Prof. Elizabeth Mary Isichei (nee Allo), born on March 22, 1939, in Tauranga, New Zealand, displayed a strong academic aptitude from a young age. As the daughter of Albert, an agricultural scientist, and Lorna Allo, she excelled in her studies, achieving top marks in New Zealand’s university entrance exams in 1955.

Journey to Oxford University and Meeting Uche Peter Isichei

Elizabeth Isichei’s academic journey led her to Oxford University in the United Kingdom, where she completed her D. Phil. In 1963, she got engaged to Peter Isichei, a chemical pathologist who also became a professor. They got married in 1964. They had five children before her husband passed away in 2023.

Her move to Nigeria alongside her husband in the mid-1960s served as the foundation for her future scholarly contributions, especially on, particularly Igbo History and culture.

Immersion in Igbo History and Culture

In 1964, Elizabeth Isichei became a faculty member at the University of Jos, Nigeria, where she focused her research on Igbo history. During this period, she authored seminal works such as The Ibo People and the Europeans (1973) and A History of the Igbo People (1976). Her studies shed light on the Igbo people’s interactions with Europeans, offering a new perspective on colonial history.

Beyond academic contributions, she embraced Igbo culture personally and determined that her children, despite being raised abroad, learned and spoke the Igbo Language. Her commitment to preserving the language and traditions of the Igbo people became one of her most cherished legacies.

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