Icons in History: Acholonu Catherine

Catherine Obianuju Acholonu (26 October 1951 – 18 March 2014) was a Nigerian writer, researcher and former lecturer on African  Cultural and Gender Studies. She served as the former Senior Special Adviser (SSA) to President Olusegun Obasanjo on Arts and Culture, and foundation member of the Association of Nigerian Authors (ANA).

She attended secondary schools in Orlu before gaining a master's degree and a Ph.D. from the University of Düsseldorf, Germany, and taught at Alvan Ikoku College of Education, Owerri, commencing 1978. Her work that embraces ancient and modern literature illuminates pathways of human history.
Catherine Acholonu is a writer, researcher and former lecturer on
African Cultural and Gender Studies. She is the author of over 15 books, most of which are used in secondary schools and universities in Nigeria, and in African Studies Departments in USA and Europe. Her works and projects have enjoyed the collaboration and the support of United States Information Service (USIS), the British Council, the Rockefeller Foundation and in 1989 she was invited to tour educational
institutions in USA, lecturing on her works under the United States International Visitor’s Program. In 1990 Catherine Acholonu was honored with the Fulbright Scholar in Residency award by the US government, during which she lectured at 4 colleges of the Westchester Consortium for international studies, NY, USA.

Acholonu died on 18 March 2014 at the age of 62 from a year-long renal failure .