For years, his books sat on classroom shelves and under school benches across Nigeria, shaping the imaginations of millions of children. But the man behind them remained mostly invisible.
Until now.
This month, 62-year-old Chijioke Nwankwo, author of The Adventures of Uche & Nkem, Nigeria’s bestselling children’s book series, finally received national recognition with a Lifetime Literary Achievement Award from the Nigerian Academy of Letters.
The six-book series, first published in 2001, tells the story of two curious siblings who travel across Nigeria solving mysteries, meeting historical figures, and learning about local culture. The books have sold over 3 million copies, translated into five languages, and are part of the approved curriculum in 24 states.
Despite this success, Nwankwo lived for years on modest royalties, often funding school visits from his own pocket. “I just wanted children to read stories that reflected them their names, their places, their challenges,” he said during his acceptance speech in Abuja.
The literary community now agrees: his work laid the foundation for culturally relevant storytelling in Nigerian classrooms, inspiring a new generation of writers and readers.
“Before Chimamanda and after Chinua Achebe, we often forget the writers who shaped young minds,” said Prof. Grace Ezeani, head of the committee. “Nwankwo’s stories taught values, sparked curiosity, and built pride in Nigerian identity.”
Today, Chijioke Nwankwo’s name is finally where it belongs next to the very heroes he wrote about.
