18/07/2025
God is faithful Sr Jerome is now a professor ππ½ππ½ππ½
UNN Promotes Sr. Mary Jerome Obiorah, IHM, to Professor of Biblical Studies
By Charles Igwe
Sr. Dr. Mary Jerome Obiorah, IHM, has been promoted to the rank of Professor of Biblical Studies by the University of Nigeria, Nsukka (UNN). The announcement, coming during the Jubilee/Holy Year of Hope, has been met with widespread celebration across religious and educational circles.
Sr. Mary Jerome is widely regarded as a woman of deep intellect, spirituality, and pastoral sensitivity. A member of the Sisters of the Immaculate Heart of Mary, Mother of Christ (IHM)βa religious congregation known for its commitment to education, charity, and evangelizationβshe has served faithfully across multiple spheres of influence.
Also, she is the first African woman to get a PhD in scripture from Biblicum Pontifical Gregorian University Rome
In academia, Sr. Obiorah has built a solid reputation as a Biblical scholar, mentor, and respected voice in theological circles. She teaches in the Department of Religion and Cultural Studies at UNN, where her contributions over the years have enriched biblical pedagogy and inspired a generation of scholars. She has also served as Editor-in-Chief of the Nsukka Journal of Religion and Cultural Studies, where she guided the publicationβs vision and ensured academic rigour.
Beyond the university environment, Sr. Mary Jerome holds a significant pastoral and administrative role within her religious congregation. She served as Second Councillor in the Central Administration of the IHM Sisters, helping to shape leadership decisions and outreach strategies within the order. She also lectures at Blessed Iwene Tansi Major Seminary, Onitsha, where she is held in high regard by seminarians and formators alike for her clarity of thought and compassionate teaching.
The promotion to full professor is seen by many as a fitting recognition of her lifelong dedication to both the academy and the Church. Her scholarship, deeply rooted in faith and critical engagement with scripture, reflects a model of theology that is both intellectually rigorous and pastorally grounded.
Congratulatory messages continue to pour in from colleagues, students, and Church leaders.