A native of The Federal Republic of Nigeria in West Africa, received his National Certificate of Education in Agriculture Education from Alcan Ikoku College of Education in 1965. He received a Bachelor of Science degree in Agronomy from Alcorn State University in 1976, Master of Science degree in Soil/Plant Science from Alabama A & M University in 1978, and Doctorate of Philosophy in Horticulture from Louisiana State University in 1983.
Dr. Igbokwe’s professional career expands 34 years beginning at Alcorn State University as a Horticulturist for the Alcorn Experiment Station in 1983 and currently he is the Director. Dr. Igbokwe serves a program leader and on the graduate chair committee. He has chaired or co-chaired many undergraduate and graduate committees. He is the principal investigator for many grant funded proposals regarding teaching and recruitment. He has published numerous research articles, and presented at national and international conferences.
He currently collaborates with Alcorn State University Extension Service with limited resource farmers, faculty and staff, Natural Resource Conservation Service on soil protection, North Carolina A & T State University on sustainable production of mushrooms, University of Mississippi on medicinal crop studies, and Mississippi Natural Product Association on shiitake mushroom production, Mississippi State University Extension and Research departments. He and colleagues have received the first patent for Alcorn State University.
Dr. Igbokwe is known on the local, national and international circuit for his product development of Alcorn hot sauce which has been trademarked, meat and fishing seasonings, tomato paste and jelly, curry powder, roasted peanuts and pesticides for pest control. His products have gained consumer acceptance and can often be seen in gift baskets and appreciative gifts to legislators, alumni, visitors and friends of Alcorn State University.
In addition, he has received numerous awards, and special recognitions for his work in Agriculture and the community including Who’s Who among America’s Teachers, HEADWAE Outstanding Alcorn Faculty Honoree, Agriculture Teacher Award, Outstanding Research Scientist, World Vetiver Grass Research Award, Landscaping and Campus Beautification Award. Dr. Igbokwe continues to be a beacon light for teaching, research and outreach at Alcorn State University and aboard.
Dr. Igbokwe is married to Veronica Igbokwe, ’85 and are the parents of three children. They currently reside in Vicksburg, MS