Esther Mangzha
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Esther Ahudiyu Mangzha | |
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| Born | June 15, 1952 Askira/Uba, Borno State, Nigeria |
| Nationality | Nigerian |
| Alma mater | Women Teachers' College, Maiduguri; Ahmadu Bello University, Zaria; University of Jos; University of Maiduguri |
| Occupation(s) | Educationalist, administrator, women's development advocate |
| Years active | 1971–present |
| Spouse | Titus Alakirawa Gwagwa Mangzha |
| Children | 9 |
Esther Ahudiyu Mangzha is a Nigerian educational planner and administrator who served as Director‐General of the National Centre for Women Development (NCWD) and has held a range of senior positions in Borno State before transferring to the federal civil service. After retirement she founded the Integrated Women and Youth Empowerment Centre (IWAYEC) to support vulnerable women, youths and children, and currently partners with the Victims Support Fund to assist those affected by insurgency in the Northeast.[1]
Early life and education
[edit]Mangzha was born in Askira/Uba Local Government Area of Borno State, Nigeria.[2] She began her formal schooling at Native Authority Primary School, Uba (1960–1965). She trained as a teacher at Women Teachers' College in Maiduguri (1966–1970) before earning a Bachelor's and Master's degree in Education at Ahmadu Bello University, Zaria (1974–1978). She later completed postgraduate studies at the University of Jos (1983–1985) and holds a PhD in Educational Planning and Administration from the University of Maiduguri.[1]
Career
[edit] |
Mangzha's civil-service career spans more than three decades across local, state and federal levels:
- 1971–1974: Teacher (TC II), Borno State.[2]
- 1978–1980: Graduate Teacher, Borno State Ministry of Education.[2]
- 1980–1985: Pioneer Principal, Women Teachers' College, Nogoshe.[2]
- 1985–1988: Principal, Shehu Garbai School, Maiduguri.[2]
- 1989–1990: Chief Education Officer, Borno State Ministry of Education.[2]
- 1990–1991: Co-ordinator, Better Life Programme for Rural Women, Borno State.[2]
- 1991–1994: Deputy Director (Women's Development), Borno State Social Welfare.[2]
- 1994–1996: Deputy Director, Social Welfare, Borno State.[2]
- 1996–1997: Chairperson, Askira/Uba Local Government Council.[2]
- 1997–1999: Director, Family Support Programme, Borno State.[2]
- Late 1990s: Honourable Commissioner, Ministry of Women Affairs and Social Development, Borno State.[1]
- 2000–2003: Manager, Training and Development; then Manager, Administration and Personnel, National Centre for Women Development, Abuja.[1]
- 2003–Retirement: Acting Director-General and ultimately Director-General, National Centre for Women Development (NCWD).[3]
Throughout her career she also served on numerous committees and associations, including the National Council of Women Societies, MAMSER, National Directorate of Employment and as State Leader of the Women in Action Brigade.[2]
IWAYEC and advocacy
[edit]After retiring from the federal civil service, Mangzha founded the Integrated Women and Youth Empowerment Centre (IWAYEC), an NGO that provides vocational training, capacity building, peace education and gender-based violence support to women, youths, orphans and widows in rural communities. Under her leadership, IWAYEC has partnered with the Victims Support Fund to assist survivors of insurgency-related sexual and gender-based violence in Northeast Nigeria.[1]
Publications
[edit]Mangzha has authored nine books on family life, women's empowerment and nutrition, including:
- Better Family Life (1983)[2]
- Mother's Heritage (1985)[2]
- Kyakyawar Hanyar Rayuwa Iyali (1985)[2]
- Role of Women in National Development (1989)[2]
- A compilation of traditional/local nutritional snacks and drinks (most recent)[1]
Awards and honours
[edit]- Best Student, Women Teachers' College (1970)[2]
- Best Leader in Citizenship and Leadership Training (1987)[2]
- NCWS Award, Borno State Chapter (1996)[2]
- Marghi Student Union Award (1997)[2]
- Boys and Girls Guide of Nigeria Award (1998)[2]
- Boys Scout Merit Award; University of Maiduguri Merit Award; Trustee Member, Uba Chiefdom (since 1996)[2]
Personal life
[edit]Mangzha is married to Titus Alakirawa Gwagwa Mangzha; they have five sons and four daughters. Her interests include travelling, writing, adventure, counselling and handicrafts.[2]
References
[edit]- ^ a b c d e f "Dr. Mrs. Esther Mangzha". Centre for Strategic Studies, University of Nigeria Nsukka. Retrieved 2025-04-25.
- ^ a b c d e f g h i j k l m n o p q r s t u v w Mangzha, Ahudiyu Esther (14 March 2017). "Biography: Mangzha, Ahudiyu Esther". Blerf Biographical Archive. Retrieved 2025-04-25.
- ^ Aliyu, Abbas (2002-07-15). "National Centre for Women Development: Better Life Way Abuja". AllAfrica. Retrieved 2025-04-25.