journal of Food, Health and Drug Law, Vol. 3, (Issue 1), pp 49-64
35MO IZUNWA. (2010, March), "Basic Proposal for Judiciary’s Effectiveness in a Democracy, Nigeria as a Case Study", UNIZIK Law Journal, Vol. 7, (Issue 1), pp 327-341
36MO IZUNWA, CAROL ARINZE-UMEOBI. (2010, September), "A Jurisprudence of the Rule of Law: An Appraisal of its Application in Nigerian Democracy Today", Journal of International Law and Jurisprudence, Vol. 1, pp 253-265
37M.O. Izunwa. (2010, August), "Basic Proposal for Judiciary's Effectiveness in a Democracy, Nigeria as a Case Study", UNIZIK Law Journal, Vol. 7, (Issue 1), pp 327-341
38M.O. Izunwa. (2010, March), "Statutory Marriage and Contemporary Challenges: A Contextual Re-reading of Some Modern Options", Confluence Journal of Private and Property Law, Vol. 1, (Issue 2), pp 75-82
39M.O. Izunwa. (2009, March), "Democracy in Nigeria: The Judiciary as an Instrument of Social Change", Journal of Public and Private Law, Vol. 1, (Issue 2), pp 178-196
40ARINZE-UMEOBI, C., MO IZUNWA. (2008, August), "Controversy on The Supremacy of International Treaties over National Laws: Domestication of Ratified Convention on Elimination of all Forms of Discrimination against Women (CEDAW) Obligations by Nigeria in Dilemma", Journal of Public and Private Law, Vol. 1, (Issue 1)
41M.O. Izunwa. (2008, July), "Dialoguing with the Environment: Option from the Resurrection Faith", Bigard Theological Studies, Vol. 28, (Issue 1), pp 110-122
42M.O. Izunwa. (2005, August), "African Development: From History to Future Possibilities", Journal of Africa in a New World Order, pp 141-151
43MO IZUNWA. (2002, April), "Divorce in Statutory and Customary Marriages : A Comparative Critique of Grounds, Procedures, and Relief Attaching Thereto", Family Church and Society
Conference Papers
1MO IZUNWA. (2008, February), "Understanding the Cardinal Problems of Nigerian Democracy", , Vol. 3
Other Relevant Publications
1MO IZUNWA. "Impact of Science and Scientific Worldview on Man: A Critical Review", (Presentation, 2011 August)
2MO IZUNWA. "A Theological Proposal for Collaboration in the Pastoral Ministry of Healing Today", (Presentation, 2005 April)

Academic Leadership Qualities

Supervisions
1"An Appraisal of the Regulatory Framework for Surrogacy in Nigeria." (2024). Completed Masters project by Gloria Chinyere Ndieli (2020396008FA)
2"Constitutional Right of Freedom of Speech in Nigeria: A Myth or a Reality" (2024). Completed Masters project by Adaeze Andelia Eze(2020396002F)
Grants
1Awardee: "NALT Conference 2017" (June, 2017 to June, 2017). Completed sponsored grant by Dr. Cletus Ibeto
2Collaborator: "NALT Conference 2017" (June, 2017 to June, 2017). Completed sponsored grant by Mr. Innocent Chukwuma
Editorships
1Chief Editor, "Journal of Current Issues in Nigerian Law" (July, 2015)
2Editor, "Discourses in African Philosophy" (November, 2015)
3Chief Editor, "Journal of Current Issues in Nigerian Law" (July, 2014)
4Chief Editor, "Journal of Current Issues in Nigerian Law" (July, 2013)
5Editor, "Long Live Good Pastor" (November, 2013)
6Editor, "Family, Church and Society" (August, 2013)
7Editor, "Family in the Laws: A Reader" (April, 2013)
8Editor, "UNIZIK LAW JOURNAL" (March, 2011)
9Editor, "UNIZIK LAW JOURNAL" (November, 2011)
10Editor, "The Priest of Our Time" (July, 2011)
Reviewerships
1Reviewer, "Journal of Commercial & Property Law" (June, 2024)
Examinerships
1Examiner, "The legal and Institutional Frameworks for the Enforcement of Intellectual Property Rights in Nigeria" (October, 2022). Ongoing Internal-Internal Exam
Contributions to the University/Society
1Member, "UNIZIK 10th Governing Council Electoral Committee" (September, 2024 to September, 2024)
2Member, "Committee on Alleged Monumental Corruption and diversion of Members Funds by Dr. Nwangwu as Chairperson SSANU UNIZIK" (July, 2024 to September, 2024)
3Member, "Alumni Committee, Faculty of Law." (August, 2024)
4Member, "UNIZIK International Conference Committee, Faculty of Law," (May, 2024 to September, 2024)
5Special Adviser to the Vice-Chancellor on Legal Matters, "Nnamdi Azikiwe University, Awka." (August, 2024)
6Member, "Member, Certificate Courses in Paralegal Disciplines" (June, 2023)

Relevant Events Attended

Conferences
1"Maiden International Conference, Faculty of Law, Nnamdi Azikiwe University, Awka.", (Faculty of Law, Unizik.), 11th September, 2024 to 14th September, 2024; Hybrid (Google Scholar)
2"Seventeenth Annual Memorial Lecture", (Pope John Paul Seminary, Awka), 10th May, 2024 to 11th May, 2024; Pope John Paul Seminary, Okpuno Awka.
3"Nigerian Association of Law Teachers (NALT) 51st Annual Conference", (NALT), 1st July, 2018 to 6th July, 2018; Bwari, Abuja
4"Nigerian Association of Law Teachers (NALT) 50th Annual Conference", (NALT), 19th June, 2017 to 21st June, 2017; Awka, Anambra State
5"Nigerian Association of Law Teachers (NALT) 44th Annual Conference", (NALT), 19th July, 2011 to 21st July, 2011; Rivers state
6"Training Workshop for Law Teachers", (UNIZIK), 27th September, 2010 to 27th September, 2010; Awka
7"Nigerian Association of Law Teachers (NALT) 43rd Annual Conference", (NALT), 17th May, 2010 to 20th May, 2010; Kogi State
8"World Philosophy Day Conference, Nnamdi Azikiwe University, Awka.", (UNIZIK Department of Philosophy), 14th July, 2008 to 16th July, 2008; UNIZIK
9"World Philosophy Day Conference, Nnamdi Azikiwe University, Awka.", (UNIZIK Department of Philosophy), 10th July, 2006 to 12th July, 2006; UNIZIK
10"Conference of National Philosophical Association", (National Philosophical Association), 14th June, 2006 to 14th June, 2006; Ibadan
11"11th Annual Conference of the International Society for African Philosophy and Studies (ISAPS)", (ISAPS), 19th September, 2005 to 20th September, 2005; Enugu
12"19th Conference of the Catholic Theological Association of Nigeria (CATHAN)", (CATHAN), 14th April, 2004 to 16th April, 2004; Jos
Seminar
1"Annual Seminar of Catholic Primary School Teachers", (Catholic Primary school Teachers), 19th September, 2005 to 19th September, 2005; Onitsha